Rep. Sarah Lightner

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares January 18-24, 2026, as "Sanctity of Human Life Week" in Michigan. It encourages citizens to reflect on the value of human life, support women and families, and strengthen a "culture of life" through symbolic recognition. The bill does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any specific group or program. It is a ceremonial declaration with no binding requirements or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 4799 clarifies when mailed property tax payments and official communications are considered received by local governments. It specifies that the postmark date on a mailed payment or notice counts as the submission date, rather than the date it is physically received. This change directly affects property owners who mail payments and local tax collection offices that process them. The bill aims to prevent penalties for timely mailed payments that arrive slightly late due to postal delays.

Maddy summaryHR 232 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) declaring January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Michigan. It directly encourages all Michiganders to participate in awareness, prevention, and anti-trafficking efforts. The resolution includes three key provisions: (1) formally designating the month, (2) urging public engagement, and (3) directing copies to state agencies like the Michigan State Police and Human Trafficking Commission. It does not create new funding, programs, or legal requirements, but aims to amplify existing anti-trafficking work. The resolution references Michigan’s 2023 data showing 779 trafficking signals reported to the National Hotline.

Maddy summaryHB 4822 requires the Natural Resources Commission to live stream all its meetings publicly online. This bill amends Michigan's natural resources law (MCL 324.501) to mandate real-time video streaming of Commission sessions. The change directly affects the Commission's operations and ensures public access to its proceedings without requiring physical attendance. The bill is currently pending in committee review after being referred for second reading.

Maddy summaryHB 5089 amends Michigan's memorial highway law to rename four specific segments of M-60 in Jackson County after veterans. Each segment is designated with a memorial name honoring distinct groups: WWII veterans (Lynford Graham, Melvin King, Vernon Smalley), Vietnam War veterans (Timothy Ballinger, Robert Jenks, James Morgan), and an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran (Donald Wheeler Jr.). The bill directly affects drivers using these M-60 portions by changing their official highway names. It does not create new policies or funding, only renaming existing road segments per the memorial highway act. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House on December 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4397 creates new legal protections for judges, their families, and household members by requiring courts to shield personal information (like home addresses) and enhance physical safety measures. Key provisions mandate that courts restrict public access to sensitive contact details and implement security protocols for judges' residences. The law directly affects judicial staff and their households, aiming to reduce threats and harassment. It passed the House with 84 votes in favor and is now under review by the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5295 modifies Michigan's State Administrative Board's authority over state funds. It restricts the board from transferring appropriations to the general fund or using funds for purposes not designated by the legislature. The bill allows internal fund transfers within a department but requires the budget director to notify legislative appropriations committees first, with a 6-session-day or 30-calendar-day deadline for committee approval. It also prohibits transfers involving specific funds like the Strategic Outreach Reserve or Critical Industry Program funds. The changes aim to clarify administrative oversight while maintaining legislative control over budget allocations.

Maddy summaryHB 5293 creates a tax credit for Michigan employers that create new, qualified jobs. Employers can claim a credit equal to 50% of income tax withheld on new jobs meeting specific criteria (permanent, full-time positions paying at least 150% of the local "prosperity region" median wage, exceeding the employer's September 2025 job count). The credit applies to tax years 2026-2035, with a $50 million annual cap and minimum allocations for small ($10M), medium ($15M), and large ($25M) employers. Employers must submit claims by March 15 each year, and unused credits can be carried forward for up to three years. This directly affects employers in Michigan’s designated economic regions seeking to expand their workforce.

Maddy summaryHB 5296 modifies Michigan's corporate income tax revenue distribution by removing the allocation to the "strategic outreach and attraction reserve fund" (which was repealed) and redirecting those funds to the "neighborhood roads fund" starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill updates Section 695 of the Income Tax Act to reflect this change, specifying that after deposits to the general fund ($1.2 billion) and housing fund ($50 million), funds previously designated for the strategic reserve will instead go to the neighborhood roads fund (starting at $688 million in 2025-2026 and increasing annually through 2028-2029). This affects how corporate tax revenue is allocated to state programs, directly impacting the neighborhood roads fund's funding. The change applies to fiscal years beginning 2025-2026 and beyond, while other allocations (e.g., to housing and revitalization funds) remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 5297 amends Michigan's Strategic Fund Act to remove references to three discontinued economic development programs: the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund, the Michigan Strategic Site Readiness Program, and the Critical Industry Program. The bill updates Section 9 of the act to eliminate reporting requirements for these programs in the fund's annual reports to the legislature and public. This change streamlines the fund's reporting process by removing outdated program references from the law. The amendment ensures the Strategic Fund's administrative requirements align with its current program structure.