Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryHB 6174 updates the definitions within Michigan's law regulating the use of dogs and cats for laboratory research. The bill clarifies who qualifies as an "animal protection shelter," a "dealer," and a "research facility" to ensure consistent application of existing rules. It also specifies which organizations are eligible to receive animals from research facilities before they are euthanized. This legislative change is currently tied to another bill, meaning it will only become effective if both are passed together.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals who worked for specific U.S. immigration agencies between September 1, 2025, and January 20, 2029, from becoming or remaining state correctional officers in Michigan. It requires all correctional officers to be certified or recertified by the Michigan Commission of Corrections, but explicitly excludes those with recent employment at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services from this requirement. The law applies to anyone seeking certification or recertification after six months from the act's effective date, ensuring that only eligible candidates meet the state's training standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Animal Welfare Fund Act by clarifying the definitions of several key terms used within the law. It explicitly states that "animal control shelter" and "animal protection shelter" refer to facilities licensed under a 1969 statute, while also defining the responsible state department, the fund itself, and who qualifies as a veterinarian. Additionally, it specifies that "state animal anticruelty laws" include specific chapters of the Michigan penal code regarding animal care. The bill is tied to another piece of legislation and will only take effect if that companion bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws to regulate pet shops, animal shelters, and dog breeding facilities by requiring them to undergo state inspections and obtain licenses. It establishes clear definitions for different types of facilities, such as small-scale and large-scale breeding kennels, and mandates that all adopted dogs, cats, and ferrets be altered, or spayed/neutered, unless specific exceptions apply. The legislation also creates a requirement for veterinarians to issue health certificates for animals sold by pet shops or breeders, ensuring they are free from visible communicable diseases. By amending existing statutes and adding new sections, the bill aims to standardize procedures and minimum requirements across the state to improve animal welfare and public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Limited Liability Company Act to explicitly prohibit domestic LLCs from spending money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot issues, while allowing them to continue existing financial obligations and news-related commentary. It also restricts foreign LLCs from engaging in similar political spending within the state, with the added consequence that any such unauthorized spending would be considered invalid and subject to disgorgement. Furthermore, the legislation grants the state administrator the authority to revoke the business license of a foreign LLC that violates these spending restrictions and allows the state to dissolve a domestic LLC that engages in prohibited political expenditures.

Maddy summaryHB 6218 amends the Michigan Business Corporation Act to explicitly prohibit corporations from spending money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, committees, or ballot questions. This new restriction, added as Section 261a, applies to both domestic and foreign corporations operating in the state and declares any such spending invalid. While corporations retain the ability to make donations for charitable, educational, or public welfare purposes, they cannot use funds for direct political advocacy. The bill also outlines penalties for violations, including potential dissolution for domestic corporations or revocation of business authority for foreign ones, and grants the attorney general the power to seek legal remedies to enforce these limits.

Maddy summaryHB 6217 amends the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act to clarify and expand the legal powers of nonprofit organizations regarding financial transactions and investments. The bill explicitly allows nonprofits to engage in a broader range of activities, such as lending money, investing funds, and making donations for public welfare, educational, or charitable purposes, provided these actions further the corporation's specific purposes. By adding a new section and updating existing ones, the legislation removes previous restrictions that limited how nonprofits could manage their assets and participate in financial agreements. This change directly affects nonprofit corporations across Michigan, giving them greater flexibility to operate financially without violating state laws.

Maddy summaryHB 6163 amends the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act to formally define "marihuana plant waste" and authorize licensed facilities to transport and dispose of it. The bill primarily affects growers, processors, and other licensed entities by clarifying that discarded plant material can be legally moved and discarded rather than being treated as contraband. By updating specific sections of the existing law, the legislation provides a clear regulatory framework for the proper handling of cultivation byproducts within the state's medical marijuana program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's marijuana regulations to explicitly allow for the transportation and disposal of marijuana plant waste. It defines plant waste as roots, stalks, leaves, and stems intended for destruction through incineration, landfilling, composting, or anaerobic digestion, while clarifying that such waste is not considered hazardous waste. The legislation establishes specific roles for "marijuana disposers," who must be licensed operators or permitted incinerators authorized to receive and destroy this material. By adding these definitions and permissions, the bill provides a legal framework for licensed marijuana businesses to manage and dispose of plant remnants without violating environmental or waste disposal laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Michigan would appoint presidential electors if the state joins an agreement to choose the President based on the national popular vote rather than the Electoral College. It requires the state Board of State Canvassers to calculate the total national popular vote for each candidate and designate the winner accordingly, while also reporting these results to other participating states. If a tie occurs for the national popular vote, the bill specifies that Michigan would appoint electors based on which candidate received the most votes within Michigan itself. The legislation updates existing election laws to ensure these procedures are followed and includes requirements for issuing official certificates of appointment.