Rep. Brad Paquette

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to voluntarily release documents and information regarding her past work with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), specifically concerning the organization's alleged payments to extremist groups. The bill is based on a federal indictment that accuses the SPLC of fraudulently diverting donor money to fund individuals associated with hate groups while claiming to fight them. It highlights Benson's previous roles as an undercover investigator and board member at the SPLC during the period of the alleged misconduct, suggesting she may possess unique knowledge of these operations. The resolution calls for her to publicly address her involvement to ensure transparency and avoid any appearance of impropriety, citing her prior refusal to comply with a separate subpoena as a reason for this request.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments in Michigan, such as cities and counties, from creating or enforcing taxes and regulations based on carbon emissions, energy consumption, or vehicle miles traveled. It defines these restricted measures broadly to include fees on greenhouse gases, specific fuel types, and mandatory emissions trading programs. If passed, any existing local rules violating these restrictions would become invalid, and local entities would be barred from using public funds to defend such policies in court. The legislation also allows individuals to sue to stop the implementation of these prohibited local measures and grants them the right to recover legal fees if they win the case.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 5811 mandates that physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses complete one hour of continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health every three years to renew their medical licenses. This requirement applies to all license renewals and must be based on scientifically objective clinical evidence covering topics such as the health impacts of ultraprocessed foods, the benefits of whole foods for reversing conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, and methods for counseling patients on lifestyle changes. The bill directs the state health board to create specific rules outlining these educational standards, ensuring that medical professionals receive training on diet, sleep, and exercise as part of their ongoing professional development.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a select committee to investigate the Interlochen Center for the Arts and its connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The committee would be tasked with examining the relationship between the arts center and the individual, potentially leading to further inquiries or recommendations. The measure is currently under consideration by the Michigan House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryHB 5537 prohibits the production, sale, or offering for sale of kratom (including all parts of the Mitragyna speciose plant and synthetic variants like 7-hydroxymitragynine) in Michigan. It directly affects businesses and individuals selling kratom products, imposing misdemeanor penalties that escalate based on severity: up to 90 days in jail and $5,000 fines for first offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat violations or sales to minors. Sales to anyone under 18 carry enhanced penalties, including up to one year in jail and $10,000 fines for first offenses. The law defines "kratom" broadly to cover all plant parts, extracts, and synthetic forms, making these activities illegal under Michigan's penal code.

Maddy summaryHB 5340 requires all Michigan state agencies to accept cash payments alongside other payment methods (like credit cards or online payments) without charging extra fees. It directly affects state agencies that collect payments (such as tax offices or license bureaus) and people who pay them, particularly those without access to digital payment options. The bill amends Michigan's Management and Budget Act to mandate cash acceptance as a standard practice, ensuring no additional cost for using cash. This is a procedural change focused on payment accessibility, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summaryHB 5234 modifies Michigan's vehicle code to change how law enforcement agencies can use fees collected from salvage vehicle inspections. Specifically, it updates Section 217c of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.217c) to expand allowable uses for these fee revenues. The bill directly affects local law enforcement agencies that collect these inspection fees, allowing them to allocate funds toward equipment, training, or other operational needs previously restricted. This is a procedural funding adjustment with no new tax or mandate.

Maddy summaryHB 4429, the "Digital Age Assurance Act," requires device makers, operating systems, and app stores to verify user age and restrict access to mature content (sexually explicit material defined under federal law) for minors. It mandates that companies block mature content for users under 18, obtain parental consent for users under 16 before app downloads, and provide parental control tools for managing minors' online activity. Online services must also block mature content when they know a user is under 18 and display disclaimers for non-mature content. The Attorney General enforces the law, allowing 45 days to fix violations before imposing civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant food and agriculture industry. The resolution highlights the sector's economic contributions, including over 805,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue from various crops like cherries, apples, and soybeans. It serves as a commemorative measure with no operational changes, encouraging citizens to celebrate the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy.

Maddy summaryHB 4163, titled the "Defend the Guard Act," prohibits the Michigan National Guard from being deployed to active combat without specific congressional authorization. It requires that the Michigan National Guard and its members cannot be released into active duty combat unless Congress passes a formal declaration of war or takes action under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to call the militia for specific purposes (enforcing federal law, suppressing insurrection, or repelling invasion). The governor must take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with this requirement. The bill is conditional on the enactment of companion bill HB 4164.