Rep. Rachelle Smit

Maddy summaryHB 5515 amends Michigan's penal code to clarify the definition of a "dangerous weapon" under Section 227. It specifically includes double-edged nonfolding stabbing instruments longer than 5 inches, such as daggers, dirks, and stilettos, in the list of prohibited weapons. This change directly affects individuals carrying these weapons outside their home, business, or personal property without a valid license. The bill does not create new restrictions but refines the legal definition governing when such items are considered illegal to carry.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Michigan state constitution to permanently extend a property tax relief measure for homeowners who sell their primary residences. Currently, selling a home triggers a full reassessment of its value, which often leads to a significant spike in property taxes for the new owner; this change would allow the new owner to keep the lower taxable value established under the existing cap rules. The relief applies only to homes that are continuously owned and used as a principal residence, meaning the tax advantage ends if the property is sold for investment purposes or converted to a non-residential use. By removing the automatic reset of taxable value upon transfer, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on families moving between primary homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2026, as Champions Day in Michigan to honor the state's historic sports achievements from 1935 and recent successes. The resolution encourages citizens to celebrate the 1935 victories of Joe Louis, the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Red Wings, while also acknowledging Olympic gold medalists and the University of Michigan men's basketball team's 2026 national championship. As a commemorative measure, the bill has no legal requirements or funding provisions and serves solely to recognize these athletic milestones.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the United States Men's and Women's National Hockey Teams for their gold medal victories at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. It highlights the sport's historical significance in American culture and specifically acknowledges Michigan's strong reputation as 'Hockeytown' in the context of these achievements. The measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 4720 prohibits Michigan jurisdictions from using electronic voting systems containing parts or equipment from foreign entities listed by the FCC under federal law, effective January 1, 2026. This directly affects election officials and voting equipment vendors who must ensure their systems comply with this ban. The bill amends existing requirements to maintain paper ballots, accessibility standards, audit trails, and other voting system safeguards under Michigan's election law (MCL 168.795). It does not change current voting procedures but adds a new security-related restriction on equipment sourcing.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants immunity from nuisance lawsuits to owners and operators of racing facilities and racetracks in Michigan if the facility was built before the plaintiff purchased their property or began construction nearby. It protects these racing venues from legal claims filed by neighbors within a 5-mile radius who acquired their land or started building after the racetrack was established. The law applies to all claims filed after the bill takes effect, regardless of when the alleged nuisance occurred, but does not exempt racetracks from complying with environmental or health and safety regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5430 changes how long people can live at campgrounds without being considered permanent residents. It defines campground residents as "temporary" if the campground is within 50 miles of a local government meeting specific housing or emergency conditions, such as a declared state of emergency, a documented housing shortage in a master plan, worker shortages in key industries (like healthcare or construction), or census data showing tight rental markets (e.g., vacancy rates below 5% or high rent costs). This applies to campgrounds in qualifying areas and affects both residents (who may face different regulations) and campground operators (who must follow the new residency classification rules). The bill directly targets communities with housing challenges by adjusting campground residency rules through these five defined triggers.

Maddy summaryHB 5468 amends Michigan election law to change requirements for school board and metropolitan district candidate petitions. It requires petitions to be nonpartisan, include specific candidate details (like address and website), and sets signature minimums/maxima based on district population (6-20 signatures for districts under 10,000 people, 40-100 for larger districts). The bill adds penalties for signature fraud, including misdemeanor charges for signing multiple petitions for the same office and felony charges for using multiple names on a single petition. Candidates can now pay a $100 filing fee instead of gathering signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Maddy summaryHB 5467 amends Michigan election law to clarify procedures for replacing candidates who die, become physically unable to serve, or withdraw from races after qualifying but more than 55 days before a primary election. It applies to candidates for state legislative seats (senate/house) and certain county offices like sheriff or county clerk. The bill requires political parties to select replacements through designated committees (e.g., district delegates or county committees) and ensures the replacement’s name appears on ballots at least 55 days before the primary. This standardizes the timeline and process to prevent last-minute election disruptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to update penalties and exemptions related to firearm possession, particularly within school zones. It modifies existing laws to clarify when individuals, such as licensed concealed carry permit holders and certain security personnel, are exempt from school zone restrictions. The legislation also adjusts penalties for altering firearm markings and expands exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and school security employees. Additionally, it provides specific exceptions for transporting unloaded firearms in vehicles under certain conditions, such as hunting trips or moving between residences.