Rep. Kimberly Edwards

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale and use of herbicides containing paraquat dichloride in Michigan, with sales banned starting December 1, 2027, and use banned by December 1, 2028. To help farmers transition away from these products, the legislation creates a state fund that will offer grants to cover the costs of switching to alternative herbicides and equipment. The bill also establishes a buy-back program to safely dispose of existing paraquat-containing products and sets a civil fine of up to $10,000 for violations of the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the American Freedmen reparations commission within the Michigan Department of Treasury to study and propose reparations for individuals with ancestors who were enslaved and denied rights due to the Dred Scott decision. The commission will consist of nine members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and grassroots organizations, tasked with gathering historical evidence of slavery and discrimination in the state. Its primary duties include analyzing the lasting effects of slavery, recommending data collection methods to track disparities, and submitting a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature within 18 months. The legislation defines reparations broadly to include monetary payments, programs to close the racial wealth gap, and the creation of educational institutions similar to land-grant colleges.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires state agencies and local governments to collect specific demographic data from individuals they already survey. Starting in 2027, these entities must break down responses for Black, African, and Caribbean populations into three categories: descendants of enslaved Americans, those without enslaved ancestors, and those with unknown or unreported status. The law defines these groups based on ancestry and direct immigration from Africa or the Caribbean, excluding anyone with a history of U.S. enslavement from the African and Caribbean labels. By mandating these subcategories, the legislation aims to provide more granular data on racial heritage within government records.

Maddy summaryHB 4026 exempts firearm safety devices from Michigan's sales and use tax through December 31, 2024, directly affecting gun owners purchasing these devices. The bill defines "firearm safety devices" as trigger locks, secure storage containers (like gun safes or lockboxes requiring keys/combinations), but excludes display cases. Retail sellers must provide written notices to buyers and post visible signage at points of sale explaining the tax exemption. This is a temporary measure with a sunset date, not a permanent policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4025 extends Michigan's sales tax exemption for firearm safety devices until December 31, 2024. It defines "firearm safety devices" as equipment (like gun safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks) designed to prevent unauthorized access or operation of firearms, but excludes display cabinets. Retail sellers must provide written notices to purchasers and post conspicuous signage at points of sale about the tax exemption. The bill also requires the state to annually compensate the school aid fund for any revenue lost due to this exemption.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day throughout Michigan. It aims to raise public awareness about the issue of elder abuse and encourage residents to recognize warning signs and report incidents. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the importance of protecting older adults.

Maddy summaryHB 5511 would allow courts to delay officially recording a conviction (entry of judgment) until sentencing occurs, under specific conditions. This applies when the prosecutor agrees after consulting the victim, and either the court finds good cause to delay or the defendant enters a specialty rehabilitation program. The bill does not apply to certain traffic offenses involving vehicle operation (even if felony/misdemeanor) or convictions already eligible for delayed sentencing under other laws. The delay mechanism aims to support rehabilitation efforts while ensuring victims are consulted, but the bill requires another related bill (HB 5510) to pass first.

Maddy summaryHB 5510 allows Michigan courts to delay final sentencing for up to one year (or longer for specific cases) for certain non-violent offenses, giving defendants time to participate in rehabilitation programs like drug court. It requires courts to collect supervision fees ($30-$60 per month, depending on electronic monitoring) during the delay period, with maximum limits of 12 months for most cases or 60 months for child support violations. The bill exempts juveniles in specific cases and permits courts to waive fees for indigent defendants. This modifies existing sentencing procedures to prioritize rehabilitation while adding structured financial obligations during the delay.

Maddy summaryHB 6068 updates Michigan's penal code to refine the legal definition of slot machines and clarify rules for amusement devices like crane games. The bill establishes specific criteria for what constitutes a slot machine, including devices that dispense value based on chance, while explicitly excluding older machines not used for gambling and crane games that award items worth $3.75 or less. It also creates new penalties for knowingly altering crane games to violate these definitions and mandates that non-compliant crane games be confiscated by law enforcement. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that these gaming restrictions do not apply to state-licensed lotteries, bingo operations, or activities regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act.

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.