Rep. Sarah Lightner

Maddy summaryHB 5548 amends Michigan's Consumer Financial Services Act to update internal references related to money transmission services. It specifically clarifies the net worth requirement for applicants seeking licenses to provide money transmission services, maintaining a base requirement of $100,000 plus $25,000 for each location (or $1 million total, whichever is less). The bill does not change the actual financial requirements but ensures consistent terminology with Michigan's separate Money Transmission Services Act. This affects businesses applying for or holding licenses to operate money transmission services in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 5550 updates the Consumer Financial Services Act to correctly reference "money transmission services" as defined in the separate Money Transmission Services Act. It revises Section 10g of the act to align internal references with current definitions, ensuring consistency between laws. This is a technical correction affecting how the law cites money transmission services, not a change to enforcement rules or penalties. The bill does not alter existing prohibitions on fraud, money laundering, or licensing requirements. It takes effect January 1, 2026, pending passage of related legislation (HB 5544).

Maddy summaryHB 5547 revises Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for money transmission violations, which involve illegal activities like operating unlicensed money services. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of such offenses by updating the sentencing framework under existing law (MCL 777.14p). The key provision is amending the sentencing guidelines to reflect current legal standards for these violations, without creating new penalties. The bill focuses on procedural adjustments to the criminal code, not new policies or outcomes. (1 sentence for procedural bill)

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the schedule of fees that process servers and other authorized individuals can charge for performing legal duties in Michigan courts. It directly affects anyone hired to serve court documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, and eviction orders, by setting specific dollar amounts for various services. The key changes include raising the base fees for many tasks, such as personal service and eviction handling, and increasing the percentage of fees collected from property sales or settlements. Additionally, the legislation adjusts compensation for specific actions like verifying addresses, photographing documents, and filing records electronically.

Maddy summaryHB 5120 eliminates fees for serving documents in personal protection order (PPO) cases. It amends Michigan's civil procedure law to prohibit charging fees for serving process under the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act or for any order issued in a PPO case, including petitions, orders, and related documents. This directly affects PPO petitioners (who no longer pay service fees) and process servers (who cannot charge for these specific services). The bill also clarifies that law enforcement may charge a $50 flat fee from a dedicated fund for multiple PPO-related documents served at once, but not per document. The change aims to remove financial barriers for individuals seeking protection orders.

Maddy summaryHB 5121 eliminates the cost for serving personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking PPOs to protect against harassment, stalking, or sexual assault by removing the requirement that petitioners pay for service of the order on the respondent. The bill amends Michigan’s court procedures to eliminate this fee, making it easier for petitioners - especially those with limited resources - to obtain and enforce PPOs without upfront costs. This change applies to all PPOs filed under the specified sections of Michigan law, streamlining the process for victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Credit Union Act to allow domestic credit unions to obtain primary share and deposit insurance from qualified private insurance organizations licensed in the state, in addition to federal agencies. It establishes a process where the state director can authorize private insurers to provide coverage and may deny or revoke this authorization if the insurer lacks sufficient resources or governance. The legislation also permits credit unions to contract with licensed carriers for coverage on account balances that exceed the limits of primary insurance. Importantly, the bill does not take effect unless four related companion bills are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 4070 expands Michigan's Indigent Defense Commission's responsibilities to include providing legal representation for young people (under 18) in juvenile court cases who qualify as indigent. The bill amends existing law to require the Commission to establish minimum standards ensuring effective legal counsel for both adults and youth in criminal and juvenile proceedings, starting from their initial court appearance. It specifically adds youth defense services to the Commission's duties, defining "indigent youth" as those under 18 facing delinquency charges who cannot afford legal help. This change directly affects young people in juvenile court systems who meet income-based eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the penalties for the crime of terrorism in Michigan by updating the language in the state penal code. It directly affects individuals charged with knowingly and premeditated acts of terrorism, ensuring the statute clearly mandates life imprisonment without parole if the act results in death. The legislation also maintains existing provisions that allow for a fine of up to $100,000 or a prison term of at least 25 years for other terrorism-related convictions. These changes aim to clarify the legal consequences for those convicted of terrorism under current laws.