Rep. Brad Paquette

Maddy summaryHB 4584 would require school districts in Michigan to hold millage elections (for property tax increases or bond measures) only on November regular election dates starting January 1, 2026. This applies to school districts seeking voter approval for borrowing money, increasing millage rates, or establishing bonds, limiting their options to November elections instead of other dates. The bill amends election law sections to enforce this scheduling rule, with exceptions for special circumstances like vacancies or constitutional amendments. It directly affects school districts and voters in communities holding such elections, ensuring these votes align with the November statewide election cycle. The change takes effect after a 2025 legislative session and is tied to broader property tax law provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4583 amends Michigan's property tax law to clarify ballot requirements for millage elections and limit election timing. It requires clear disclosure on ballots about millage rates, estimated revenue, duration, purpose, and whether it's a renewal or new tax (Section 24f). After December 31, 2025, local governments must hold all millage proposals (new taxes or increases) exclusively during November elections, with limited exceptions for school districts (Section 24f(4)). This bill directly affects cities, counties, school districts, and other local taxing units that seek voter approval for property tax levies, ensuring voters receive standardized information before voting.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Huron River leafhopper as the official state insect of Michigan. It directly affects the state's symbolic representation by formally recognizing this specific insect species. The legislation creates a new act that officially names the insect without changing any existing laws or regulations. This symbolic designation honors the insect's presence in Michigan's natural environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's lobbying laws to clarify definitions and restrictions on lobbyists and lobbyist agents providing food or beverages to legislators. It directly affects individuals and organizations engaged in lobbying activities by updating how expenditures, lobbying actions, and lobbyist classifications are defined under state law. The key provisions include revised thresholds for what constitutes a lobbyist based on spending amounts, exclusions for certain public employees from lobbyist status, and clarifications on what activities count as lobbying versus providing technical information. The bill also updates definitions of related terms like "expenditure," "financial transaction," and "governmental body" to ensure consistency across the lobbying regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5450 amends Michigan's Food Law to prohibit local governments (counties, cities, villages, or townships) from charging fees, taxes, or assessments for the operation of mobile food establishments, such as food trucks. This directly affects food truck operators by eliminating an additional cost imposed by local jurisdictions. The bill achieves this by modifying Section 3113 of the Food Law to explicitly ban such fees, while still requiring compliance with state-mandated fire inspections and licensing under existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings for becoming the all-time leading scorer among United States-born players in National Hockey League history. It recognizes his achievement of surpassing Mike Modano's record of 1,374 career points and acknowledges his numerous awards and contributions to the sport. The bill formally honors Kane's legacy and congratulates him on this milestone while noting his residence in Michigan and his philanthropic work.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to update penalties and exemptions related to firearm possession, particularly within school zones. It modifies existing laws to clarify when individuals, such as licensed concealed carry permit holders and certain security personnel, are exempt from school zone restrictions. The legislation also adjusts penalties for altering firearm markings and expands exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and school security employees. Additionally, it provides specific exceptions for transporting unloaded firearms in vehicles under certain conditions, such as hunting trips or moving between residences.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines for firearms-related crimes by modernizing references to existing laws. It directly affects individuals charged with firearm offenses and legal professionals who apply sentencing rules. The legislation amends specific sections of the state's criminal procedure code to ensure current legal citations are accurate and consistent. No new penalties or restrictions are introduced; the changes are purely administrative to align with prior legislative updates.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's firearm licensing laws by modernizing references to other statutes and clarifying requirements for obtaining a license to purchase, carry, possess, or transport firearms. It directly affects individuals seeking firearm licenses, law enforcement agencies issuing those licenses, and the Department of State Police administering the program. The key provision requires licensing authorities to issue licenses to qualified applicants without unnecessary delay, while specifying that applicants must meet criteria such as being at least 18 or 21 years old, being a legal Michigan resident, and not being subject to certain protective orders or mental health restrictions. The bill also maintains existing rules prohibiting unlicensed firearm transactions and outlines procedures for licensing military personnel returning to Michigan.

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.