Rep. Karen Whitsett

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for distributors of returnable beverage containers in Michigan, starting in the 2024 tax year. Eligible companies can claim a credit of $0.005 for each returnable container they sell, with the credit amount increasing annually based on the national Consumer Price Index. To receive the credit, distributors must submit specific reports to the state and can get a refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. The legislation applies to various business structures, including partnerships and corporations, and defines key terms by referencing existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 7, 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness Day throughout Michigan to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. The measure encourages citizens to wear orange on that date to raise awareness and remember Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager killed in a shooting incident. While the bill does not change laws or introduce new regulations, it formally recognizes the significance of the day and urges the community to support efforts to prevent gun violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Transformational Projects Authority within the state Department of Transportation to oversee and fund major transportation initiatives. The authority will be led by a five-member board appointed by the governor, with specific requirements for expertise in public transportation and balanced representation from different legislative leaders. It grants the power to award financial assistance, such as grants and loans, to public transportation providers and local governments for projects that meet specific eligibility criteria based on regional population sizes. The legislation also establishes the rules for how the authority operates independently of the department director while remaining under the director's overall budget and procurement supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Michigan Mobility Trust Fund within the state treasury to support transportation projects. It allows the state treasurer to accept money from various sources, including existing tax revenues, and directs that all interest earned on these investments be added to the fund. Money in the fund will not be lost at the end of each fiscal year but will remain available for future use. The bill designates the Transformational Projects Authority as the administrator responsible for auditing and spending the fund, but only after a specific appropriation is made. This legislation does not take effect unless several other related bills are also passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Michigan distributes revenue collected from the corporate income tax, establishing a specific allocation plan for the years 2025 through 2035. Under the new rules, funds are prioritized to support the general fund, housing initiatives, local revitalization projects, transportation improvements, and economic development programs before any remaining money goes back to the general fund. The legislation also repeals an older section of the tax act and includes a condition that it will only become effective if several related bills are passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Mental Health Code to officially include physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists in the legal definition of mental health professionals. By amending multiple sections of the existing law, the legislation allows these advanced practice providers to perform certain examinations and deliver services that were previously restricted to other types of licensed clinicians. The change directly affects mental health service providers, patients, and the regulatory framework governing who can deliver care under the state's mental health system.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 19-25, 2024, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Michigan to honor the contributions of first responders, paramedics, and other healthcare providers. It encourages communities across the state to hold programs and ceremonies during this period to recognize the vital work of these professionals. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of emergency medical services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the challenges faced by children in the foster care system and to honor the volunteers and professionals who support them. The measure does not create new laws or change state policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage public engagement and awareness. By recognizing the importance of stability, family reunification, and support for youth aging out of care, the bill aims to draw attention to the ongoing needs of these children.