Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the section of Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act that previously allowed for expedited permitting of large-scale solar, wind, and energy storage facilities. By removing these specific provisions, the legislation effectively eliminates the special zoning exemptions and streamlined approval processes that were designed to accelerate the development of such projects. The bill does not alter other parts of the energy law, meaning requirements for renewable energy programs, net metering, and utility responsibilities remain unchanged. Its primary impact is to revert the regulatory framework for large-scale renewable infrastructure to the standard permitting procedures that existed before the 2018 amendments.
Rep. Rachelle Smit
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5858 seeks to remove a specific provision that would have required local zoning laws to comply with the clean and renewable energy and energy waste reduction act. The bill does not alter the existing text of the zoning enabling act, which currently already includes the clean and renewable energy act among several other state laws that local governments must follow. By deleting this redundant requirement, the legislation aims to streamline the legal framework governing land use without changing the actual rules for zoning or energy projects. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been enacted.
Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges the President to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the Remain in Mexico program, which was previously used to process migrants from Mexico. The bill asks the administration to return asylum seekers who do not meet immediate entry requirements to Mexico while their immigration cases are processed in U.S. courts. Supporters argue that this policy helps reduce the number of people crossing the southern border and eases the burden on immigration authorities. The resolution does not change any laws directly but serves as a formal request to the executive branch to restore a policy that ended in 2022.
Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress to pass a law that would temporarily freeze the minimum wage required for H-2A temporary foreign agricultural workers in Michigan. It directly affects Michigan farmers who rely on this program to staff their operations due to a shortage of domestic labor. The bill proposes keeping the wage rate set at $18.50 per hour through the end of 2025, rather than allowing it to increase annually. Supporters argue that freezing this rate will help reduce rising farm costs and prevent potential farm closures.
Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as Dairy Month in Michigan to honor the state's dairy industry and its economic and nutritional contributions. The measure highlights the sector's role in providing jobs, producing milk, and supporting public health through nutritious food products. By adopting this declaration, the legislative body aims to raise awareness about the importance of dairy in a balanced diet without proposing any changes to existing laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to designate the AR-15 rifle as the official state rifle of Michigan. It achieves this by adding a single line to the state code that formally recognizes the firearm under this specific title. The legislation does not alter existing laws regarding gun ownership, sales, or use, nor does it create new regulations. Its primary effect is symbolic, aiming to establish the AR-15 as a recognized symbol of the state rather than changing practical policy.
Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges the President and Congress to immediately secure the southern border and stop illegal immigration. It calls for the elimination of current immigration caps to encourage legal entry, provided that new immigrants pass background checks and do not receive taxpayer-funded assistance. The bill also criticizes current policies for creating incentives for illegal migration while making legal pathways too difficult. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses the sentiments of its sponsors rather than creating new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill prevents employers from raising their unemployment insurance contribution rates if they laid off workers due to avian influenza outbreaks in poultry or livestock after April 3, 2024. It applies to businesses that were already paying a specific contribution rate as of January 1, 2024, and ensures those rates remain unchanged for qualifying layoffs. The measure aims to protect employers from additional financial penalties when they are forced to reduce staff because of the bird flu.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from intentionally releasing chemicals or devices into the air to alter weather patterns or sunlight intensity. It directly affects anyone who might attempt to change the weather through such actions by making it illegal under Michigan's environmental protection laws. The key provision adds a new section to the state code that specifically bans these weather-modifying activities. By outlawing this practice, the legislation aims to prevent deliberate interference with natural atmospheric conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's sentencing guidelines regarding the crime of bringing in and harboring certain undocumented persons. It directly affects judges who determine punishments for individuals charged with this specific offense by updating the rules they must follow. The legislation amends an existing section of the state's criminal procedure code to modify how sentences are calculated or applied in these cases. By altering the statutory framework, the bill aims to standardize the sentencing process for this particular type of immigration-related crime.