Rep. Pauline Wendzel

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates private residence vertical lifts in Michigan by updating state elevator laws to include specific safety standards for these devices. It requires that any private residence vertical lift be certified as safe by a nationally recognized testing laboratory using specific American Society of Mechanical Engineers standards. The legislation also clarifies that these lifts do not need a traditional hoistway, pit, or machine room if they are installed according to manufacturer specifications and meet performance-based safety requirements. This change directly affects homeowners and contractors who install or maintain vertical lifts in private residences.

Maddy summaryHB 4421 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) agents to obtain a warrant or the property owner's consent before entering private property for enforcement activities. It explicitly states that the "open fields doctrine" (which typically allows warrantless searches in open areas) does not apply to DEGLE searches. This change directly affects DEGLE enforcement officers and property owners/occupants by imposing standard warrant requirements for all searches on private land. The policy shift ensures DEGLE must follow similar procedural rules as law enforcement when conducting inspections or investigations on private property.

Maddy summaryHR 195 is a resolution opposing Michigan's proposed Health Education Standards Framework. It urges the Michigan Department of Education to redraft the standards or the Michigan State Board of Education to reject them, specifically requesting the exclusion of content related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation from health education standards. The resolution cites parental rights and existing law requiring local control and opt-out provisions for sex education as justification. It directly targets state education officials, not students or schools, and serves as a non-binding request for policy revision.

Maddy summaryHB 4124 creates a tax credit for Michigan corporations that spend money on research and development for advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). It directly affects companies developing this specific type of nuclear technology within the state. The bill adds new sections to Michigan's tax code, allowing businesses to claim a credit against their corporate income tax for qualifying R&D expenses related to SMRs. This policy change aims to incentivize investment in emerging nuclear energy technology within Michigan. The bill passed the House on October 28, 2025, with 78 yeas and 26 nays.

Maddy summaryHB 4422 raises the fees that licensed liquor distribution agents must pay to the state for operating under the current system. It directly affects authorized liquor distributors who hold state licenses to handle and sell alcoholic beverages. The bill increases the existing fee structure outlined in MCL 436.1205 without altering distribution rules or requirements. This change applies immediately following the bill's passage, as noted in the House vote.

Maddy summaryHB 4787 would exempt utility companies' replacement electric distribution infrastructure from general property taxes after December 31, 2025, if the infrastructure replaces older systems. To qualify, owners must apply annually by March 1 to local assessors and submit detailed reports by March 31 each year, including location, description of the replaced infrastructure, and safety/reliability improvements. The exemption depends on another bill (HB 4788) being enacted first. This directly affects electric utilities upgrading their aging infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 4363 repeals the 2024 PA 68 "Homeowners' Energy Policy Act" (MCL 559.301-559.317), which was a law governing energy policies for homeowners. This bill removes the specific legal provisions established by the 2024 act without creating new policies or affecting any groups beyond the repeal of those sections. It is a straightforward procedural measure to eliminate the existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 4709 prohibits the construction of commercial wind turbines for electricity production in the Great Lakes or their connecting waters, and bans operating any such turbines built in violation of this rule. It directly affects commercial wind energy developers planning projects in these waters, preventing new installations. The bill also states that renewable energy credits cannot be issued for electricity generated by prohibited turbines, and allows the attorney general to seek court injunctions to stop violations. This amendment adds a specific environmental protection measure to Michigan's Clean Energy Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for individuals charged with crimes who were victims of human trafficking. It allows defendants to argue that their criminal act was a direct result of being trafficked, applying to both felony and misdemeanor charges under Michigan law. To use this defense, the defendant must prove it by a "preponderance of evidence" (more likely than not). The bill amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to include this provision, directly affecting trafficking victims facing criminal charges for acts committed under coercion.

Maddy summaryHB 4205 amends Section 1111 of Michigan's Liquor Control Code (MCL 289.1111) regarding the definition of "qualified premises" for liquor licenses. The bill aims to update eligibility criteria for locations seeking liquor licenses, which would directly affect businesses (like restaurants or retail stores) applying for or renewing such permits. The specific changes to the "qualified premises" definition are not detailed in the provided context, as the bill only references the amended statute. Without further description of the proposed definition changes, a complete policy summary cannot be provided. This is a substantive bill, not procedural, but the core mechanism remains unspecified in the available information.