Rep. Jason Hoskins

Maddy summaryHB 4978 amends Michigan's Public Utilities Act to change the process for utilities seeking rate increases. It requires electric utilities serving over 1 million customers to coordinate with the Public Service Commission (PSC) before filing rate cases to avoid overlapping filings, and the PSC may order a 21-day spacing between such filings. Gas utilities serving fewer than 1 million customers can now request partial, immediate rate relief, with the PSC required to decide within 180 days. If the PSC doesn't issue a final order within 180 days for a rate case, the utility may implement the proposed rate increase but must refund overpayments if the final order is lower.

Maddy summaryHB 4977 requires Michigan electric utilities to include standardized outage information on customer bills, directly affecting residential and business electricity users. The bill mandates disclosure of three specific metrics per billing cycle: the number of service interruptions lasting over 5 minutes, total interruption duration, and the number of momentary interruptions (under 5 minutes). Utilities must also annually report outage causes affecting over 1,000 customers, tree trimming efforts, grid reliability projects, and worst-performing circuits to the public service commission. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per incident, with customer reports or meter data used as evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 4976 prohibits electric utilities in Michigan from seeking to recover revenue they were required to pay as service outage credits to customers. This directly affects electric utilities serving Michigan residents and businesses, as it prevents them from later reclaiming refunds paid for power outages. The key provision states that once an electric utility issues outage credits (refunds for service interruptions), it cannot attempt to get that money back through future rate adjustments. This ensures customers who received outage credits retain the full benefit without utilities offsetting those payments against future bills.

Maddy summaryHB 4205 amends Section 1111 of Michigan's Liquor Control Code (MCL 289.1111) regarding the definition of "qualified premises" for liquor licenses. The bill aims to update eligibility criteria for locations seeking liquor licenses, which would directly affect businesses (like restaurants or retail stores) applying for or renewing such permits. The specific changes to the "qualified premises" definition are not detailed in the provided context, as the bill only references the amended statute. Without further description of the proposed definition changes, a complete policy summary cannot be provided. This is a substantive bill, not procedural, but the core mechanism remains unspecified in the available information.

Maddy summaryHB 4204 would amend Michigan law to allow breweries to permit dogs inside their establishments at the brewery's discretion, provided certain conditions are met. The bill directly affects breweries and their patrons by changing existing liquor license rules (MCL 289.6101) regarding animal access. Key provisions require breweries to set their own policies for dog entry while complying with unspecified conditions outlined in the bill. This is a procedural change to licensing rules, not a broad policy shift, and does not alter other animal or public access regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Michigan. It commemorates Michigan's service members missing in action or held as prisoners of war since World War II, honoring their sacrifice and the state's commitment to finding and repatriating them. The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a ceremonial observance.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a resolution passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to condemn all forms of political violence and reaffirm the body's commitment to civility, safety, and peaceful democratic engagement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement expressing the House's stance against violence targeting public officials and citizens. The resolution cites recent incidents of political violence across the U.S., including attacks on elected leaders and events like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. It will be transmitted to the President, Michigan Governor, and congressional leaders as a non-binding expression of the House's values.

Maddy summaryHB 4874 requires the Michigan legislature to appropriate at least $12.3 million annually starting fiscal year 2026 for supplemental payments to rural school districts meeting specific criteria defined in existing law (MCL 388.1622d). This bill directly affects eligible rural and isolated school districts by guaranteeing additional state funding beyond their regular school aid. The key provision mandates a fixed annual appropriation for these districts, ensuring consistent supplemental support beginning in 2026. The bill does not change how districts operate or define "rural districts," but rather establishes a dedicated funding stream for them. It is currently in the introduction phase, referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4875 mandates annual state funding of at least $125 million starting in fiscal year 2026 to cover school transportation costs for students. It directly affects Michigan public school districts by requiring dedicated state appropriations for pupil transportation, as defined under existing state school aid law. The bill creates a permanent funding mechanism ensuring consistent support for school bus services and related operational costs. This provision applies specifically to transportation services for students, not general school funding. The bill is currently under review in the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on September 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4870 creates a state program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students in grades pre-K through 12, as well as students up to age 26 in special education programs. Participating schools must already be in the federal National School Lunch Program and offer meals at no cost to every student, while maximizing federal funding through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The bill requires schools to accommodate documented medical dietary needs on a case-by-case basis and encourages offering religiously appropriate meals that meet federal nutrition standards. It also mandates schools to simplify income forms for families to help determine eligibility for other federal benefits.