Rep. Alabas Farhat

Maddy summaryThis law updates the rules for who can serve on Michigan's state and county election canvassing boards. To be eligible, members must be registered voters who have taken an official oath of office and have never been convicted of specific election-related crimes. The bill defines these crimes to include various offenses such as perjury, voter intimidation, and certain felonies. Additionally, county board members cannot hold another elected public office while serving on the board. These changes take effect on April 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's corporate income tax rules to allow flow-through entities, such as partnerships and S corporations, to elect paying the tax themselves instead of passing it to individual owners. Under the new provisions, these entities can file a return and pay the tax for a three-year period, after which they must re-elect to continue the arrangement. Owners of these businesses can then claim a tax credit for their share of the entity's tax payment, and any excess credit is refunded without added interest for the 2021 tax year. The legislation also clarifies deadlines for making this election, requiring filings by mid-March for years starting before 2024 and by mid-September for years starting in 2024 or later.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sales tax law to exempt the purchase of data center equipment from state sales tax, directly benefiting qualified data centers, colocated businesses, and construction contractors. The exemption applies to equipment used for building or operating these facilities, provided the buyer holds a valid certificate issued by the Michigan Strategic Fund. To maintain this tax break, the state must verify that data centers create a specific number of jobs, requiring the Strategic Fund to report progress to state leaders by 2022 and 2026. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for large-scale "enterprise data centers" to receive certificates based on projected job creation and investment, with tax exemptions lasting up to 2050 or 2065 depending on the facility type.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's medical assistance program to require coverage for mental health screenings during the postpartum period for eligible individuals. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum people receiving state-funded healthcare by ensuring their mental health needs are addressed as part of their medical services. The key provision mandates that the state pay for these screenings under the existing medical assistance plan, aligning with federal standards for reasonable charges. This change expands the scope of covered services without altering the broader structure of hospital, nursing home, or pharmaceutical benefits already available under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5060 eliminates the Michigan Economic and Social Opportunity Act of 1981, which previously established a state bureau and commission focused on reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency for low-income individuals. By repealing the 1981 law, the bill removes the legal framework that designated community action agencies and defined the powers and duties of the department, bureau, and commission. This change effectively dissolves the specific administrative structure created by the 1981 act, altering how these entities operate within the state government. The legislation affects the state's organizational setup for economic and social services but does not create new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new section to Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to provide specific legal remedies for individuals who face housing discrimination based on their source of income. It allows people who believe they have been discriminated against to file a civil lawsuit in circuit court to seek injunctive relief or financial damages. The potential damages are capped at either the actual injury and loss suffered or three times the monthly rent, whichever is lower, and also cover court costs and attorney fees. This legislation only takes effect if it is passed together with two related Senate bills, SB 0205 and SB 0206.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's drainage laws to increase the annual spending limits for inspecting and repairing county and intercounty drains. It allows officials to spend up to $10,000 per mile of drain each year without needing a special vote from local governments, with this amount automatically adjusted annually for inflation. If repair costs exceed this limit, the bill requires approval from the affected local townships or cities before additional funds can be used. The legislation also clarifies how surplus funds are managed and ensures that property owners are notified before assessments are levied for major repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover specific hormonal contraceptives, such as patches, self-administered methods, and vaginal rings, when they are prescribed and dispensed by a pharmacist at a network pharmacy. The law mandates that this coverage must include any necessary consultation services and must be consistent with how other prescription drugs are covered under the policy. It applies to insurance policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2025, but will not take effect unless a companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's criminal procedure laws by establishing specific time limits for filing indictments against individuals accused of various crimes. It directly affects prosecutors, victims, and defendants by clarifying when legal charges must be brought to court. The key provisions set a 25-year limit for certain sexual offenses, a 10-year limit for crimes like kidnapping and identity theft, and a 15-year limit for offenses involving real property fraud. Additionally, the law allows for indictments to be filed at any time if DNA evidence links an unidentified suspect to a crime, but requires charges to be filed within a set period once the suspect is identified.