Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new community solar program in Michigan, allowing residents to subscribe to local solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills. It defines specific terms for these facilities and subscribers, while also categorizing certain areas as "environmental justice communities" based on factors like low-income populations and existing pollution. The legislation requires the state energy commission to create rules that facilitate the creation and financing of these solar projects, prioritizing those that benefit environmental justice communities. Additionally, the bill mandates simple, one-page disclosure forms for all subscription contracts to ensure customers clearly understand the terms before signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes declaring June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month throughout the state of Michigan. It aims to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of LGBTQ+ residents while commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. The resolution encourages all Michiganders to acknowledge the value of diversity and the specific roles LGBTQ+ individuals play in the state's economy and communities.

Maddy summaryHB 5115 updates Michigan's rules for cleaning up leaks from underground storage tanks (like those at gas stations). It modifies how funds in the corrective action fund are managed, affecting tank owners/operators and the state environmental agency responsible for oversight. Key changes include updating procedures for fund use and repealing an outdated section of the existing law. The bill focuses on streamlining administrative processes without introducing new requirements or financial obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 4940 updates Michigan's rules for managing funds used to clean up leaks from underground storage tanks, primarily affecting gas station owners and other tank operators. The bill modifies specific sections of the 1994 environmental law to adjust how corrective action funds are administered, including reporting requirements and fund allocation procedures. It also repeals an outdated section (21510c) related to the fund. These changes aim to streamline the cleanup process without altering the core environmental protections for tank sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in Michigan to treat the closure or removal of a health system from their network as a qualifying event for a special enrollment period. Under this rule, individuals who lose access to their current doctors or hospitals due to these changes would be allowed to sign up for new health insurance plans outside of the usual annual open enrollment window. The legislation defines a "health system" broadly to include hospitals, physician practices, and other related care facilities that operate under common ownership or control. By codifying this requirement, the bill aims to ensure that people can maintain continuous coverage when their existing healthcare options are no longer available.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Provider Advisory Council to review contracts between the state department and child care organizations. The council will consist of 7 to 11 members representing different geographic regions of Michigan, with at least one nonvoting member from a professional membership association. Key provisions require the department to submit proposed contracts to the council for review at least 120 days before signing, allowing the council to issue recommendations on rates, services, and other terms. The bill also includes ethics requirements for council members, including conflict of interest disclosures and recusal rules, with penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Treasury and the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget to create and maintain a free online tool for property taxpayers. The tool will allow individuals and businesses to estimate their property taxes and compare millage rates across different local areas in the state. By enabling users to input a street address for calculations, the calculator aims to provide clearer transparency regarding how property taxes are determined. The new requirement will take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to repeal a 1964 law that prevented cities and villages in Michigan from imposing taxes other than standard property taxes. By removing this restriction, the legislation would allow local municipalities to explore alternative revenue sources beyond ad valorem property taxes. The change directly affects city and village governments, granting them the legal authority to levy different types of taxes if they choose to do so.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's individual income tax law by adjusting the income limits for the property tax credit and the homestead property tax credit. Specifically, it seeks to increase the income thresholds that determine eligibility for these credits, which are financial benefits designed to help homeowners offset their property tax bills. The legislation directly affects Michigan residents who claim these credits on their state tax returns, as it would alter the income levels required to qualify for them. By amending specific sections of the state's Income Tax Act, the bill aims to modify how much income a taxpayer can earn while still receiving these tax reductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a partial property tax exemption for homeowners in Michigan who sell their principal residence and purchase a new one within a specific timeframe. It would reduce the taxable value of the new home by 67% in the first year and 33% in the second year following the sale, but only if the new home's assessed value is more than 20% higher than the old home's value. The measure applies exclusively to properties that already qualify for school operating tax exemptions and requires the simultaneous passage of a companion bill to take effect.