Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryHB 5365, the "SFR Tax and Economics Act," imposes a surtax on large investors (entities owning 50+ single-family homes) for acquiring, selling, or holding properties. It requires certified entities (like community land trusts or MSHDA-approved groups) to implement 15-year affordability covenants limiting rent/sale prices to 30-80% of local median income. The bill affects large real estate investors and entities receiving state benefits related to single-family homes, mandating reporting and compliance. Proceeds from surtaxes fund affordable housing initiatives, while exemptions apply to qualifying "mission buyers" like public housing agencies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 227) urges the U.S. House of Representatives to investigate allegations that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized military actions in the Caribbean Sea that killed at least one unarmed civilian fisherman, with no public evidence the individual was a combatant. If evidence supports these allegations, it calls for the House to introduce and adopt articles of impeachment against Hegseth for potential violations of federal law, international humanitarian law, and the Constitution. The resolution references the War Powers Resolution, the War Crimes Act, and the Geneva Conventions to frame the alleged misconduct. It does not create new law but formally requests the House take specific action. (Procedural resolution; summary limited to 2 sentences as instructed.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes December 13, 2025, as "National Wreaths Across America Day" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors Michigan's participation in the non-profit Wreaths Across America's annual event, where volunteers place wreaths on veterans' graves. The resolution acknowledges that Michigan will host 96 locations across the state, with approximately 60,000 wreaths laid to honor fallen veterans, active-duty military, and their families. It serves as a ceremonial declaration of the state's support for this existing national observance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Department of Education to reject a proposed definition of "professional degree" that would exclude many health care education programs from federal student loan eligibility. It specifically targets programs like physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, and physician assistant studies - classified under CIP Code 51 - which would lose access to loans under the current proposal. The bill requests the Department instead adopt a definition based on required practice credentials, not program length or historical classification, to maintain consistent eligibility. This change aims to prevent worsening health care workforce shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 224) urges the Trump-Vance administration to reverse its denial of federal disaster relief funding for northern Michigan residents affected by a March 2025 ice storm. It specifically requests the full amount of funding requested under the Stafford Act for individual assistance, public utilities, and hazard mitigation after the storm caused widespread infrastructure damage and hardship. The resolution is non-binding and serves only to formally express congressional support for affected communities, directing copies to the President, FEMA, and Michigan's congressional delegation. It does not alter funding decisions or create new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 4108 amends Michigan's tort law to grant legal immunity to individuals who provide emergency bleeding control during medical crises. It directly protects ordinary citizens (not just professionals) who act in good faith to stop severe bleeding, such as at accident scenes or public events. The key provision shields these helpers from lawsuits for unintentional harm caused while applying bleeding control techniques, like using tourniquets or pressure dressings. This change applies specifically to bleeding control efforts during emergencies, not general emergency assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 5285 prohibits minors under 18 from using or possessing BB guns (defined as pneumatic guns firing BBs/pellets via spring, gas, or air) outside their home property without an adult over 18 present. It directly affects unaccompanied minors who might use such devices in public or non-residential areas. The bill creates penalties for violations, including up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine, and clarifies that "pneumatic gun" includes common BB/pellet guns. The legislation is pending review by the Government Operations Committee after its introduction on November 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5250, titled the "Weight Loss Products and Minors Act," prohibits retailers from selling dietary supplements marketed for weight loss or muscle building and over-the-counter diet pills to anyone under 18. It requires physical store sales to verify age using valid ID (like a driver's license), and online sales to confirm age through approved databases before shipping, with delivery requiring ID proof at time of receipt. The bill directly affects retailers selling these products and minors under 18, creating new requirements for age verification in both physical and virtual transactions. It does not change product safety standards but adds civil penalties for violations, including fines up to $1,000 per violation. The bill is pending in Michigan's Health Policy Committee as of its introduction on November 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5258 establishes a new "Iraq and Afghanistan veteran recognition certificate" for Michigan veterans who served honorably in those conflicts. To qualify, veterans must have been Michigan residents (or former residents) during their service, served during active combat periods in Iraq or Afghanistan, and received an honorable discharge. The certificate can be awarded only once per person, and family members may receive it if the veteran has passed away. This bill updates Michigan’s military recognition program to specifically honor veterans of recent conflicts, building on existing provisions for Vietnam War veterans.