Rep. Jimmie Wilson

Maddy summaryHB 5417 amends Michigan's Strategic Fund Act to require the Michigan Strategic Fund to submit specific legislative reports before disbursing funds. This change directly affects the Strategic Fund, which manages economic development investments, by adding a new reporting requirement (Section 7c) for transparency. The key mechanism mandates that the fund provide detailed reports to the legislature prior to releasing funds for projects or loans. This update aims to enhance accountability for how public funds are allocated, without altering the fund's existing powers or program types.

Maddy summaryHB 5415 prevents Michigan's Strategic Fund from providing financial support (like loans or grants) for projects that would violate the "corporate welfare prohibition compact act" starting October 1, 2027. This bill directly affects the Strategic Fund's ability to fund economic development projects, requiring it to comply with an existing agreement between states that restricts certain business subsidies. The bill adds Section 15 to the Michigan Strategic Fund Act and depends on another bill (HB 5413) being enacted first. It does not change existing state funding rules but adds a new compliance requirement tied to an interstate agreement.

Maddy summaryHB 5416 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to restructure the fund's governing board. It adds two new private-sector board members appointed by the governor (with input from minority leaders) who must have expertise in venture capital, commercial lending, or technology commercialization. The bill also updates membership requirements to ensure diversity representation (including minority, female, and small business perspectives) and specifies detailed qualifications for private-sector appointees. This change affects how the Michigan Strategic Fund, which administers economic development grants and incentives, is governed and managed.

Maddy summaryHB 5418 requires the Michigan Strategic Fund to post on its website details about businesses that received state economic assistance (grants, loans, or other aid) and later ceased operations in Michigan. Specifically, the notice must include the business name, assistance type and amount, and whether repayment is likely if the business breached its agreement. This amendment to Section 88b(10) of the Michigan Strategic Fund Act focuses on transparency, not changing how funds are distributed. It directly affects businesses receiving state economic assistance that shut down, requiring the fund to publicly report their status.

Maddy summaryHB 5397 eliminates a tax exemption for data center equipment under Michigan's Use Tax Act. It repeals Section 4cc, which previously allowed data center businesses to claim an exemption from use tax on equipment purchases. This change means data center operators will now pay the standard use tax on qualifying equipment instead of claiming the exemption. The bill directly affects data center businesses that previously utilized this tax exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 5396 eliminates a sales tax exemption for data center equipment in Michigan. The bill repeals Section 4ee of the General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.54ee), which previously allowed data centers to avoid paying the standard 4% sales tax on equipment purchases. This change directly affects data center businesses operating in Michigan, requiring them to pay sales tax on qualifying equipment starting when the bill takes effect. The policy change removes a specific tax break, aligning data center equipment purchases with standard sales tax rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5398 amends Michigan's General Property Tax Act to remove a tax exemption for data centers located in Renaissance Zones. Specifically, it eliminates the exemption previously available for "eligible data center property" in zones approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund in 2016 with at least $100 million in investment. This change directly affects data center operators in designated Renaissance Zones who previously qualified for reduced property taxes. The bill updates Section 7ff of the tax act to reflect this repeal, ensuring data centers no longer receive the tax break.

Maddy summaryHB 5389 modifies how Michigan manages state funds for specific projects (called "work projects"). It requires that such projects must have a clear purpose, specific plan, estimated cost, and completion date to qualify. The bill also changes the timeframe for unused funds to expire (48 months after the fiscal year ends) and gives the director authority to propose lapsing project accounts, but requires both legislative committees to disapprove such proposals within 30 days. Additionally, it mandates annual reports to committees detailing all active work project accounts, their balances, and any funds that lapsed.

Maddy summaryHB 5391 changes Michigan's unemployment benefits recovery rules by limiting the time the state can seek repayment of improperly paid benefits. It prohibits the unemployment agency from recovering benefits more than one year after the claimant receives the payment, affecting most unemployed Michiganders who received benefits by mistake. Exceptions include cases involving suspected identity fraud (where recovery may still be pursued) or intentional fraud (where no time limit applies). The bill also maintains existing hardship waiver options for repayment if recovery would be unfair due to financial hardship or administrative errors.

Maddy summaryHB 5206 creates a new "limited cosmetologist license" under Michigan's cosmetology law, allowing individuals to perform specific services like natural hair cultivation, manicuring, or skin care without needing a full cosmetologist license. This change streamlines licensing for professionals who specialize in these areas, eliminating the need for separate licenses (e.g., for manicuring or esthetics) while requiring them to limit their practice to the licensed services. The bill updates definitions to clarify terms like "natural hair cultivation" (techniques such as braiding or twisting without chemicals) and ensures license holders cannot perform unlicensed services like electrology. It directly affects cosmetology practitioners seeking to offer these focused services more efficiently.