Rep. Peter Herzberg

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for anglers to pay a fee to use certain fishing devices such as set hook lines, nets, and commercial trolling rigs in Michigan waters. It directly affects individuals and businesses that currently hold licenses for these specific fishing activities. The legislation amends existing sections of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to eliminate the associated licensing fees while maintaining the requirement for a license itself. This change applies to both residents and nonresidents engaging in these types of fishing methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires original equipment manufacturers of motorized wheelchairs to provide certain parts, tools, and documentation to owners and independent repair providers. It amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to add new provisions specifically addressing the rights of wheelchair owners and third-party repair technicians. The legislation aims to ensure that wheelchair owners and independent repair providers have access to necessary components and information needed for maintenance and repairs. This policy change directly affects wheelchair manufacturers, owners of motorized wheelchairs, and independent repair service providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan drain commissioners to provide landowners in drainage districts with preliminary cost estimates for proposed drainage projects within seven days of receiving them from engineers. It allows landowners to withdraw their support for a drainage petition within 21 days of receiving the cost estimate, and if enough owners withdraw, a new petition for the same project cannot be filed for at least one year. The bill also clarifies that drain commissioners can choose more efficient routes for drains and ensures total cost computations are shared with landowners before apportionment reviews, with the same withdrawal rights applying to the final cost figures.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's drain code to clarify how boards of determination are appointed and how appeals regarding drain project costs are handled. It directly affects drain commissioners, county officials, and property owners in drainage districts by establishing specific procedures for appointing three-member boards to review drain petitions. Key provisions include requirements for public notice, compensation for board members, and criteria for determining whether a drain is necessary for public health or welfare. The bill also sets timelines for commissioners to issue orders and allows property owners to appeal apportionment or assessment costs related to drain projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Drain Code to strengthen oversight of public drainage projects by requiring county road commissions to review cost estimates and plans for drains costing $75,000 or more. The legislation mandates that drain commissioners share project details with county road commissions, which must then evaluate whether the proposed costs are reasonable and provide formal recommendations before projects proceed. Additionally, the bill clarifies that drain commissioners may adjust drain routes if a new path is more efficient, while maintaining requirements for securing land easements and conducting fair reviews of cost computations. These changes apply to drain commissioners managing drainage districts and county road commissions across Michigan counties, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in public drainage spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Drain Code to update how notices are published for drain projects and drain easement releases. It directly affects drainage commissioners, drainage boards, property owners, and taxpayers in areas where drainage work is planned or easements are being adjusted. The key changes require that notices for releasing excess easements or designating new drainage districts be published in local newspapers and must include specific details like a general description of the project, the date by which taxpayers can protest the action, and compliance with a new section 436. Additionally, the bill clarifies that visible drains and those in recorded easements are automatically considered public drains with valid rights of way, and it sets a 30-day notice period before excess easements can be released to property owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the appeal process for landowners and local governments in Michigan who disagree with how benefits are allocated for drain projects. It extends the time limit for filing appeals from 10 days to 60 days after a review and requires individuals to post a financial bond when requesting a court-appointed review board. The legislation also clarifies which officials can file appeals on behalf of counties, cities, townships, and villages. These changes affect drainage district owners and municipal leaders by giving them more time to challenge benefit apportionments and outlining specific steps for requesting a judicial review.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires independent audits of county drain commissioner offices every two years or upon request by county or municipal officials. The audits will examine financial records, administrative practices, and performance of drain commissioners by an auditor designated by the state attorney general. Costs for these audits will be paid by the county general fund, though requesting municipalities would share half the cost if they initiate the audit. The bill affects county drain commissioners, county boards, and municipalities by establishing a formal oversight process for drainage operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new lifetime hunting and fishing licenses specifically for disabled veterans in Michigan, effective July 1, 2027. The licenses are priced based on the veteran's disability rating, ranging from free for those rated 100% disabled to $100 for those rated 30% or more but less than 50% disabled. These lifetime licenses include all standard hunting and fishing privileges, such as deer, waterfowl, turkey, and fishing rights, and remain valid even if the veteran moves out of state. The bill also updates definitions for disabled veterans and resident status within the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Maddy summaryHB 5450 amends Michigan's Food Law to prohibit local governments (counties, cities, villages, or townships) from charging fees, taxes, or assessments for the operation of mobile food establishments, such as food trucks. This directly affects food truck operators by eliminating an additional cost imposed by local jurisdictions. The bill achieves this by modifying Section 3113 of the Food Law to explicitly ban such fees, while still requiring compliance with state-mandated fire inspections and licensing under existing regulations.