Rep. Tullio Liberati

Maddy summaryHB 4115 amends Michigan law to impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 on pawnbrokers who charge interest rates exceeding the legally allowed limit on loans. This directly affects pawnbrokers who violate the interest rate cap specified in the existing pawnbroker licensing law (MCL 446.218). The bill establishes that county prosecutors or the Attorney General may enforce this penalty through legal action, replacing the previous criminal misdemeanor penalties for such violations. It does not change the interest rate limit itself but adds a specific civil enforcement mechanism for overcharging.

Maddy summaryHB 4116 increases the maximum allowable monthly interest rate for pawn loans in Michigan from 3% to 5%, directly affecting pawnbrokers (who may now charge up to 5% per month) and borrowers (who face higher potential costs). The bill amends the warning notice required on pawn contracts to reflect the new 5% rate limit, stating that loans exceeding this rate are void and borrowers can reclaim their items. It also maintains the $3 monthly storage fee for unencumbered items and prohibits charging interest in advance or compounding. The law updates existing regulations without changing other provisions like the minimum 50-cent interest requirement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 54) is a ceremonial declaration by the Michigan House of Representatives to commemorate April 4, 2025, as "North Atlantic Treaty Day" in Michigan. It honors the 76th anniversary of the 1949 signing of the North Atlantic Treaty establishing NATO, highlighting NATO's role in collective security and Michigan's military and defense industry connections. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves to recognize this historical date and symbolically acknowledge Michigan's ties to NATO through its veterans and defense sector. It does not directly affect any individuals, organizations, or government programs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 51) is a symbolic request urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to release $56 million in FEMA disaster relief funds already allocated to Michigan. It directly affects Michigan's emergency management agencies, local governments, and nonprofits that rely on these funds for disaster response, recovery, and public safety programs. The resolution states delays in releasing these funds strain state resources and risk disrupting critical emergency services following natural disasters. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change funding policy but formally requests federal action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 21, 2025, as "Abolitionist Day" in Michigan to honor the state's history in the anti-slavery movement. It specifically recognizes Laura Smith Haviland, an Adrian, Michigan abolitionist who aided freedom seekers via the Underground Railroad and was inducted into the National Abolition Hall of Fame. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely commemorative. It directly affects Michigan residents by establishing an official state observance day. The resolution was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Clerk of the House to present nine specific bills - passed by both legislative chambers in December 2024 and "enrolled" (formally prepared for the Governor) - to the Governor. It follows a court ruling (February 2025) that confirmed Michigan’s Constitution requires all passed bills to be presented to the Governor within 14 days, rejecting the House’s prior refusal to act. The resolution overrides a previous House attempt (Resolution 41) to delay this process and mandates immediate compliance with the court’s order. It affects the House Clerk, Governor, and the nine bills’ legislative timeline, ensuring they can proceed toward becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 4191 requires hunters who bait deer during hunting season to purchase a $20 deer baiting license in addition to a valid hunting license. This applies specifically to those engaging in "deer or elk baiting" (depositing feed to attract deer for hunting), excluding agricultural practices, normal logging, or feeding wildlife that excludes deer. Revenue from the license must fund research and surveillance of chronic wasting disease and other wildlife diseases in deer and elk. The bill amends Michigan’s Natural Resources Act to establish this licensing requirement and funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 4193 modifies Michigan's groundwater discharge permit fee structure under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It sets annual fees based on facility type: $7,500 for large facilities (group 1), $1,800 for small campgrounds (under 1,000 sites) or municipalities with ≤1,000 residents, $300 for group 2a facilities, and $240 for group 3 facilities. The bill also requires the department to process permit applications within 180 days, imposing a 15% fee discount if they fail to meet this deadline. This bill directly affects businesses, campgrounds, and small municipalities discharging wastewater to groundwater, with fees applicable until October 1, 2027. The bill was introduced on March 11, 2025, and is pending in committee.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (HJR F) would remove gender-specific language from two Michigan constitutional provisions. It would repeal Article I, Section 25 - which defined marriage as "the union of one man and one woman" - and amend Article X, Section 1 to make property rights language gender-neutral. If approved, it would eliminate the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and update outdated references to gender in property law. The amendment would require voter approval at the next general election. (Note: The bill is currently in committee referral, with no further action taken as of March 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 4167 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address the illicit use of xylazine, a veterinary drug increasingly misused in illicit drug mixtures. The bill adds xylazine to the list of substances covered under sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.13m), meaning courts must now apply standardized sentencing ranges for convictions involving its unauthorized possession or use. This directly affects individuals convicted of xylazine-related offenses, including those using it alone or combined with other drugs. The change creates a clear, defined sentencing path for this specific offense, moving beyond general drug sentencing rules to address xylazine's growing public health impact. The bill was introduced on March 5, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.