Rep. Matt Longjohn

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2026 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout the state of Michigan. It directly affects state government entities and encourages all citizens to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific American residents. The measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of the community's cultural diversity and historical impact on the state, rather than implementing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month specifically within the state of Michigan. The resolution serves as a symbolic declaration to encourage residents to increase public awareness and support for individuals living with these conditions. It does not alter laws, allocate funding, or create new programs, but rather promotes education and prevention efforts through a formal state proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 14, 2026, as Hmong Special Guerrilla Units Veterans Remembrance Day in Michigan. It honors Hmong veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and later fled Laos as refugees. The resolution aims to recognize their historical contributions and sacrifices while promoting public awareness of their role in American history.

Maddy summaryHB 5581 sets a 500-square-foot minimum size requirement for new homes in Michigan, preventing local governments from imposing larger minimums through zoning ordinances. This directly affects homeowners, developers, and local municipalities that create zoning rules for residential construction. The bill amends Michigan’s zoning law by adding Section 205e, which explicitly prohibits zoning ordinances from requiring dwelling sizes greater than 500 square feet. It does not change other zoning regulations like land use types, building heights, or lot coverage. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Operations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5585 modifies Michigan's zoning laws to make it easier to add secondary housing units and mobile homes. It prohibits local zoning rules from implicitly excluding mobile homes based on aesthetics or materials not tied to public safety, directly affecting mobile home residents and developers. For accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units like backyard cottages - the bill automatically allows them in residential zones if they meet size limits (max 800 sq ft or 75% of the main house), maintain 5-foot setbacks, and are attached to or near an existing single-family home. ADUs under these rules no longer require public hearings or discretionary approval, and they do not count toward local density limits.

Maddy summaryHB 5582 limits local zoning rules for multifamily housing and mobile homes in Michigan. It prohibits municipalities from requiring more than one parking space per dwelling unit (including guest spaces) in multifamily residential developments, except where required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill also prevents residential zoning from excluding mobile homes - defined under state law - through aesthetic or material restrictions not tied to public safety. These changes directly affect developers building multifamily housing and mobile home residents in communities governed by Michigan's zoning laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5583 would limit local zoning rules in metro areas by prohibiting minimum setbacks for homes or outbuildings that exceed 15 feet from the front property line or 5 feet from rear/side lines. It allows up to 25 feet of setback only near specific environmental features: wetlands, lakes/streams, or the Great Lakes shoreline as defined by state law. The bill applies to all local governments located within or adjacent to a federally designated metropolitan statistical area. This change aims to simplify zoning for residential development in urban and suburban regions while maintaining environmental protections.

Maddy summaryHB 5584 allows duplexes to be built in any zoning district where single-family homes are permitted, directly affecting homeowners, developers, and local governments in Michigan. The bill requires local governments to treat duplexes the same as single-family homes for permitting and prohibits them from imposing restrictions that would prevent duplex construction - such as minimum unit size requirements, excessive parking mandates, or stricter design rules. It specifically bans requirements like lot coverage limits, setbacks, or height restrictions that would make duplexes impractical, while allowing reasonable, non-discriminatory rules. This policy change aims to increase housing options by making duplex development more accessible in single-family neighborhoods.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Fund to provide disability benefits to specific first responders and public safety workers who develop PTSD from work-related traumatic events. It allows eligible individuals, such as firefighters, police officers, and 911 dispatchers with at least five years of service, to suspend claims against their employers and instead seek compensation from the fund if they meet the criteria. The legislation establishes a legal presumption that the PTSD arose from employment, which can only be overturned by clear and convincing medical evidence proving non-work-related causes or an incorrect diagnosis. Additionally, the bill sets strict timelines for processing claims, requiring hearings within 90 days and decisions within 30 days, while also defining which high-stress situations qualify as traumatic events.

Maddy summaryHB 5942 amends state law to establish stricter rules for public utilities in Michigan when they seek to raise rates or change their pricing schedules. The bill requires gas, electric, and steam utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before implementing any rate increases that would cost customers more money. It mandates that utilities provide advance notice to all affected customers and hold public hearings to allow for input, while also setting specific deadlines for the commission to review and decide on these applications. Additionally, the legislation outlines a process for utilities to request temporary relief from rate hikes and specifies how refunds and interest must be handled if proposed rates are later rejected or reduced. These changes directly impact utility companies and their customers by creating a more transparent and regulated framework for rate adjustments.