Rep. Samantha Steckloff

Maddy summaryHB 4732 increases penalties for harming police and search-and-rescue dogs or horses used in law enforcement. It makes intentionally killing or causing serious physical harm to these animals a felony (up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine), while lesser harm or interference during duties is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year or $5,000 fine), or a felony if committed during another crime. The law applies specifically to animals trained and deployed by Michigan law enforcement agencies for police or search-and-rescue operations. It does not affect other animals or alter existing penalties for unrelated offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4738 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to increase penalties for harming specific working animals used by law enforcement. The bill directly affects individuals who kill or cause serious physical harm to police dogs, police horses, or search and rescue dogs. It would modify existing sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.16b) to establish stricter penalties for these offenses, treating them as more severe crimes. This change would apply to all such incidents occurring in Michigan, with sentencing adjustments to reflect the heightened risk to public safety and law enforcement operations. The bill was introduced on July 15, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4263 prohibits sellers from using automated programs to bypass purchase limits during online ticket sales for concerts, sports events, and other public entertainment events requiring admission fees. It bans circumventing security systems that enforce ticket limits, electronic queues, or fraud checks, targeting practices like bot-driven bulk purchases. The law directly affects ticket sellers (who must implement these security measures) and buyers attempting to use automated tools to bypass restrictions. This creates new requirements for online ticket sales to ensure fair access to event tickets.

Maddy summaryHR 138 is a symbolic resolution introduced by Michigan House representatives to declare June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month in the state. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the historical significance of LGBTQ+ rights movements, including the Stonewall Riots and key legal victories like Obergefell and Bostock. The resolution aims to affirm Michigan's support for LGBTQ+ communities and their contributions to the state's cultural and economic vitality. This declaration directly affects all Michiganders by officially honoring Pride Month through state-level recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 27, 2025, as National PTSD Awareness Day in Michigan. It encourages Michigan residents to learn about PTSD, reduce stigma, and support those affected - including veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors - while aligning with the existing U.S. Senate observance honoring Staff Sergeant Joe Biel. The bill has no new funding or legal requirements; it is a symbolic gesture to promote awareness and compassion.

Maddy summaryHB 4257 defines key terms related to waste management, specifically for anaerobic digestion byproducts (digestate) and their "beneficial use" in agriculture or construction. It creates five distinct categories of beneficial use (e.g., soil application at agronomic rates, road base, or construction fill) with specific environmental safeguards like runoff prevention and groundwater protection. The bill directly affects waste management facilities, farmers, and construction entities handling digestate or ash by clarifying legal standards for its use. These definitions ensure consistent application under existing environmental rules, requiring materials to meet soil-nutrient balance and pollution prevention criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 4265 modifies reporting and compliance rules for facilities using anaerobic digesters, which process organic waste (like food scraps or manure) to create biogas. It updates existing requirements under Michigan's Solid Waste Act (specifically sections 11506 and 11568) to clarify what data these facilities must report to regulators. The bill directly affects waste processing facilities operating anaerobic digesters, requiring them to follow updated reporting standards. This change streamlines regulatory oversight without altering the core function of these systems.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution (HR 132) urges the federal government to reinstate the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which was suspended indefinitely by President Trump's January 2025 executive order. It directly affects refugees currently blocked from entering the U.S. due to the suspension, citing court challenges and a 2024 report noting refugees undergo the most rigorous screening of any immigrant group. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests federal action to resume refugee admissions. It was introduced on June 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4114 amends Michigan's liquor code to prevent certain past violations from affecting a liquor licensee's standing after a specific time period. It adds Section 910 to the Liquor Control Commission regulations, meaning businesses like bars and restaurants will no longer face penalties for eligible violations that occurred beyond the designated timeframe. This directly impacts licensed alcohol sellers by clearing historical compliance issues from their records. The policy change takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 4113 increases the discount for on-premises licensees (like bars and restaurants) purchasing alcohol from the state liquor commission from 17% to 23%. It creates a certification program for "qualified small distillers" who use at least 40% Michigan-grown grain in their products, requiring the Department of Agriculture to certify them. Certified distillers must maintain records and report to the commission, and their products must generate a 32.5% gross profit for the commission. This bill directly affects small distillers, on-premises licensees, and the state liquor commission’s pricing structure.