Rep. Matt Koleszar

Maddy summaryHB 4759 encourages public employers (like state agencies, cities, schools, and community colleges) to use an expedited hiring process for dislocated federal employees who are referred through the state's reemployment services program. The bill requires public employers receiving such referrals to prioritize these candidates, though it does not mandate hiring. Key provisions include defining "public employer" broadly and specifying that this process must follow existing constitutional hiring rules for state positions. It does not override other laws but depends on another bill (HB 4758) being enacted first. The measure directly affects dislocated federal workers seeking new jobs and public employers hiring for open positions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the federal government to maintain funding and reinstate staff for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) while negotiating the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." It directly affects Michigan residents who rely on the state's Home Heating Credit Program, which provided assistance to 248,765 Michiganders in 2022 - including low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities - by helping cover heating costs. The resolution highlights that proposed federal budget cuts to LIHEAP and the recent firing of LIHEAP program staff threaten the program's continuation, potentially causing payment delays or termination. As a non-binding request, it asks federal leaders to prioritize LIHEAP funding to prevent disruption of this critical aid.

Maddy summaryHB 4742 amends Michigan's environmental permit process to address projects in communities disproportionately affected by pollution (environmentally overburdened communities). It adds a new section (Subpart 2) requiring state agencies to consider community impacts when denying permits or imposing additional conditions for such projects. The bill also repeals the Environmental Permit Review Commission, which previously reviewed permit decisions. This directly affects developers seeking permits in these communities and state agencies responsible for environmental permitting under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

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 4741 modifies Michigan's property tax law by ending certain programs that reduced delinquent tax payments or prevented foreclosure. It adds a $175 fee for properties forfeited to county treasurers due to unpaid taxes (after 12+ months delinquent), changes interest calculations for residential properties under foreclosure avoidance agreements, and updates redemption rules. Homeowners with delinquent taxes, particularly those in residential properties covered by existing tax foreclosure avoidance agreements, will be directly affected by these changes. The bill sunsets specific programs that previously offered payment reductions, requiring property owners to pay full delinquent amounts plus fees to avoid losing their homes.

Maddy summaryHB 4688 requires Michigan public schools to provide cultural competency training for all educators and school staff starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The state must develop resources covering diversity, cultural identity, historic contributions of multiple cultural groups, and implicit bias (with expert input) by June 2027. Educators must complete this training as part of professional development, while non-educator staff must receive similar training but are exempt from history-focused content. This bill directly affects all public school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 4675 requires Michigan's education department to develop and share a list of optional cursive handwriting instruction programs for public schools by June 2027. Starting in the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 school year, school districts and public school academies are encouraged - but not required - to incorporate one of these model programs into their curriculum. The bill aims to support schools in meeting existing credit requirements under Michigan’s merit standards by offering cursive instruction as a voluntary option. It directly affects Michigan public schools by providing resources for optional handwriting education, without mandating changes to current standards.

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 summaryThis resolution declares June 12, 2025, as "Black Men Awareness Day" in Michigan. It is a symbolic recognition meant to honor Black men's contributions to Michigan's history, culture, and communities. The resolution does not create new laws, policies, or funding mechanisms - it solely establishes a designated day for awareness. It directly affects Michigan residents through this official state acknowledgment. The bill was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on June 12, 2025.