Rep. Matt Koleszar

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6283 modifies the licensing requirements for barber colleges by reducing the minimum number of full-time licensed instructors required from two to one. The bill clarifies that at least one instructor must be present during classroom study or theory training, while practical training requires one instructor for every thirty students. It also updates language regarding student instructors acting as substitutes in emergencies and allows barber colleges and cosmetology schools to share facilities within the same building.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6306 expands the state's consumer protection laws by introducing higher civil fines for businesses that target elderly individuals or vulnerable adults with deceptive practices. The bill defines an elder person as someone aged 80 or older and a vulnerable adult as an individual requiring supervision due to age, disability, or mental illness, subjecting violators to penalties of up to $50,000 per violation if the conduct is persistent and knowing. Additionally, the legislation creates a revolving enforcement and education fund in the state treasury, which will be financed by attorney fees, costs, and unclaimed damages recovered from consumer protection and antitrust cases. This fund will support the Department of Attorney General's efforts to enforce these laws and educate the public on consumer rights.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6300 amends the state's Freedom of Information Act to explicitly extend public records transparency requirements to the state legislature and the governor's office. The bill establishes specific procedures for these bodies to designate FOIA coordinators, process record requests, and handle appeals or civil actions for denied disclosures. It also defines a comprehensive list of exemptions for legislative and executive records, such as constituent communications, internal investigations, and security information, while clarifying that these new transparency rules do not override constitutional privileges and immunities.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6318 amends the state election law to explicitly prohibit denying or abridging any citizen's right to vote based on their sex. The bill adds a new section, 492c, to the Michigan Election Code to establish this specific protection. This provision directly affects all voters in the state by ensuring that gender cannot be used as a basis for restricting voting access.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates euchre as the official game of the state of Michigan. It creates a new act to formally establish this title in state law. The legislation does not impose any regulations or restrictions on how the game is played, but rather serves as a symbolic designation for the state.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6307 grants the state attorney general and local prosecuting attorneys the authority to issue written investigative demands to individuals suspected of violating consumer protection laws. These demands can require a person to appear for an oath-bound examination, answer written questions, or produce specific documents and physical objects relevant to the investigation. The bill establishes that recipients have the right to petition a circuit court in Ingham County for a protective order to extend deadlines, modify requirements, or dismiss the demand entirely. If a person fails to comply with a valid demand without securing such an order, they may face civil fines of up to $10,000 and potential court orders compelling compliance or preventing the destruction of evidence.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6305 amends the state's consumer protection laws to clarify which business practices are exempt from the act and establishes that its provisions should be interpreted broadly to support its purpose. The bill specifies that the law does not apply to actions expressly authorized by state or federal regulators, nor to advertisements published by media outlets unless the publisher knew the content was deceptive or had a direct financial interest in the sale. It further limits consumer lawsuits regarding unfair practices in the banking, insurance, and motor carrier sectors, noting that these industries are already regulated by specific statutes. Finally, the legislation places the burden of proof on any business claiming an exemption from consumer protection rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to explicitly extend public records disclosure requirements to the state legislature and the governor's office, which were previously excluded from the definition of a "public body." It also updates key definitions within the law to include modern digital technologies, such as cloud storage and quantum computing systems, in the scope of what constitutes a "writing" or public record. The legislation takes effect on January 1 of the first odd-numbered year at least six months after enactment, provided that a companion bill, House Bill No. 6300, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill amends the state's vehicle code to clarify that traffic violations designated as civil infractions cannot be treated as lesser included offenses of criminal charges. It establishes specific fine ranges for various driving and vehicle equipment violations, including a new provision that requires courts to waive fines and costs if a driver cited for an illegible registration plate provides proof of having obtained and installed a compliant plate before their court date. The legislation also mandates a $40 justice system assessment for most civil infractions and allows judges to order additional educational or rehabilitation programs alongside monetary penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify definitions and procedures for commercial fishing in the state's Great Lakes waters. It directly affects licensed commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources by establishing precise meanings for terms like "abandoned gear," "quota," and various types of fishing nets. The legislation also adds new definitions to improve record-keeping requirements for fish production, storage, and sale, ensuring that all commercial activities are clearly regulated. By amending multiple existing sections and adding a new one, the bill aims to provide a more structured framework for managing allowable catch limits and enforcing fishing privileges.