Rep. Jennifer Wortz

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution formally requests the United States Congress to convene a constitutional convention under Article V of the Constitution. The proposal asks for specific amendments designed to limit federal spending, reduce federal jurisdiction, and cap the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. It does not enact new laws directly but serves as a procedural step to initiate a broader change to the nation's founding document. The resolution was introduced by Representative Luke Meerman and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's natural resources laws to update regulations on commercial fishing, including allowable catch limits and quota percentages for various fish species. It establishes stricter record-keeping requirements for fish dealers and mandates that commercial fishers report their catch immediately after each fishing season ends. The legislation also introduces new financial penalties for illegal fishing, requiring offenders to pay fines based on the weight of the fish taken, and sets a rule that commercial licenses will be permanently revoked if a fisher commits five specific violations within a five-year period. Additionally, the bill rescinds several outdated administrative rules related to commercial fishing operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Revised School Code to allow students to use the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an alternative to the standard Michigan Merit Examination for college entrance requirements. It specifically permits 11th and 12th-grade students to take the CLT in place of the traditional assessment, which currently covers English language arts, mathematics, reading, science, and social studies. The legislation also introduces a waiver process for the workforce readiness portion of the exam, requiring parents to submit a signed request by late February of the school year. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts provide informational letters to students and families explaining the purpose and benefits of the workforce readiness test before it is administered.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's state school aid requirements by allowing students to use the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an option for the college entrance portion of the Michigan merit examination. Under the new provisions, districts must still administer a comprehensive exam that includes college entrance assessments, a workforce readiness test, and a social studies component, but students may now choose the CLT to satisfy the college entrance requirement. The legislation also establishes a waiver process for the workforce readiness test, permitting parents to opt their children out by submitting a signed form to their school district by February 28. Additionally, the bill mandates that all scaled scores from the exam be recorded on high school transcripts alongside attendance records.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Michigan state constitution to change how local governments can raise taxes. It requires that any new tax or increase to an existing tax rate must be approved by a majority of voters who cast ballots on the issue. Starting January 1, 2027, the law also mandates that at least 30% of all eligible voters in that local area must vote on the question for the tax measure to pass. The amendment includes specific rules to adjust tax rates if property values rise faster than inflation, ensuring tax revenue does not automatically increase without voter approval. Exceptions are made for taxes needed to pay off existing debt or bonds that were authorized before the change takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's tax administration laws to update procedures following the repeal of the state real estate transfer tax. It primarily affects taxpayers and the Department of Treasury by establishing a formal, step-by-step process for resolving tax disputes before an assessment is finalized. Key provisions require the department to send a non-intimidating inquiry letter before assessing taxes, offer taxpayers an informal conference to discuss contested amounts, and allow for a written settlement negotiation between the taxpayer and the state treasurer. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all tax audits be conducted according to specific professional standards, including confidentiality, technical training, and independence.

Maddy summaryHB 5879 requires public utilities in Michigan to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before raising rates or changing rate schedules that would increase costs for customers. The bill mandates that utilities provide notice to affected areas and allow for a full hearing before any rate increase is approved, while also setting specific timelines for the commission to review and respond to rate applications. Additionally, it establishes a process for gas utilities with fewer than one million customers to seek immediate partial rate relief and outlines rules for refunding customers if proposed rates are later reduced after being temporarily implemented. This legislation directly impacts gas, electric, and steam utilities operating in the state and their residential and commercial customers by tightening oversight on rate-setting procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's property tax rules to clarify how taxable values are calculated when property ownership transfers. It establishes that a property's taxable value resets to its current market value upon transfer, but then limits future annual increases to the lesser of 5% or the inflation rate until another transfer occurs. The legislation also defines specific scenarios where a transfer does not trigger a reset, such as when property is moved into a trust by a parent for their own children or grandchildren, provided the home remains residential. Additionally, it allows local tax officials to correct past valuation errors related to missed transfers for up to three years and clarifies rules for land contracts and certain bond-funded properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to update tax exemption rules for downtown development authorities in Michigan. It clarifies that these entities remain exempt from real estate transfer taxes even after the state real estate transfer tax act was repealed. The changes will only take effect if two other related bills are also enacted into law. Ultimately, the measure ensures these local economic development organizations do not face new transfer tax obligations on property instruments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate code to clarify how property transfers are treated when a personal representative sells estate assets to themselves or others. It establishes that buyers or lenders who purchase these assets are considered to have paid value without needing to verify if the original distribution was legally proper or if the representative still had authority. Additionally, the bill creates a legal presumption that recorded transfers are made for value, which helps simplify tax assessments, though it does not alter existing rules regarding Michigan estate tax liens. The legislation directly affects personal representatives, estate buyers, lenders, and interested parties involved in property distribution, and it requires two other related bills to pass before it can take effect.