Rep. Kelly Breen

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's vehicle code to clarify and standardize the fees that towing companies and storage facilities can charge for abandoned or impounded vehicles. It establishes specific maximum rates for towing and daily storage based on vehicle weight, ranging from $175 to $360 for towing and $25 to $75 per day for storage, while also setting caps on additional services like winching and cleanup. The legislation requires these towing and storage agencies to publicly display their fee schedules on signs at their business locations and on their websites to ensure transparency. Additionally, the bill prohibits charging different rates to individual vehicle owners compared to commercial entities for similar services and allows local governments to set their own fee schedules within these limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding the definition of abandoned vehicles and establishes clearer guidelines for towing rates and practices. It directly affects vehicle owners, towing companies, and law enforcement agencies by setting specific timeframes for when a vehicle is considered abandoned on public or private property. Key provisions include defining abandoned vehicles based on location and duration, requiring police to issue written notices before towing, and outlining a process for owners to contest towing fees or the classification of their vehicle as abandoned. The legislation also mandates that information about removed vehicles be entered into a state law enforcement network and made available on a public website. Additionally, it introduces new sections to clarify the responsibilities of towing agencies and repeals an outdated section of the vehicle code.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Energy Stability Fund within the state treasury to help cover energy costs for specific groups of people. The fund can receive money from any source, and the state treasurer will manage its investments while the Department of Health and Human Services oversees its use. Money in the fund will not be returned to the general budget at the end of the year and can only be spent to provide energy assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with qualified disabilities, and veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time tax credit of up to $10,000 for Michigan residents who incur unreimbursed costs related to live organ donation. Starting in the 2025 tax year, eligible individuals can claim this credit for expenses such as travel, lodging, lost wages, and child care, provided they submit proof of the donation and related costs. The credit is not refundable, meaning it can only reduce the tax owed to zero but will not result in a cash payment if the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Judges Retirement Act to increase employer contributions and employee matching options for judges participating in the Tier 2 retirement plan. Under the new rules, employers must contribute 4% of a judge's salary to their Tier 2 account, while judges can choose to contribute up to 5% of their salary starting in April 2025, with their employer matching that amount dollar-for-dollar. The legislation also allows judges who were previously unable to contribute due to a legal restraining order to make up to 6% of their salary with an equivalent employer contribution for a specific period. Additionally, judges taking office on or after January 1, 2002, are required to contribute 2% of their compensation to the retirement system, which will be used to fund health and sick care benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers in Michigan from selling specific weight loss dietary supplements and diet pills to anyone under the age of 18. To enforce this, the law requires physical stores to check identification before a sale and mandates that online orders include age verification through independent government databases and secure shipping methods that prevent minors from receiving the product. The state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will create and annually update a list of covered products based on their marketing claims regarding weight loss or appetite control. Retailers found violating these rules could face civil fines of up to $1,000 or other legal remedies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to use records of deferred domestic violence charges as evidence when deciding child custody and parenting time cases. It requires courts to make these previously sealed records available to judges and the parties involved in custody disputes to help determine the best interests of the child. The legislation does not change how domestic violence cases are handled but instead ensures that past deferred charges are visible in family court proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 6009 amends Michigan's penal code to establish new guidelines for expert testimony in assault cases involving domestic violence or attacks on healthcare workers. The bill requires that any expert witness testifying in these specific prosecutions must have demonstrated expertise and experience working with victims of domestic violence. Additionally, the legislation defines key terms such as "dating relationship" and "health professional" to clarify the scope of protected individuals and situations. These changes aim to ensure that expert testimony in such cases is provided by individuals with relevant background knowledge.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of highway M-11 in Kent County as the "Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive." The affected roadway stretches from the intersection with 3 Mile Road south to the bridge over the Grand River. By amending state highway naming laws, the legislation officially assigns this commemorative name to the route. The change applies immediately and does not alter any traffic rules or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's crime victim compensation law to explicitly include reimbursement for pet boarding expenses when a victim must relocate immediately following a crime. The legislation allows victims to receive up to $45,000 total for various out-of-pocket losses, with specific sub-limits for categories such as medical care, counseling, relocation, and funeral costs. By adding pet boarding to the list of eligible expenses, the bill ensures that pet owners can access funds to board their animals while they move to a safer location. The amendment applies to claims filed under the state's existing crime victim services program without changing the overall funding structure or eligibility criteria for other types of compensation.