Rep. Donavan McKinney

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the District Library Freedom to Read Act, establishes new rules for Michigan district libraries regarding how they select and remove books and other materials. It requires libraries to create formal policies that outline standards for collection choices and a specific process for handling requests to remove items. Under the new rules, only residents of the library's service area can request reconsideration, and they must certify that they have read or viewed the entire material before filing. Additionally, the bill designates the library director as the final authority on collection decisions and sets limits on how frequently the same item can be reviewed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's laws on expunging criminal convictions by clarifying how multiple offenses are counted and adjusting the waiting periods before individuals can apply to have their records set aside. Under the new rules, crimes committed within a 24-hour window and stemming from the same incident will be treated as a single offense unless they involve assault, weapons, or carry a maximum penalty of ten years or more. The legislation also establishes specific waiting times based on the severity of the crime, ranging from three years for standard misdemeanors to seven years for serious felonies, and requires applicants to have no pending charges or new convictions during those waiting periods. Additionally, the bill mandates that expungement applications include detailed personal information, a certified record of the convictions, and a $50 processing fee paid to the state police.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create a new funding system that pays certified community behavioral health clinics in advance for their expected costs. The law applies to clinics, nonprofit groups, and private organizations that provide mental health services and meet specific federal and state certification standards. To ensure fair treatment, the bill requires the department to establish rules that prevent retaliation against these providers and creates a process for resolving payment disputes through an independent adjudicator. Implementation of this payment system must be completed by October 1, 2027, but the bill will only take effect if a companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands property tax relief for Michigan homeowners who are seniors and living in poverty by establishing a new exemption category. To qualify, residents must own and occupy their home as a principal residence while meeting specific federal poverty guidelines or alternative local income standards. The legislation requires applicants to submit annual documentation, such as tax returns or affidavits, and allows local boards to grant either full or partial tax reductions based on these criteria. Additionally, the bill permits certain individuals with fixed incomes from public assistance to maintain their exemption status for up to three years without needing to reapply annually.

Maddy summaryHB 6106 updates Michigan's insurance code to clarify reporting and inquiry procedures for captive insurance companies. The bill requires these companies to submit annual financial reports, actuarial opinions, and audited statements to the state director within specific timeframes, with strict penalties for non-compliance. It also establishes a tiered annual renewal fee structure based on premium volume and allows the director to request additional interim reports or respond to inquiries regarding the insurer's activities. Additionally, the legislation grants the director authority to exempt certain special-purpose captives from specific rules and clarifies that this chapter takes precedence over conflicting sections of the broader insurance code.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act to clarify the rules for individuals seeking financial relief after being wrongly convicted and imprisoned. It specifically defines what counts as "new evidence" for compensation claims, including DNA results and expert testimony, while noting that a witness recantation alone is insufficient without additional supporting proof. The legislation also establishes new procedural requirements, such as mandating that prosecutors notify victims of assaultive crimes when a compensation claim is filed and setting strict timelines for legal responses. Additionally, it adjusts the standard of proof needed to win a case, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate their innocence by clear and convincing evidence rather than just a preponderance of the evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's insurance code to update the requirements for Special Purpose Financial Corporations (SPFCs) seeking a limited certificate of authority to transact insurance or reinsurance. It mandates that these entities hold annual management meetings in the state, maintain a local principal place of business, and file specific documentation regarding their insurance securitization transactions with the department of insurance. Additionally, the legislation requires the attorney general to review organizational documents before they become effective and ensures that directors retain personal liability for breaches of loyalty or intentional misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's rules for how state agencies select architects, engineers, and land surveyors for projects costing $250,000 or more between 2025 and 2032. Under the new requirements, agencies must publish a notice inviting firms to apply, evaluate their qualifications and past performance, and rank the most qualified candidates before negotiating a contract. The process allows for discussions with top firms but mandates moving to the next ranked firm if a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached with the first choice. Agencies can skip these steps only in emergencies or for energy conservation projects, and they must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing project outcomes and innovations.

Maddy summaryHB 6291 amends the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act to update definitions within the law, specifically clarifying terms related to industrial hemp and cannabis regulatory agencies. The bill establishes that industrial hemp includes cannabis plants, parts, and seeds with a THC concentration of 0.3% or less on a dry-weight basis, while distinguishing these from regulated marijuana products that exceed this threshold. By revising sections 3 and 8 of the existing act, the legislation ensures that the legal framework accurately reflects current terminology and regulatory standards for the cannabis industry. This change directly affects businesses and individuals operating under the state's marijuana laws by providing clearer definitions for compliance and enforcement purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's minimum wage schedule and introduces an automatic annual adjustment mechanism tied to inflation. It sets specific wage increases starting in 2025, with the rate reaching $20.00 by 2030, while also requiring the state treasurer to calculate yearly raises based on the consumer price index beginning in 2030. However, the bill includes a provision that pauses these automatic increases if the state's unemployment rate reaches 8.5% or higher in the preceding year. These changes directly affect employers and employees subject to Michigan's minimum wage laws under the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act.