Rep. Brad Paquette

Maddy summaryHB 4202 amends Michigan's income tax code to update deductions for retirement benefits and education-related payments. It specifically adjusts the maximum deductible amount for retirement/pension benefits (currently $42,240 for singles/$84,480 for couples) to automatically increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index, and clarifies rules for deducting payments made to Michigan's education trust for tuition. The bill affects Michigan taxpayers who claim these deductions, particularly retirees and those using education trust programs. It does not create a new "fetus exemption" (a misstatement in the bill title), but refines existing tax code provisions for retirement income and education savings. The bill is currently in committee after its March 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires K-5 teachers and literacy support staff in Michigan to complete specific professional training focused on reading and literacy instruction by the 2029-2030 school year. The legislation designates a single state-approved provider to deliver the training, which must cover evidence-based reading methods, assessment strategies, and a multitiered system of supports for addressing learning difficulties. School districts must report annual compliance data to the state department, which will publish public reports on implementation progress and recommend funding adjustments as needed. The training includes mandatory components on phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and data-driven decision-making, with phased implementation beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 4750 requires Michigan's foster care department to use or save existing benefits (such as Medicaid or education funds) for children in foster care when it serves their best interests, directly affecting all children in the state's foster care system. The bill amends Michigan's foster care law to mandate this approach, ensuring benefits are prioritized for the child's well-being rather than other uses. Key provisions include adding a new section (8f) to the existing law, directing the department to make decisions based on each child's specific needs. This policy change clarifies how resources must be managed without specifying new funding or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5153 clarifies the process for homeowners to buy back their property after a foreclosure auction by specifying exactly what costs must be paid to redeem it. The bill requires homeowners to cover mortgage interest, sheriff fees, property taxes, insurance premiums, and association dues (if paid by the buyer) to reclaim their home, with interest applied from the date of payment. It also allows certain county registers of deeds (in larger counties) to calculate the total redemption amount upon request, charging a $50 fee for this service. This directly affects homeowners facing foreclosure who seek to regain ownership before the sale becomes final.

Maddy summaryHB 5152 modifies Michigan's foreclosure process by requiring sellers to provide a specific "notice of rights" when selling a home after a foreclosure notice is filed but before the sale auction. This notice must inform sellers they are waiving three key rights: the right to reclaim the property by paying off the mortgage during the redemption period, the right to remain in the home during that period, and the right to receive any surplus funds if the home sells for more than the mortgage balance. The bill also mandates that if a foreclosure sale is canceled, the canceling party must record this notice with the county register of deeds within 30 days. These changes directly affect homeowners facing foreclosure who sell their property before the auction and buyers purchasing such properties.

Maddy summaryHB 4703 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover group prenatal care services for policyholders. This directly affects health insurers offering coverage in the state and pregnant individuals seeking prenatal care. The bill defines "group prenatal care services" as evidence-based, group-based visits that include health assessments, social support, education, and peer interaction in a family-centered setting. Insurers must now provide this coverage for group prenatal care under their health insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4704 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (like Medicaid) to cover group prenatal care services starting from its effective date. This directly affects pregnant individuals enrolled in Michigan's medical assistance program by making evidence-based group prenatal care available at no extra cost. The bill defines "group prenatal care" as a series of visits in a group setting that includes health assessments, social support, education, and peer interaction in a family-centered environment. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services must add this coverage to the program under Section 109t of the Social Welfare Act.

Maddy summaryHB 5145 changes documentation requirements for Michigan's public assistance programs, including food assistance. It replaces self-attestation with verifiable documents for applicants to prove identity (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate), income (e.g., pay stub, tax return), and Michigan residency (e.g., utility bill, lease). The bill requires applicants to upload these documents via the MI Bridges online portal before eligibility is determined. It also mandates that the department use alternative verification methods if documents are missing, rather than automatically denying benefits. This bill directly affects individuals applying for or renewing public assistance benefits in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to expand Michigan's medical assistance program to cover transportation services for individuals with behavioral health needs. It requires the state department to pay for these transport costs for eligible people and mandates that transport providers follow existing mental health code regulations. The legislation defines behavioral health transport as travel to and from treatment facilities and specifies that only approved agencies can provide this service. Importantly, the bill will not become law unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5943.