Rep. Sarah Lightner

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4027 proposes to amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. The bill would remove a provision that requires local zoning ordinances to be subject to Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act. This change means that local zoning authorities would no longer be directly bound by this specific part of the state's clean energy law when creating or enforcing their zoning regulations. The bill aims to alter the relationship between local land use planning and state renewable energy mandates.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4028 proposes to eliminate specific state-level provisions regarding the zoning and siting of large-scale solar, wind, and energy storage facilities. The bill achieves this by repealing Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act (2008 PA 295). This action would remove state authority over the certification and regulation of such facilities, effectively returning primary zoning control to local governments. It also amends the title of the existing act to reflect these changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4288 prohibits Michigan state agencies from hiring for unclassified positions based on factors other than objective merit, such as education or work experience. It directly affects state agencies hiring for roles outside the classified civil service (e.g., certain executive branch positions). The bill requires hiring decisions to rely solely on merit-based criteria and imposes civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, with the attorney general authorized to collect penalties. This legislation creates new requirements for state hiring practices under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4255 modifies the penalties for crimes involving the manufacturing, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver certain controlled substances. It specifically amends sections of the Public Health Code to introduce new sentencing guidelines. The bill establishes distinct and often stricter penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences and higher maximum fines, for offenses involving heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, or their derivatives. These enhanced penalties differentiate these substances from other controlled substances within similar weight classifications.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4256 proposes to amend Michigan's criminal procedure code by revising sentencing guidelines for specific drug offenses. Specifically, it targets individuals convicted of delivering, manufacturing, or possessing with intent to deliver certain controlled substances. The bill modifies section 13m of Chapter XVII of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.13m), which dictates these sentencing guidelines. This change would directly affect how courts sentence individuals for these particular drug-related crimes. This bill is tied to HB 4255.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 62 declares April 2025 as County Government Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution recognizes the vital role of county governments in delivering public services and urges citizens to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.

Maddy summaryHR 61 is a resolution that declares April 13-20, 2025, as Holy Week in the state of Michigan. It also extends best wishes to Christians in Michigan, the United States, and worldwide for a meaningful observance of Holy Week.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 63 declares April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about child abuse and neglect, and it urges all Michiganders to support children and families, learn the signs of abuse, and take action to help prevent it.

Maddy summaryHB 4185 changes how Michigan's general sales tax revenue is distributed. It directs 15% of the 4% sales tax to cities, villages, and townships through the Glenn Steil Revenue Sharing Act. Sixty percent goes to the state school aid fund (including all 2% tax from aviation fuel sales), while 27.9% of 25% from vehicle/fuel sales funds the transportation system. Additionally, it requires $9-12 million annually from computer software sales to the Michigan health initiative fund.

Maddy summaryHJR G is a proposed constitutional amendment (not a law) that seeks to remove three education governance bodies from Michigan's state constitution. It would eliminate the state board of education, the superintendent of public instruction, and the state board for public community/junior colleges by amending Article VIII, Sections 3 and 7. If approved by voters, these positions and boards would be abolished, shifting oversight of public education away from state-level governance. This is a procedural constitutional change requiring voter approval at the next general election.