Rep. Steve Carra

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify firearm transport rules for individuals in areas frequented by wild animals. It maintains the requirement that hunters generally need a license to carry firearms in wildlife areas but explicitly allows licensed concealed pistol carriers and those with specific legal exemptions to transport loaded pistols. The bill also clarifies that these transport provisions do not authorize individuals to hunt wild animals without proper hunting licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates legal references in Michigan's Corrections Code to align with current criminal statutes, specifically modernizing citations for various firearm-related offenses. It directly affects prisoners convicted of crimes listed in the bill, such as those involving illegal possession or use of firearms, by clarifying the legal sections they are subject to under parole eligibility rules. The bill does not change parole eligibility requirements themselves but ensures the referenced criminal codes are correctly cited in the corrections law. It includes a provision that requires another related bill to pass first before this update takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5210 allows commercial fishing license holders to list multiple vessels on a single license instead of requiring separate licenses for each boat. Licensees can add or remove vessels anytime by providing written notice to the department. The bill also clarifies rules for transferring licenses when boats are sold, damaged, or lost, including fee adjustments for larger vessels or non-resident transfers. All vessels listed under one license must operate within 50 miles of the originally designated port.

Maddy summaryHB 5535 would allow plumbing inspectors to provide plumbing services without violating state law. Currently, plumbing inspectors (registered under Article 10) are prohibited from engaging in the plumbing business, such as installing pipes or selling materials, due to potential conflicts with their inspection duties. The bill amends Section 1123 of Michigan's Skilled Trades Regulation Act to remove this prohibition, permitting inspectors to work for or own plumbing businesses. This change directly affects local plumbing inspectors who wish to operate in both roles simultaneously.

Maddy summaryHB 5519 lowers Michigan's individual income tax rate to 3.9% for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, replacing the current 4.25% rate. This change applies to all Michigan residents who pay state income tax on their earnings. The bill amends Section 51 of the Income Tax Act to implement this rate reduction, which follows a temporary 4.25% rate period through 2025. This policy directly reduces the tax burden for individual taxpayers starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5493 regulates how state and local law enforcement agencies use automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems. It prohibits most ALPR use except for specific purposes like checking for stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, uninsured vehicles, or active criminal investigations. The bill requires agencies to delete captured plate data within 14 days (unless used as evidence or for ongoing investigations), adopt public policies on ALPR use, and submit quarterly usage reports. It directly affects police departments and other government entities that operate ALPR systems, limiting their data collection and retention practices.

Maddy summaryHB 5492, the "regulating automatic license plate readers act," sets rules for private entities operating automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems, requiring them to preserve captured license plate data for 14 days when law enforcement or a criminal defendant requests it with a specific written statement. The bill prohibits using the data as evidence in court if disclosure would violate the act, mandates data destruction after 14 days if not used, and allows individuals to sue for violations and recover at least $1,000 in damages or actual damages plus legal fees. Vehicle owners' data is protected from public disclosure without consent, except under a court order or warrant, and cannot be accessed by law enforcement without a warrant or specific preservation request.

Maddy summaryHB 4980 amends Michigan's concealed pistol licensing law to allow applicants to file their license applications with *any* county clerk in the state where they reside, rather than requiring filing only in their county of residence. This change directly affects Michigan residents seeking concealed carry permits, simplifying the initial application process. The bill modifies Section 5b of the state's firearms licensing act (MCL 28.425b) to remove the residency county restriction, while maintaining all other requirements like fingerprinting, background checks, fees ($100), and training documentation. It does not alter eligibility criteria, fees, or processing timelines - only the location where applications must be submitted. The bill is pending in the Judiciary Committee as introduced on September 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5466 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to limit emergency orders restricting patient visitation in healthcare facilities to a maximum of 30 days after an epidemic declaration. It specifically requires that after this 30-day period, healthcare facilities must allow "LINDA" (loved individuals need dedicated attention) visitation for patients with cognitive impairments, including family members, patient advocates, or designated attorneys-in-fact. The bill establishes safety measures like prescreening or visit duration limits for these visitors while ensuring facilities maintain safe operations. This directly affects hospitals, assisted living facilities, and physician offices during public health emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 4284 lowers the fee for renewing a concealed pistol license in Michigan from $115 to $30. It requires license holders to pay this fee when renewing, with $36 of each fee going to the county's concealed pistol licensing fund and the remainder to the state. The bill adds online and mail application options through the State Police, which will process renewals and issue digital receipts that serve as temporary licenses during processing. These receipts must include specific details like the applicant's ID number and a notice that they are valid until the renewal is finalized. The bill directly affects Michigan residents holding or seeking to renew concealed carry licenses.