Rep. Jennifer Wortz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric, gas, and steam utilities in Michigan to consider all available energy sources when planning their integrated resource portfolios. It amends existing state laws governing utility rate-setting and planning processes to ensure comprehensive evaluation of different energy options. The legislation also establishes specific timelines for utility rate applications and includes provisions for partial rate relief motions for smaller gas utilities. Additionally, the bill repeals a specific section of the Public Service Commission Act related to stranded costs.

Maddy summaryHB 5581 sets a 500-square-foot minimum size requirement for new homes in Michigan, preventing local governments from imposing larger minimums through zoning ordinances. This directly affects homeowners, developers, and local municipalities that create zoning rules for residential construction. The bill amends Michigan’s zoning law by adding Section 205e, which explicitly prohibits zoning ordinances from requiring dwelling sizes greater than 500 square feet. It does not change other zoning regulations like land use types, building heights, or lot coverage. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Operations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5585 modifies Michigan's zoning laws to make it easier to add secondary housing units and mobile homes. It prohibits local zoning rules from implicitly excluding mobile homes based on aesthetics or materials not tied to public safety, directly affecting mobile home residents and developers. For accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units like backyard cottages - the bill automatically allows them in residential zones if they meet size limits (max 800 sq ft or 75% of the main house), maintain 5-foot setbacks, and are attached to or near an existing single-family home. ADUs under these rules no longer require public hearings or discretionary approval, and they do not count toward local density limits.

Maddy summaryHB 5582 limits local zoning rules for multifamily housing and mobile homes in Michigan. It prohibits municipalities from requiring more than one parking space per dwelling unit (including guest spaces) in multifamily residential developments, except where required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also prevents residential zoning from excluding mobile homes - defined under state law - through aesthetic or material restrictions not tied to public safety. These changes directly affect developers building multifamily housing and mobile home residents in communities governed by Michigan's zoning laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5584 allows duplexes to be built in any zoning district where single-family homes are permitted, directly affecting homeowners, developers, and local governments in Michigan. The bill requires local governments to treat duplexes the same as single-family homes for permitting and prohibits them from imposing restrictions that would prevent duplex construction - such as minimum unit size requirements, excessive parking mandates, or stricter design rules. It specifically bans requirements like lot coverage limits, setbacks, or height restrictions that would make duplexes impractical, while allowing reasonable, non-discriminatory rules. This policy change aims to increase housing options by making duplex development more accessible in single-family neighborhoods.

Maddy summaryHB 5281, the "Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency Act," regulates third-party funding of civil lawsuits by requiring funding companies to register with the state, disclose all terms to clients, and cap fees at 36% annually. It directly affects litigation funding companies and attorneys who use these services, mandating clear disclosure of costs and prohibiting hidden fees. The bill excludes pro bono nonprofits, health insurers, and traditional loans from its rules, focusing specifically on commercial funding arrangements where funders share in lawsuit proceeds. It establishes civil penalties for violations and gives state officials authority to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the legal requirement for hunters and dealers in Michigan to report the number of deer pelts they possess or trade. While the law currently mandates that individuals holding licenses must submit notarized reports on all other fur-bearing animals and game birds, this legislation specifically exempts deer pelts from those reporting obligations. The change affects both hunters who keep pelts after the season and businesses that buy or sell them, allowing them to exclude deer pelts from their monthly and seasonal filings to the state department.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to voluntarily release documents and information regarding her past work with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), specifically concerning the organization's alleged payments to extremist groups. The bill is based on a federal indictment that accuses the SPLC of fraudulently diverting donor money to fund individuals associated with hate groups while claiming to fight them. It highlights Benson's previous roles as an undercover investigator and board member at the SPLC during the period of the alleged misconduct, suggesting she may possess unique knowledge of these operations. The resolution calls for her to publicly address her involvement to ensure transparency and avoid any appearance of impropriety, citing her prior refusal to comply with a separate subpoena as a reason for this request.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to encourage public support for patients, caregivers, and ongoing research efforts. By formally recognizing the month, the legislation aims to increase community solidarity and draw attention to the need for continued medical advancements and resources for those affected by the disease.

Maddy summaryHB 5901 modifies Michigan's eminent domain laws to require government agencies to make a formal, good-faith written offer for property before starting condemnation proceedings. The bill also clarifies rules for filing court complaints, defines what constitutes a suitable replacement home for displaced residents, and outlines how agencies can request financial records from property owners to determine fair compensation. Additionally, the legislation shifts the burden of proof regarding bad faith offers to the agency and establishes specific penalties if an owner unreasonably withholds necessary financial documents.