Rep. Kimberly Edwards

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases disposal fees for nonhazardous solid waste and coal ash in Michigan landfills, with higher rates for general waste and lower rates for specific industrial byproducts. Landfill owners and operators must collect these new surcharges from waste generators and pay them quarterly to the state, while captive facilities face fixed annual fees based on their waste volume. The collected funds are distributed among several state accounts, including a new host communities grant fund that provides direct financial support to the cities and townships where these landfills are located. Additionally, the bill establishes a mechanism to adjust these fees every five years based on inflation to maintain their real value over time.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's public health code to strengthen the regulation of onsite wastewater treatment systems, such as septic tanks, for properties not connected to public sewer lines. It establishes new definitions for various waste systems and grants local health departments expanded authority to inspect, evaluate, and enforce compliance with these regulations. The legislation also clarifies that connecting to an available public sewer system is a priority for public health and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally honors Lillie Lester, the first woman and first Black woman to serve as a legislative sergeant-at-arms in the United States. It recognizes her significant contributions to the Michigan House of Representatives and her role in the civil rights movement, highlighting her career from a factory worker to a trusted advisor to lawmakers. The resolution acknowledges her legacy by noting her impact on the state legislature and her community, and it directs that copies of the document be sent to her family. This measure serves as an official record of appreciation rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to adjust annual reimbursements given to child care providers under Michigan's child development and care program to account for inflation. The adjustments will be calculated using the Detroit Consumer Price Index, ensuring that payments keep pace with rising costs in the local area. This change directly affects the financial support received by licensed child care providers operating within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Michigan to provide wage information to employees who request it, specifically data on pay for similarly situated workers within the same job classification or with comparable duties. Under the new rules, employers must respond to such requests within 30 days and may share details like salary, bonuses, and overtime pay while redacting specific employee names but including their sex and seniority. The legislation also prohibits employers from forcing employees to sign nondisclosure agreements about their wages or from punishing workers who share their compensation information. These changes aim to increase transparency in the workplace by ensuring employees have access to comparative pay data and protecting them from retaliation when discussing their earnings.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows tenants in single-unit, metered rental homes to request that their water and sewer bills be sent to them in addition to the landlord. It prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who make this request by taking actions such as shutting off water, refusing lease renewals, or raising rent. The law applies to all new or renewed leases and ensures that tenants have direct access to their utility billing information without fear of punishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's laws regarding utility theft by creating a specific exemption from criminal charges for people who restore water service to their own homes after a shut-off due to non-payment. Under the new provisions, individuals caught bypassing a meter or regulator to regain water access for their occupied residence will face a state civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor or felony, provided they do not damage the metering equipment. Penalties for these civil infractions range from community service to fines, with stricter consequences for repeat offenses. The change aims to decriminalize a situation often driven by financial hardship while still allowing utility companies to pursue civil damages for the cost of the service used.

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.