Rep. Steve Carra

Maddy summaryHB 4081 allows counties and municipalities in Michigan to set higher limits than the current state cap on the number of separate land parcels created when dividing a single property. It amends state law (MCL 560.108) that previously limited most land divisions to 12 parcels. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and property owners by giving communities more flexibility to manage land use and development density. This change removes the state-imposed cap, enabling local authorities to establish their own parcel limits based on community needs.

Maddy summaryHB 4751 would remove "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression" from the list of protected characteristics under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. This change would eliminate legal protections against discrimination based on these factors in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. The bill amends multiple sections of the Act (including Sections 102, 202, and 203) to delete these categories from the prohibited grounds for discrimination. If enacted, it would directly affect LGBTQ+ individuals who previously could seek legal recourse for discrimination based on these characteristics. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on July 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4753 amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to restore protections for employees regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and termination of pregnancy by removing a 2023 exclusion that previously excluded "nontherapeutic abortion not intended to save the life of the mother." It directly affects employees and employers covered by the act, ensuring pregnancy-related conditions - including termination of pregnancy - are treated as protected categories under anti-discrimination law. The key provision redefines "sex" in Section 201 to include pregnancy termination without the 2023 exception, and updates Section 202 to prohibit employment discrimination based on these conditions. This bill reverses a prior amendment, restoring the original language that explicitly covered pregnancy-related medical conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 4752 defines "conversion therapy" in Michigan's Mental Health Code to prohibit mental health professionals from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill specifically clarifies that this definition excludes counseling supporting gender transition, providing acceptance, or facilitating identity exploration without seeking to alter orientation or identity. It amends Section 100a of the Mental Health Code (MCL 330.1100a) to include this definition, directly affecting mental health providers working with children and adolescents. This is a definitional change, not a new restriction, aimed at clarifying legal standards for mental health services involving minors.

Maddy summaryHB 4737 gradually reduces Michigan's corporate income tax rate over time. It sets a schedule where the rate starts at 6.0% for business activity before October 1, 2025, then steps down to 5.5% in 2025-2026, 5.25% in 2026-2027, 5.0% in 2027-2028, 4.75% in 2028-2029, 4.5% in 2029-2030, and finally 4.25% starting October 1, 2030. The bill directly affects corporations conducting business in Michigan, applying these changing rates to their taxable income base. It does not alter the tax base calculations or other provisions of the corporate income tax code.

Maddy summaryHB 4516 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to clarify when workers lose eligibility for benefits due to leaving jobs. It shifts the burden of proof to claimants to prove they left work "involuntarily" for employer-related reasons, rather than assuming voluntary departure. The bill adds specific exceptions where benefits aren't charged to employers, including for domestic violence victims, military spouses relocating due to service, and part-time workers switching employers. These changes directly affect unemployed workers applying for benefits who left their jobs, ensuring clearer standards for disqualification and employer accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 4426 amends Michigan's Motor Carrier Safety Act (MCL 480.12d) to set a minimum age of 21 for drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards under federal rules. It maintains the existing 18-year-old minimum for most commercial driving but specifically raises the age requirement for hazardous materials transport. The bill does not change medical waiver or grandfathered driver provisions. This change directly affects commercial drivers operating in Michigan who transport hazardous materials requiring placards.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the Michigan Governor to call a special election to fill the vacancy in the 35th Senate District, which has been unfilled since January 3, 2025. The vacancy occurred after Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned to take a U.S. Congressional seat, as required by Michigan law (MCL 168.178). The resolution cites the state constitution and election law, which mandate the Governor issue writs to fill legislative vacancies. It directly affects hundreds of thousands of residents in the 35th District who currently lack representation in the state Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 4652 requires Michigan's governor to announce a special election date to fill a vacant legislative seat within 30 days of the vacancy occurring, and to hold that election within 180 days. This bill directly affects state senators and representatives whose seats become vacant during their term, as it sets strict deadlines for filling those positions. The key mechanism establishes clear timeframes for the governor to act, replacing previous flexibility with fixed deadlines under Michigan's election law. It amends sections 178, 634, and 641 of the Michigan Election Code to enforce these timelines. The bill does not change how vacancies may be filled at the next general election if the governor chooses that option.

Maddy summaryHB 4653 sets specific timelines for holding special elections to fill vacant legislative seats in Michigan. It requires the governor to announce the special election date within 30 days of a vacancy occurring and mandates that the election be held no later than 180 days after the vacancy begins. The bill directly affects voters in districts with vacancies and the governor's office, establishing clear deadlines for the election process. This procedural bill amends Michigan's election law to standardize the timeline for filling legislative vacancies, ensuring elections occur within defined windows.