Rep. Samantha Steckloff

Maddy summaryHB 5868 amends the Michigan Tax Tribunal Act to update the definitions of key terms used in property tax disputes. The bill clarifies what constitutes an "agency," "mediation," "mediator," and "proceeding" within the context of the tribunal's jurisdiction. It also specifies that the term "entire tribunal" refers to the hearing division excluding the residential property and small claims divisions. Additionally, the legislation excludes the drain code from the definition of "property tax laws" for the purposes of the act. This measure does not take effect unless two other related bills are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property tax laws to prevent assessors from using certain sales as benchmarks for calculating property values. It specifically instructs tax officials to exclude transactions involving properties with deed restrictions that limit their sale or transfer from being used in sales studies. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that normal home repairs and maintenance, such as roof replacement or furnace installation, should not increase a home's assessed value until it is actually sold. The bill also requires buyers to inform assessors if they paid extra for items like financing costs or personal property included in the purchase price, ensuring these amounts are not counted toward the property's taxable value.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's property tax tribunal to issue detailed, independent written explanations when deciding disputes over property valuations. Under the new rules, the tribunal must separately analyze market conditions, the property's highest and best use, construction costs, and comparable sales data before determining a value. The legislation also mandates that the tribunal explain its reasoning for accepting or rejecting specific valuation methods and stipulations from the parties involved. By enforcing these transparency measures, the bill aims to ensure that property tax assessments are based on verified evidence and clearly articulated legal findings.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill officially designates May 2 of every year as Negro Leagues Day. The law establishes this specific date as a recognized observance to honor the history of the Negro Leagues, which were professional baseball leagues for African American players. By creating this new designation, the state acknowledges the significant contributions of these athletes to the sport and American culture. The measure does not mandate any specific actions or changes to existing holidays but serves to formally recognize the day within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of M-3 in Macomb County as the "Senior Chief Petty Officer Jason P. May Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The change is made to the Michigan Highways Act and directly affects how that stretch of road is officially named and identified on maps and signage. By amending the relevant state statute, the legislation ensures the new name is permanently recorded in law. This action is a commemorative measure that does not alter traffic rules, funding, or road construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for distributors of returnable beverage containers in Michigan, starting in the 2024 tax year. Eligible companies can claim a credit of $0.005 for each returnable container they sell, with the credit amount increasing annually based on the national Consumer Price Index. To receive the credit, distributors must submit specific reports to the state and can get a refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. The legislation applies to various business structures, including partnerships and corporations, and defines key terms by referencing existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify how death records are certified and reported, primarily affecting funeral directors, physicians, and medical examiners. It establishes specific timelines, requiring medical certification to be completed within 48 hours of death and the filing of death records within 72 hours, while also mandating the use of a new web-based application system for submitting these reports. The legislation defines key terms such as "institution" and "miscarriage" and outlines a hierarchy of who can certify a death if the attending physician is unavailable, ranging from authorized representatives to pathologists. Additionally, the bill includes a provision to protect the privacy of infants who were born alive following an attempted abortion and subsequently died, ensuring their records are filed without identifying information for parents or informants.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan laws to clarify when county medical examiners must investigate deaths and how they should be notified by healthcare providers. It requires an investigation if a death results from violence, occurs unexpectedly, happens without recent medical care, or involves an abortion, while also mandating immediate notification for sudden or suspicious deaths. The legislation grants medical examiners the authority to subpoena records for investigations and ensures that such records remain confidential under the freedom of information act. Additionally, it introduces a specific requirement for notifying examiners if multiple individuals with similar physical characteristics are involved in the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in Michigan. It serves as a formal declaration by the state legislature to recognize and honor the history, contributions, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community within the state. The measure does not alter laws or create new regulations but instead functions as a symbolic gesture to affirm the value and dignity of LGBTQ+ residents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 7, 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness Day throughout Michigan to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. The measure encourages citizens to wear orange on that date to raise awareness and remember Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager killed in a shooting incident. While the bill does not change laws or introduce new regulations, it formally recognizes the significance of the day and urges the community to support efforts to prevent gun violence.