Maddy summaryHB 6095 amends state law to regulate how public utilities in Michigan can raise their rates and charges. The bill requires utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before increasing costs for customers and mandates that they provide notice and hold hearings for affected parties. It establishes specific timelines for the commission to review rate applications and grants utilities the ability to implement proposed rate increases temporarily if the commission does not act within 180 days, provided they refund any excess amounts later with interest. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for spacing out rate filings by large electric utilities and outlines procedures for seeking immediate partial rate relief for smaller gas utilities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's housing law to require landlords and building owners to provide relocation assistance to tenants living in hazardous or dangerous structures. The measure mandates that if an enforcing agency determines unsafe conditions exist due to a landlord's poor maintenance and orders the property vacated or demolished, the responsible party must pay the tenant three months of current rent. This financial aid must be issued within seven business days of the order and applies regardless of whether the tenant is up to date on rent payments. The provision ensures that this assistance is in addition to any other legal remedies available under existing housing laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's existing laws regarding post-conviction DNA testing to allow certain defendants to request new trials based on DNA evidence. It primarily affects individuals convicted of felonies before January 8, 2001, who are currently serving prison sentences, enabling them to petition for DNA testing of biological material collected during their original investigation. The legislation outlines specific conditions under which courts must grant testing, such as when the material has not been previously tested or when newer technology could yield more accurate results. If the testing excludes the defendant as the source of the biological material, the court must appoint counsel and hold a hearing to determine if a new trial is warranted. Additionally, the bill requires that victims be notified of these petitions and ensures that the costs of testing are covered by the state if the defendant cannot afford them.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan from including specific administrative and political expenses in the rates charged to customers. It explicitly bans the recovery of costs related to executive compensation, fines, lobbying, advertising, charitable donations, and trade association memberships. If the Public Service Commission determines that a utility has improperly collected these fees, it must order a refund to customers with interest and impose escalating fines based on the number of violations. Any fines levied under this new rule would be directed toward a fund designed to assist low-income individuals with energy costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 17, 2026, as Solar Energy Awareness Day throughout Michigan to highlight the state's progress in renewable energy. It serves as a commemorative resolution acknowledging Michigan's leadership in solar installations and honoring the workers and businesses driving this growth. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead formally recognizes the state's achievements in the clean energy sector.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan businesses selling car parts and accessories to separately report and pay sales tax on those specific items starting October 1, 2027. To prepare for this change, the state Department of Treasury must define which products count as car parts by March 31, 2027, and create a new form for businesses to use. Companies will need to set up systems to identify these items at the point of sale and submit distinct payments for them alongside their regular monthly tax returns. The bill amends existing state tax laws to establish these new reporting and payment procedures without changing how the tax revenue is currently distributed.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Michigan to honor victims and support survivors of firearm-related incidents. The measure serves as a symbolic declaration intended to encourage community engagement and awareness regarding the impacts of gun violence. It does not alter any laws or create new regulations but rather establishes an official observance period for public education and remembrance.
Maddy summaryHB 5387 amends Michigan's "Mozelle senior or vulnerable adult medical alert act" to specifically include "missing veterans at risk" in the definition of persons eligible for emergency alerts. The bill defines a "missing veteran at risk" as an active-duty service member or veteran reported missing with a documented physical or mental health condition. This change directly affects veterans who go missing and have health conditions, ensuring they are covered under the same alert protocols as seniors and vulnerable adults. The law does not create new procedures but clarifies who qualifies for existing emergency reporting mechanisms.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Michigan to provide suitable seats with back support to employees working at locations they own, lease, or control, provided it is reasonable for the employee to sit while performing their duties. The law mandates that if sitting is not reasonable during active work, the employer must still keep a seat nearby and cannot prevent its use unless the employee is actively working. Employers who fail to comply face civil fines of $250 for each affected employee for every two-week period the violation continues, with penalties collected by county prosecutors or the state attorney general. Additionally, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is authorized to create specific rules to implement these requirements, and the law applies to existing contracts that conflict with its provisions once those agreements expire or are renewed.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Michigan to display a poster outlining employee collective bargaining rights at every work site and provide a digital version to staff. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will create this poster using materials from the National Labor Relations Board and ensure it is available in English and any other language requested by the employer or a labor organization. Employers who fail to comply face civil fines of $5,000 for a first violation and $10,000 for subsequent violations, which are collected by county prosecutors or the attorney general and deposited into the state general fund.