Rep. Jennifer Wortz

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's condemnation laws to clarify how courts review whether the government or a private entity needs to take private property. It establishes that public agencies' claims of needing land are generally binding on courts unless fraud, legal error, or abuse of discretion is proven, while private entities must prove public necessity to the court. The legislation also adjusts the burden of proof, requiring agencies to show by a preponderance of evidence that a taking is for public use, or by clear and convincing evidence if the project involves eradicating blight. Additionally, the bill sets a 60-day deadline for courts to decide these necessity challenges and limits the ability to appeal such decisions to the Court of Appeals without special permission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property tax laws to clarify how disabled veterans and their surviving spouses qualify for tax exemptions on their homes. It establishes specific criteria for eligibility based on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ratings and outlines a streamlined process where exemptions granted after January 1, 2025, remain in effect without needing annual reapplication. The legislation also introduces an audit program to verify eligibility every three years and defines clear rules for prorating tax exemptions when property ownership changes during the year.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules to align with the state's elimination of no-fault insurance. It requires car sharing programs to ensure that both vehicle owners and drivers maintain specific liability and property damage coverage during rental periods. The law clarifies that the car sharing company assumes liability for accidents unless the owner committed fraud or failed to return the vehicle properly. Additionally, the bill establishes that the car sharing program's insurance must act as primary coverage in case of disputes or if the owner's policy lapses.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to update the minimum liability insurance limits required for automobile policies in Michigan, affecting all vehicle owners and drivers in the state. It establishes new coverage thresholds that will take effect on July 1, 2027, raising the minimum protection for bodily injury and property damage compared to current standards. The legislation also mandates that insurers provide specific forms and pricing options to drivers who wish to purchase lower liability limits voluntarily, while ensuring these drivers acknowledge the associated risks. Additionally, the bill requires insurers to notify policyholders if they remove any coverages from an existing policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's auto insurance laws to allow drivers to keep their selected coverage levels, such as personal injury protection and collision, in effect for up to seven years if they stay with the same insurance company. It also updates provisions regarding health insurance exclusions by requiring insurers to offer premium discounts when a household has qualified health coverage that covers car accident injuries, while setting a 2027 deadline for these specific rules to expire. The legislation ties its effectiveness to the passage of three companion bills, meaning it will not become law unless those related measures are also approved.

Maddy summaryHB 5886 amends Michigan's no-fault insurance code to update definitions and requirements for various vehicles, including commercial quadricycles, electric bicycles, golf carts, mopeds, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles. The bill clarifies how these specific vehicle types are classified under the law and adjusts rules regarding who is considered an owner or registrant for insurance purposes. By refining these categories, the legislation aims to ensure insurance policies and registration requirements align more accurately with the characteristics and usage of modern and specialized vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Michigan state constitution to permanently extend a property tax relief measure for homeowners who sell their primary residences. Currently, selling a home triggers a full reassessment of its value, which often leads to a significant spike in property taxes for the new owner; this change would allow the new owner to keep the lower taxable value established under the existing cap rules. The relief applies only to homes that are continuously owned and used as a principal residence, meaning the tax advantage ends if the property is sold for investment purposes or converted to a non-residential use. By removing the automatic reset of taxable value upon transfer, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on families moving between primary homes.

Maddy summaryHB 4816 creates a new individual income tax credit for Michigan residents who invest in certain Michigan businesses. It directly affects Michigan taxpayers who make qualifying investments in eligible local companies. The bill adds a specific provision to Michigan's tax code allowing these investors to claim a credit against their state income tax. This credit aims to incentivize personal investment in Michigan-based businesses through a direct tax benefit.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new road usage charge for electric vehicles, self-charging hybrids, and plug-in hybrids in Michigan, starting on January 1, 2027. Vehicle owners can choose between paying a flat annual registration fee or a mileage-based tax that accounts for miles driven within the state. The mileage option requires owners to allow their vehicle's odometer data to be reported to the state, with penalties for tampering with odometers or misreporting mileage. Funds collected from these taxes will be used to administer the program or deposited into the state's transportation fund. The bill also sets rules for how the state will contract with a private company to manage the mileage tracking and billing system.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's vehicle registration laws, specifically affecting how electric vehicles are registered and what fees they must pay. It amends existing sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code to update registration procedures and fee structures for electric vehicles. The legislation would directly impact vehicle owners, dealers, and the state Department of Motor Vehicles by modifying how electric vehicle registrations are processed and fees are calculated. As a companion bill tied with HB 5765, it works alongside related legislation to establish new registration requirements for electric vehicles in Michigan.