Rep. Rachelle Smit

Maddy summaryHB 4602 amends Michigan's election law to give local election boards (counties, cities, townships, villages, and school districts) direct control over creating test materials for electronic voting systems. It prevents the Secretary of State from restricting local boards' use of different test sources or allowing a single vendor to control test creation. The bill requires transparent, publicly understandable testing procedures that don't rely on proprietary systems, ensuring tests can be replicated without secret methods. This directly affects jurisdictions using electronic voting systems by changing how they verify voting machine accuracy before elections.

Maddy summaryHB 4846 creates a new, faster process for property owners to remove squatters (unlawful occupants) from residential properties without a court hearing. Owners or their agents must submit a verified complaint to the sheriff detailing that the occupant is not a tenant, family member, or owner and has been asked to leave. The sheriff then serves an immediate notice to vacate, removes occupants (possibly arresting them for trespass), and allows owners to change locks with sheriff assistance (at owner cost). Wrongfully removed occupants can sue for triple the fair market rent of the dwelling, plus attorney fees, with courts prioritizing these cases. This procedure does not replace standard eviction processes for lease violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4698 modifies Michigan's Home Rule Village Act to change when village officials' terms begin. It requires that terms for officers elected after December 31, 2024, start at 12 noon on December 1 following the election, overriding any charter provisions that would set an earlier start date. The bill also mandates that individuals elected to fill vacancies cannot take the oath of office until election results are certified by the board of canvassers. This applies to all Michigan villages with elected officials under the Home Rule Village Act.

Maddy summaryHB 4024 requires public K-12 schools to restrict student access to restrooms and changing areas based on biological sex. This policy directly affects all students in these schools, particularly those whose gender identity does not align with their biological sex. The bill establishes new requirements for schools to enforce this policy, mandating that facility access be determined by biological sex rather than gender identity. It passed the legislature with immediate effect on September 9, 2025, and is now in force.

Maddy summaryHB 4699 changes the start date for terms of elected township officers in Michigan. For officers elected after December 31, 2024, terms will begin at 12 noon on December 1 following the election (previously November 20). The bill also updates vacancy procedures, requiring township boards to fill vacancies within 45 days or triggering a special election if unaddressed. This affects all township officers, including trustees and supervisors, across Michigan by standardizing when they assume office.

Maddy summaryHR 160 is a ceremonial House resolution congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first American-born pope. It recognizes his historic significance for American Catholics and commends his lifetime of service, humility, and commitment to pastoral care. The resolution does not enact policy or affect any individuals or groups; it is purely symbolic. It was introduced and adopted by the House on September 3, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summaryHB 4707 prohibits Michigan cities, townships, and the state from using ranked choice voting in any election. The bill amends Michigan's election law to explicitly ban this voting method, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, and voids any existing local ordinances permitting it. It applies to all elections, including those for local offices, and defines "ranked choice voting" as any system where voters can select more than one candidate for a single position. The bill passed the House on August 20, 2025, with 57 votes in favor, and now awaits further action in the committee on Elections and Ethics.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR K) proposes allowing either Michigan legislative house to suspend a member's salary or expense allowance by a two-thirds vote when the member acts unethically or is excessively absent from regular sessions. It amends Article IV, Sections 12 and 16 of the state constitution to establish this process, requiring the house to document the suspension reason in its journal with voting records. The change directly affects state legislators who face disciplinary action for misconduct or attendance issues. If approved, this would give legislative bodies a formal mechanism to withhold compensation for specific violations, rather than relying solely on expulsion.

Maddy summaryHB 4081 allows counties and municipalities in Michigan to set higher limits than the current state cap on the number of separate land parcels created when dividing a single property. It amends state law (MCL 560.108) that previously limited most land divisions to 12 parcels. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and property owners by giving communities more flexibility to manage land use and development density. This change removes the state-imposed cap, enabling local authorities to establish their own parcel limits based on community needs.

Maddy summaryHB 4756 amends Michigan's Capitol Historic Site Act to allow licensed individuals (including those with out-of-state permits) to carry concealed pistols inside the state capitol building. It specifically requires that such individuals present their concealed pistol license to capitol security officers or legislative sergeants at arms upon request. This bill directly affects licensed gun carriers who currently face restrictions within the capitol building. The change removes the existing prohibition on concealed carry in the capitol, aligning with the commission's role in managing the site without restricting licensed carry.