Rep. Donavan McKinney

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new section to Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to provide specific legal remedies for individuals who face housing discrimination based on their source of income. It allows people who believe they have been discriminated against to file a civil lawsuit in circuit court to seek injunctive relief or financial damages. The potential damages are capped at either the actual injury and loss suffered or three times the monthly rent, whichever is lower, and also cover court costs and attorney fees. This legislation only takes effect if it is passed together with two related Senate bills, SB 0205 and SB 0206.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan Sentencing Commission within the state legislative council to provide oversight and recommendations on criminal sentencing policies. The commission will consist of 15 members representing diverse perspectives, including legislators, judges, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims' advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals, and mental health professionals. Members are appointed by legislative leaders and the governor, with specific terms ranging from two to four years, and the chairperson must have a professional background in criminal law. The legislation also establishes rules for filling vacancies and requires certain members to declare their political affiliation or lack thereof.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan law updates regulations for strict discipline academies, which are publicly funded charter schools, by requiring more transparency in their contracts and public presence. It mandates that these schools include specific details about their educational goals, financial audits, and contract terms in their agreements with authorizing bodies like school districts. Additionally, the bill requires that the names of the authorizing entity and any management organization appear on the school's signage, promotional materials, website footers, and enrollment applications. The legislation also clarifies that if a school district rejects an application to run such an academy, interested parties can petition for a public vote by school electors to decide on the contract. Finally, the law ensures that employees of these academies covered by school district contracts are included in the same collective bargaining agreements as other district staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework in Michigan to handle the division of "heirs property," which is real estate owned by multiple relatives who inherited it without a formal agreement. It establishes specific rules for courts to follow when these properties are contested, requiring judges to first determine if the land qualifies as heirs property before deciding how to split it. Under the new provisions, courts must order professional appraisals to set a fair market value unless all owners agree on a price or the cost of an appraisal is deemed too high. The legislation also mandates that plaintiffs post a sign on the property during legal proceedings to notify potential heirs and requires that any appointed evaluators be impartial and not involved in the case.

Maddy summaryThis law changes how ballot questions for constitutional amendments, citizen laws, and referendums are numbered and tracked in Michigan. It requires the Secretary of State to assign a unique number to each question at least 60 days before an election, using a specific format that includes the election year and the order in which petitions were filed. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of State post updates on petition status online every month and notify petitioners immediately when their petitions are approved or rejected. Additionally, it clarifies when different types of ballot questions are considered "filed" for the purpose of determining their sequence on the ballot. These rules affect election officials, the Secretary of State, and citizens who submit petitions to place issues on the ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan election laws to require petitioners proposing constitutional amendments or ballot initiatives to include a clear, impartial summary of their proposal's purpose. The new rules limit this summary to 100 words and mandate that it use plain language understandable to the general public without creating bias. Additionally, the bill establishes a review process where the Board of State Canvassers must approve or reject the petition form and summary within 30 days, and it clarifies the specific legal standards for determining whether a proposed amendment alters or abrogates existing constitutional provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4900 updates Michigan laws regarding how courts collect money owed through legal judgments by clarifying definitions and adjusting collection procedures. The bill specifically affects creditors seeking to garnish wages or seize property, as well as individuals whose earnings are subject to such collection efforts. Key changes include refining the definition of "garnishable earnings" to account for specific insurance deductions and establishing a new $1 fee that plaintiffs must pay to the third party holding the debt when serving a garnishment order. Additionally, the legislation clarifies when garnishment proceedings can begin against government entities and individuals who owe money for labor performed.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow the state to use statistical random sampling to verify the signatures on petitions submitted by groups seeking to form a new political party. Instead of requiring every single signature to be manually checked, election officials would randomly select a portion of the signatures to validate, which could speed up the process for new parties. The measure directly affects citizens attempting to establish new political organizations and the election authorities responsible for processing their paperwork. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Michigan state employees in law enforcement roles to voluntarily switch from their current retirement plan to the Michigan State Police retirement system. Between August 4, 2025, and October 17, 2025, eligible workers can submit a written, irrevocable election to make this change, with the transfer taking effect on January 3, 2026. The process requires the signature of the employee's spouse unless waived for special circumstances, and it applies specifically to corrections officers, conservation officers, and state police members who meet specific criteria. Employees who do not submit an election during the designated window will remain in their existing retirement plans.