Rep. Rachelle Smit

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Michigan's state real estate transfer tax, which previously applied to the sale of property. It includes a provision to ensure that any resulting loss in state revenue is compensated by transferring funds from the state general fund to the school aid fund. The law will only take effect if a separate companion bill, HB 5880, is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Michigan's 1993 State Education Tax Act, which previously imposed a tax on property owners to fund public schools. The legislation is contingent upon the simultaneous passage of a companion bill (HB 5880) that mandates the state to use general funds to fully replace any revenue lost from eliminating the tax. If enacted, the change would remove the specific tax requirement while ensuring that school funding levels remain unchanged through state appropriation. The law is scheduled to take effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHB 5990 modifies Michigan's child care licensing laws to clarify that foster family homes are not subject to the same licensing rules as standard child care centers. The bill requires foster families to provide a recent medical statement from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner confirming that no household member has a known condition that could affect a child's care, but it explicitly exempts these families from mandatory vaccination requirements for all household members. Additionally, the legislation outlines specific procedures for placing older children and adults with disabilities in various foster care settings, ensuring that such placements are reviewed periodically to confirm they remain in the best interests of the individuals involved.

Maddy summaryHB 5480, known as the "Natalia Moore Law," allows parents to transfer children to another school district if the child experiences bullying at their current school. To qualify, parents must provide documented bullying incidents, proof of reporting to school staff, and evidence that prior interventions failed. The receiving district must accept the transfer and share academic records within 7 days, while the child’s original district cannot charge tuition for such transfers under the amended school code. This law directly affects students experiencing bullying and their families seeking safer school environments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the deputy secretary of state to take over as the chief election officer if the current secretary of state runs for another elected office. Under this change, the incumbent secretary would be barred from supervising or administering the election in which they are a candidate, though they would keep other duties like managing election audits. The deputy secretary would assume full supervisory control over local election officials during that specific election cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act to update definitions and requirements for renewable energy programs. It directly affects electric and natural gas providers, state agencies, and energy consumers by modifying how clean energy standards are calculated and how costs are recovered from customers. Key changes include redefining clean energy systems to include natural gas plants with carbon capture technology, establishing a wind energy resource zone board, and adjusting rules for customer generation and net metering. The legislation also updates provisions related to energy waste reduction programs and authorizes new residential energy improvement initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric, gas, and steam utilities in Michigan to consider all available energy sources when planning their integrated resource portfolios. It amends existing state laws governing utility rate-setting and planning processes to ensure comprehensive evaluation of different energy options. The legislation also establishes specific timelines for utility rate applications and includes provisions for partial rate relief motions for smaller gas utilities. Additionally, the bill repeals a specific section of the Public Service Commission Act related to stranded costs.

Maddy summaryHB 5281, the "Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency Act," regulates third-party funding of civil lawsuits by requiring funding companies to register with the state, disclose all terms to clients, and cap fees at 36% annually. It directly affects litigation funding companies and attorneys who use these services, mandating clear disclosure of costs and prohibiting hidden fees. The bill excludes pro bono nonprofits, health insurers, and traditional loans from its rules, focusing specifically on commercial funding arrangements where funders share in lawsuit proceeds. It establishes civil penalties for violations and gives state officials authority to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to voluntarily release documents and information regarding her past work with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), specifically concerning the organization's alleged payments to extremist groups. The bill is based on a federal indictment that accuses the SPLC of fraudulently diverting donor money to fund individuals associated with hate groups while claiming to fight them. It highlights Benson's previous roles as an undercover investigator and board member at the SPLC during the period of the alleged misconduct, suggesting she may possess unique knowledge of these operations. The resolution calls for her to publicly address her involvement to ensure transparency and avoid any appearance of impropriety, citing her prior refusal to comply with a separate subpoena as a reason for this request.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to encourage public support for patients, caregivers, and ongoing research efforts. By formally recognizing the month, the legislation aims to increase community solidarity and draw attention to the need for continued medical advancements and resources for those affected by the disease.