Rep. Brad Paquette

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4475 proposes to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's vaccination status or whether they possess an "immunity passport." It would prevent state or local governmental entities, private universities, and community colleges from denying services, goods, educational opportunities, healthcare, or employment for these reasons. Employers would also be prohibited from discriminating against individuals in hiring, termination, or terms of employment due to vaccination status. The bill includes specific exceptions, such as for certain child care organizations, federal contractors, and regulated entities whose funding depends on compliance with federal health regulations. Additionally, it allows vaccination requirements for employees in roles with direct exposure to infectious materials or in public health/medical settings where vaccinations are necessary for their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to connect hunting and fishing license processes with voter registration. It requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its authorized license sellers to make voter registration applications available to individuals applying for resident hunting, fishing, or fur harvester's licenses. While these locations must display and may offer the applications, staff are prohibited from assisting with completion or collecting the forms. Additionally, the DNR's website must provide a link to the state's online voter registration application for those applying digitally.

Maddy summaryHB 4283 amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act to allow electricity generated from Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) generators to count toward meeting the state's renewable energy portfolio standards. This change directly affects electric providers, including cooperatives and multistate utilities, that must meet specific renewable energy targets. The bill adds a new provision specifying that RICE-generated electricity can be used as renewable energy credits toward compliance. This provides electric providers with an additional compliance option for meeting the state's renewable energy requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4233 prohibits foreign entities (including foreign governments, corporations, or individuals) from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Michigan, with limited exceptions. Current foreign owners may retain existing farmland but cannot buy additional land, and all foreign-owned agricultural land must be registered with the Secretary of State within 60 days, including location, acreage, and ownership details. Exceptions allow land acquired through inheritance (if sold within two years), security interests, or legal processes like foreclosure (if sold within two years and not used for non-farming purposes). Violations trigger court action by the Attorney General, requiring foreign owners to divest the land within two years.

Maddy summaryHB 4007 amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act (2008 PA 295) by expanding the definition of "clean energy system" to include natural gas plants using carbon capture and storage (at least 90% effective) and certain existing natural gas facilities that can meet clean energy standards by 2030 through carbon capture and removal technologies. This change directly affects electric providers required to meet the state's clean energy standard, as it broadens the types of energy sources that qualify toward their compliance targets. The bill specifies that carbon capture must permanently store carbon dioxide (excluding enhanced oil recovery), and permits for new facilities may require higher capture rates if deemed necessary under federal standards. This definition update provides additional pathways for natural gas projects to count toward Michigan's clean energy goals.

Maddy summaryHB 4430 would amend Michigan's Income Tax Act to create a new refundable income tax credit for taxpayers. This credit would be available for each "qualified dependent" claimed by the taxpayer. A qualified dependent must be between 5 and 18 years old, not enrolled in a public school, and demonstrate proficiency in reading and math for their grade level. The credit amount would be equal to the state's "target foundation allowance" for the relevant school year.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4340 amends Michigan's social welfare act to establish new eligibility requirements for state programs. The bill prohibits individuals from receiving services, grants, or participating in programs under this act unless they are a United States citizen or a "qualified alien." The term "qualified alien" refers to specific immigration statuses as defined by federal law. This restriction applies to state social welfare programs, with exceptions if federal law dictates otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 4341 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. It adds a new section that restricts eligibility for services, grants, or participation in programs under the act. Unless otherwise provided by federal law, individuals must be either a United States citizen or a "qualified alien" to receive these benefits. The bill defines "qualified alien" by referencing an existing federal statute (8 USC 1641).

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4342 amends Michigan's state revenue sharing act, introducing a new condition for withholding state funds from local governments. Beginning October 1, 2025, the state treasurer would withhold all revenue sharing payments from any city, village, township, or county. This would occur if the local government enacts or enforces a law, ordinance, policy, or rule that violates the "local government sanctuary policy prohibition act" or the "county law enforcement protection act." Payments would be withheld for as long as the violating policy remains in effect. This bill is tied to the enactment of House Bills 4338 and 4339.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 88 declares May 6-12, 2025, as National Nurses Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution officially recognizes the contributions of nurses across the state.