Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a select committee to investigate the Interlochen Center for the Arts and its connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The committee would be tasked with examining the relationship between the arts center and the individual, potentially leading to further inquiries or recommendations. The measure is currently under consideration by the Michigan House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls on the Department of Justice to investigate every individual named in the Epstein files, regardless of their political affiliation. The measure responds to the release of millions of documents and a previous statement by the Acting Attorney General that no further federal prosecutions would occur. It urges the government to distinguish between victims, active participants, and those merely mentioned to ensure accountability for all potential perpetrators. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally requests that the Justice Department take action on this specific matter.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's property tax laws to exclude certain university data centers from tax exemptions. It specifically targets public universities, defined as those receiving state school aid, by removing their tax-free status for facilities used solely to operate data centers. The legislation defines a data center as a building housing infrastructure for third-party commercial data processing. This change directly affects public universities in Michigan that currently rely on property tax exemptions for their data center operations.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill creates a new regulatory framework requiring large-scale data centers to register with the state and pay fees based on their energy consumption. It defines a large-scale data center as a facility with at least 5 megawatts of power or 25,000 square feet of space, while excluding schools, hospitals, and government buildings. Owners must post financial security to cover potential environmental or infrastructure costs and reimburse any research expenses related to public safety reviews. The legislation also establishes a specific fund to manage these revenues and grants the state department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy the authority to set rules and enforce compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in Michigan to honor the community's contributions to the state. It recognizes the nearly 400,000 Arab Americans living in Michigan, who have been part of the state since the late 1800s and have made significant impacts in areas like business, medicine, and industry. The resolution encourages residents to participate in events celebrating Arab American culture and achievements. This measure is a symbolic gesture that does not alter laws or require funding.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls for an investigation into a February 2026 missile strike on a primary school in Iran that reportedly killed over 100 children. It urges the House and Senate Armed Services committees to examine how the attack occurred, focusing on potential intelligence errors and decision-making processes that may have violated international laws of war. The bill also demands the resignation of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, arguing that he bears responsibility for the actions of the Department of War. By requesting these specific actions, the resolution seeks to address alleged war crimes and prevent future incidents involving civilian casualties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to prohibit merchants from charging consumers prices that are grossly in excess of what similar products or services cost elsewhere. It directly affects businesses and consumers by establishing clearer rules against predatory pricing practices. The key provision adds a new unfair practice definition that makes it unlawful to charge prices significantly higher than market rates for comparable goods or services. This change aims to protect consumers from price gouging while maintaining the existing framework of consumer protection laws.

Maddy summaryHB 4044 designates the wood duck (*Aix sponsa*) as Michigan's official state duck. This symbolic bill establishes a state symbol without changing laws, policies, or affecting any specific group or community. It simply adds the wood duck to Michigan's list of official state emblems, following standard procedural naming practices for state symbols.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add a new section to Michigan's civil procedure laws that allows the state attorney general and private individuals to sue firearm industry members for creating or maintaining a public nuisance through the sale, manufacture, or marketing of firearms and related products. The legislation requires these companies to establish reasonable controls over their products to prevent sales to prohibited persons, prevent theft, and stop the installation of devices like pistol converters, without needing to prove the company intended to cause harm. If a company violates these requirements, the attorney general can seek injunctions, damages, and other relief, while private victims of harm can also file lawsuits for compensatory and punitive damages. The bill defines firearm industry members broadly to include sellers, manufacturers, and distributors, and explicitly includes 3D printers and other manufacturing equipment in its scope.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's gun-free zone laws to include all buildings owned, operated, or leased by the state, with the exception of state-owned shooting ranges. The legislation directly affects individuals who possess firearms in state facilities such as government offices, administrative buildings, and other state property. Key provisions amend existing statutes to clarify that state buildings fall under gun-free zone restrictions while maintaining exemptions for licensed concealed carry permit holders, peace officers, and security personnel performing their duties. The bill also retains existing restrictions on firearms in polling places, election-related locations, and other designated areas like schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Violations of these provisions could result in civil infractions or criminal penalties depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.