Rep. Greg Markkanen

Maddy summaryHB 5618 allocates $2.34 billion in state and federal funds for Michigan's public universities and higher education programs during fiscal year 2026-2027. It directs $1.48 billion from the state general fund and $850 million from other state restricted revenues to support operations at 13 public universities (including MSU, U-M, and Wayne State), with specific allocations for tuition waivers, retirement payments, and research programs. The bill also funds key initiatives like Michigan Achievement Scholarships ($300 million), the Martin Luther King Jr. program ($2.69 million), and student support services ($1.96 million). This funding directly affects public universities, students receiving financial aid, and state retirement systems through mandated budgetary allocations.

Maddy summaryHB 5617 allocates $363,570,600 for operations at all 26 Michigan community colleges for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It specifies exact funding amounts for each college (e.g., $21,337,300 for Grand Rapids Community College) and includes small supplemental amounts for North American Indian tuition waivers. The bill does not include performance-based funding, with all operational funds coming from the state school aid fund. This is a routine appropriations bill that directly affects community colleges by setting their state funding levels for the upcoming fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 5611 is a funding bill that authorizes $X million in state appropriations for the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential for the 2026-2027 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2027). It directly affects the department by providing the budget needed to operate its programs and services during that period. The bill’s key mechanism is establishing the specific funding levels and rules for how those state funds may be spent. As an appropriations bill, it does not change laws or policies but ensures the department has financial resources for its existing functions.

Maddy summaryHB 5210 allows commercial fishing license holders to list multiple vessels on a single license instead of requiring separate licenses for each boat. Licensees can add or remove vessels anytime by providing written notice to the department. The bill also clarifies rules for transferring licenses when boats are sold, damaged, or lost, including fee adjustments for larger vessels or non-resident transfers. All vessels listed under one license must operate within 50 miles of the originally designated port.

Maddy summaryHB 5219 would allow direct farm-to-consumer sales of raw milk and raw milk products in Michigan by amending the Food Law. It defines "direct farm-to-consumer product" to explicitly include raw milk meeting requirements under the 2001 Manufacturing Milk Law, enabling farmers to sell these products directly to consumers on their property. The bill adds new sections (4102a and 4102b) to establish this sales pathway while maintaining existing pasteurization requirements for other sales. This change directly affects farmers producing raw milk and consumers purchasing it directly from farms, without altering commercial milk sales rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5217 would allow direct farm-to-consumer sales of raw (unpasteurized) milk and milk products by dairy producers who comply with specific safety standards under Michigan's Food Law (2000). It amends existing milk regulations to explicitly permit this sale method, provided producers meet requirements in Section 4102a of the Food Law and adhere to the definition of "direct farm-to-consumer producer" from the Food Law. This change affects small dairy farms selling directly to consumers, not restaurants or grocery stores, and maintains existing pasteurization requirements for all other milk sales. The bill requires compliance with state safety protocols but does not alter pasteurization rules for commercial distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 5535 would allow plumbing inspectors to provide plumbing services without violating state law. Currently, plumbing inspectors (registered under Article 10) are prohibited from engaging in the plumbing business, such as installing pipes or selling materials, due to potential conflicts with their inspection duties. The bill amends Section 1123 of Michigan's Skilled Trades Regulation Act to remove this prohibition, permitting inspectors to work for or own plumbing businesses. This change directly affects local plumbing inspectors who wish to operate in both roles simultaneously.

Maddy summaryHB 5534 requires Michigan state departments and agencies to submit annual reports to the legislature within 90 days of each legislative session's start. These reports must include specific recommendations for reducing the rules and requirements (regulatory burden) imposed by each department or agency. The bill directly affects all state executive branch departments and agencies by mandating this transparency and accountability measure. It creates a formal process for the legislature to review and potentially act on agency regulations, without specifying any required changes to the regulations themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 5556 allows industrial construction permit applicants in Michigan to purchase wetland credits from approved mitigation banks instead of always restoring or creating wetlands on-site to offset project impacts. The bill introduces temporary credits for short-term delays during on-site mitigation and establishes a stewardship fund for alternatives like conservation easements or payments. It updates rules to encourage wetland bank development by expanding service areas within watersheds, reducing required mitigation ratios when using bank credits, and allowing credit transfers between projects. This directly affects developers and construction companies requiring permits for projects impacting wetlands.

Maddy summaryHB 4279 would create a new apprenticeship program for Michigan National Guard members, allowing them to earn industry-recognized certifications while serving. The bill establishes a formal structure for training in high-demand fields like engineering and information technology, directly affecting Guard members seeking to build civilian career skills. Key provisions include requiring the Michigan National Guard to develop partnerships with employers and educational institutions to design the apprenticeships. The legislation is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted.