Rep. Jim DeSana

Maddy summaryHB 5146 clarifies procedures for handling abandoned vehicles and towing services in Michigan. It defines "abandoned vehicle" more precisely (e.g., vehicles left on public property for 18+ hours with valid plates) and requires police to verify if a vehicle is stolen before towing. The bill mandates that owners receive written notice with details about the vehicle and their right to contest abandonment or towing fees within 20 days, including a $40 bond requirement for hearings. It also creates a public website listing abandoned vehicles for 1 year, affecting vehicle owners, towing agencies, and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 5128, the "Specie Legal Tender Act," would make gold and silver coins issued by the U.S. government (or other gold/silver coins legally recognized under specific court rulings or federal law) legal tender in Michigan. It grants individuals the right to keep, use, and acquire these coins without interference, while prohibiting state entities from seizing them, enforcing laws that restrict their use, or favoring one form of payment over another. The bill explicitly states that central bank digital currency (like digital dollars) would not be considered legal tender under this act. This directly affects all Michigan residents and businesses by establishing legal protections for physical precious metal coins in transactions. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on October 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5133, the "Central Bank Digital Currency Prevention Act," prohibits Michigan state and local government entities from accepting central bank digital currency (CBDC) as legal tender for taxes, fees, or services. It also bans government advocacy for CBDC testing or adoption by the U.S. government. The bill allows individuals harmed by violations to sue for triple damages in civil court. It directly affects state/local government operations and financial transactions within Michigan.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5131 proposes an amendment to the state's individual income tax act. It aims to create a new deduction for taxpayers. This deduction would allow individuals to subtract capital gains derived from the sale or exchange of investment coins and bullion when calculating their state taxable income. This change would reduce the amount of income subject to state tax for those who realize such gains.

Maddy summaryHB 5132, the "Use of Convertible Virtual Currency Protection Act," prohibits Michigan government entities from restricting how individuals or businesses use digital money (like Bitcoin) for personal purchases, as collateral, or via self-managed digital wallets. It specifically bans taxes or reporting requirements for transactions under $200 using digital money. The bill also allows people harmed by violations to sue for triple their actual damages. This directly affects residents and businesses using digital currency in Michigan, ensuring their transactions remain tax-free and unregulated for small amounts.

Maddy summaryHB 5129 updates Michigan's sales tax law to exempt purchases of investment coins and bullion from tax. It expands the definition of "bullion" to include gold, silver, or platinum films/leafs (50%+ metal content) used as currency (but not legal tender) starting January 1, 2026, while maintaining the 90% purity standard for other bullion. This directly affects buyers of these specific precious metal products, including new film-based items, by removing sales tax. The bill requires passage of companion bill HB 5130 to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5130 exempts the storage, use, or consumption of investment coins and bullion from Michigan's use tax, effective July 7, 1999. It directly affects individuals and businesses buying or selling qualifying precious metals, including collectible coins and bullion (gold, silver, or platinum in bulk form). The bill updates the definition of "bullion" to include gold/silver/platinum leaf, foil, or film with 50%+ metal content (starting January 1, 2026), provided it's used as currency but isn't legal tender. Investment coins are defined as government-issued coins with market value exceeding face value.

Maddy summaryHB 4691 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to increase penalties for drivers who flee or elude police officers. It creates four tiers of felony sentencing based on the severity of the violation: fourth-degree (up to 2 years for basic evasion), third-degree (1-5 years if collision occurs or in low-speed zones), second-degree (2-10 years for serious injury or prior convictions), and first-degree (5-15 years if death results). The bill specifically defines "serious injury" to include loss of limbs, brain damage, or coma. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for police in uniform with marked vehicles, with penalties escalating based on outcomes like collisions, injuries, or prior offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4690 mandates fixed prison sentences for certain violent or gun-related crimes by amending Michigan's sentencing law (MCL 750.479a). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific offenses, as judges must now impose predetermined terms instead of exercising discretion. The key provision requires minimum sentence lengths for these cases, removing judicial flexibility in sentencing. This policy change applies to new convictions under the amended law.

Maddy summaryHB 4484 amends Michigan's Social Welfare Act to allow licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to seek reimbursement for audiological rehabilitation and speech-language therapy services, regardless of whether they hold a certificate of clinical competence. This change directly affects SLPs practicing in Michigan who previously faced potential barriers to reimbursement under existing department rules. The bill removes a prior requirement for the clinical certificate, ensuring reimbursement eligibility solely based on state licensure. It applies to all coverage policies under the Social Welfare Act (MCL 400.1-400.119b), streamlining access to payment for these healthcare services.