Maddy summaryHB 4560 amends the Michigan penal code to update sentencing guidelines for specific crimes involving dangerous drugs, biological agents, and hazardous materials. The bill clarifies penalties based on the severity of outcomes, such as personal injury, serious impairment, or death, and explicitly allows for resentencing under existing laws for individuals currently serving life sentences without parole. By referencing specific sections of the penal code, the legislation ensures that current statutes align with potential future reviews of mandatory life sentences. Ultimately, the bill aims to refine how the state handles cases where hazardous substances cause harm, while preserving the possibility of reconsidering past convictions.
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Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new low-income water affordability program in Michigan designed to help households with limited income manage their water and sewer bills. The program defines eligible customers as those earning less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or receiving specific government assistance, such as SNAP or medical aid. It requires water providers to collect a mandatory fee from all customers to fund the program, which will be used to reduce or eliminate unpaid bills and adjust monthly charges so they do not exceed 3% of a household's income. Starting in 2026, the state will administer the program for larger providers, with the goal of expanding to all providers within 18 months of the program's launch.
Maddy summaryHB 4559 amends the Michigan Public Health Code to update sentencing guidelines for crimes involving the sale or manufacture of drugs with misleading labels that result in death or serious injury. The bill clarifies that individuals convicted of these offenses under specific intent to kill or cause harm face mandatory life sentences without parole, but it explicitly exempts those cases from mandatory sentencing if they are subject to resentencing proceedings. This legislative change ensures that existing resentencing mechanisms can still be applied to individuals whose cases fall under these new provisions. The bill also includes a provision stating that this section does not prevent individuals from being charged with or punished for other laws violated during the same incident.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Water Shutoff Protection Act to regulate how Michigan water utilities handle unpaid bills for residential customers. It mandates that providers must make at least three contact attempts using multiple methods, such as door notices, phone calls, or mail, before cutting off service for non-payment. The law specifically prohibits shutting off water for households with critical care needs, such as those using life-support systems, and defines eligibility for assistance based on income levels and participation in various state and federal aid programs. Additionally, the act requires utilities to inform customers about available payment plans and affordability programs before enforcing a shutoff.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Low-Income Water Residential Affordability Fund in Michigan to help pay for water assistance programs and reduce utility bills for low-income households. Water providers will collect a monthly fee of up to $2.00 per residential account, which is then sent to the state treasury to be distributed for bill discounts, arrears payments, and plumbing repairs. The law also protects these payments from being seized to collect other debts and requires providers to report their usage annually. Additionally, the funding amount can be adjusted every three years based on recommendations from a task force, but it cannot exceed $3.00 per month or increase total collections by more than 10% compared to the previous year.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update rules regarding air pollution operating permits and removes an emergency affirmative defense provision. It establishes specific timelines for facilities to submit permit applications and compliance plans, requiring the state department to review and act on these applications within 18 months. The legislation also clarifies that a permit is not needed if a complete application was submitted on time, even if the final decision is delayed, provided the delay is not caused by the facility owner. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for modifying permits and allows certain minor changes to a facility without needing a formal permit revision, as long as emissions limits are not exceeded.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to create standardized parole guidelines that help the parole board make objective, evidence-based release decisions. The new rules mandate that these guidelines consider specific factors such as the nature of the offense, institutional behavior, prior criminal history, and statistical risk assessments while prohibiting decisions based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, the legislation strictly limits the circumstances under which the parole board can deny parole to individuals who otherwise qualify for release, requiring written justification for any such departures. The bill also establishes a structured review schedule for prisoners denied parole and ensures that those denied based on incomplete programming receive a chance to complete it before being reconsidered.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines to reflect the decriminalization of certain acts related to tampering with utility shutoffs at residences. By amending specific sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it adjusts how courts determine penalties for these offenses under current law. The change ensures that sentencing recommendations align with recent legal shifts that removed criminal status from specific utility interference behaviors.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Crime Victim's Rights Act to ensure that victims of crime receive specific notices regarding their rights during the resentencing of prisoners. It requires prosecutors to inform victims about their ability to submit impact statements detailing physical, emotional, and economic harm, as well as their views on restitution and sentencing. The legislation also mandates that victims be notified about the availability of pre-sentence reports and the details of upcoming sentencing hearings. Additionally, these notification requirements apply to cases involving juveniles, ensuring consistent treatment of victims across different types of criminal proceedings.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan residents who invest in specific local businesses starting in 2025. To qualify, an investor must make a cash investment in a company that has its headquarters, employees, assets, and at least 80% of its revenue within the state. The Michigan Strategic Fund will review these investments and issue a certificate required to claim a credit equal to 50% of the investment amount, up to a maximum of $3,000 per year. If the credit is larger than the taxpayer's current tax bill, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to 10 years to reduce future taxes. The legislation also includes a provision to ensure the state receives enough funding to cover any revenue lost from this new tax incentive.