Rep. Jim Haadsma

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's ethics rules to restrict former state legislators and top executive officials from lobbying on behalf of private interests for a set period after leaving office. Specifically, it prohibits former lawmakers from lobbying for one year after their term ends and extends this one-year ban to the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. The law allows these individuals to continue lobbying for the state government or their former offices during this time but sets a financial threshold that, if exceeded, requires them to register as lobbyists. Violating these restrictions is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by fines, jail time, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's public health code to strictly prohibit public bodies from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It defines specific scenarios where such use is forbidden, including procedures that could cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or involve invasive surgeries, while allowing exceptions for veterinary training on existing ailments and routine spaying or neutering. The legislation empowers the state department to inspect facilities and establish rules for animal care, and it imposes civil fines of up to $5,000 per day for each dog involved in a violation. Additionally, the bill creates a new Animal Research Advisory Board to oversee these standards and repeals previous sections of the code that are no longer needed.

Maddy summaryHB 5557 amends Michigan's planning laws to require local governments to forecast and incorporate housing needs into their master plans. The bill mandates that these plans include a range of housing types and costs to serve a diverse population. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for appointing planning commission members to ensure the groups represent various community segments and include school board representatives in counties. These changes affect cities, villages, townships, and counties by updating how they structure their planning commissions and develop long-term development strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time tax credit of up to $10,000 for Michigan residents who incur unreimbursed costs related to live organ donation. Starting in the 2025 tax year, eligible individuals can claim this credit for expenses such as travel, lodging, lost wages, and child care, provided they submit proof of the donation and related costs. The credit is not refundable, meaning it can only reduce the tax owed to zero but will not result in a cash payment if the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for special "disabled veteran" license plates in Michigan to include partially disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 50%, in addition to those with total disabilities. The law allows these eligible veterans to obtain plates marked with "DV" and "disabled veteran" without paying the standard service fee, while also permitting their surviving spouses to use the plates after the veteran's death. Furthermore, the legislation authorizes the Secretary of State to issue free adhesive disability tabs to these veterans and their spouses, provided the applicant also meets the state's criteria for a permanent windshield placard. These changes aim to increase recognition and support for a broader range of veterans by simplifying the application process and reducing associated costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of May each year in Michigan as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month. The legislation aims to increase public and medical knowledge about Huntington's disease, a progressive neurological condition that currently has no cure. By officially recognizing this time period, the state hopes to encourage greater understanding of the disease's challenges and support ongoing research efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of highway M-11 in Kent County as the "Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive." The affected roadway stretches from the intersection with 3 Mile Road south to the bridge over the Grand River. By amending state highway naming laws, the legislation officially assigns this commemorative name to the route. The change applies immediately and does not alter any traffic rules or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Court-Appointed Special Advocate program in Michigan to support children under the age of 18 involved in court proceedings. The legislation creates a structured system where trained volunteers, known as CASA volunteers, are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of these children. To ensure safety and quality, the bill mandates rigorous screening, including comprehensive background checks, and requires volunteers to complete specific training and undergo regular supervision. Additionally, the law outlines the responsibilities of program directors to manage operations and sets clear rules for when a volunteer can be dismissed from their role.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan residents who purchase required textbooks for college or vocational school courses. To qualify, the student must be enrolled in an eligible institution and currently receiving a federal Pell grant or be a graduate student with financial need who would have qualified for one. The credit allows taxpayers to reduce their state income tax liability by the amount of sales or use tax paid on these books, with any excess amount refunded as a cash payment. The law also requires taxpayers to provide receipts proving the purchase and the student's eligibility if requested by the state department.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program to help private-sector employees save for retirement through automatic payroll deductions. It creates a new oversight board and a separate trust fund to manage individual retirement accounts for enrolled workers, ensuring the money remains distinct from state funds. Employers that do not currently offer qualified retirement plans are required to participate by allowing employees to make automatic contributions from their paychecks. The legislation also sets up a separate administrative fund to cover the program's operational costs and defines the specific duties of the state officials who will run the system.