Rep. Kathy Schmaltz

Maddy summaryHB 4170 permanently sets Michigan's individual income tax rate at 4.05% for all taxpayers, replacing a temporary 4.25% rate scheduled to take effect in 2024. It creates a mechanism where the rate could decrease further if state revenue growth exceeds inflation, requiring annual revenue reviews. The bill directly affects all Michigan residents who pay individual income tax. The change takes effect immediately for tax years beginning January 1, 2025, with the 4.05% rate now permanent unless triggered by the revenue growth condition.

Maddy summaryHB 4150 eliminates application evaluation fees for school-related processes under Michigan's Revised School Code. It directly affects individuals applying for educational certifications, programs, or school-related services by removing a requirement to pay fees when their applications are reviewed. The bill amends two specific sections (MCL 380.1531h and 380.1538) to delete the fee mandate, streamlining the application process. This change applies statewide to all relevant school applications governed by the revised code. The bill passed the Michigan House with strong support (83-26) on March 12, 2025, and is now awaiting further legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 4153 creates a new "local teaching certificate" pathway for educators in Michigan. It amends the Revised School Code to define a "certificated teacher" as including individuals holding either a standard teaching certificate or this new local certificate (under added Section 1531l). The bill directly affects teachers seeking certification through local school districts or authorized entities, rather than the standard state-issued process. Key provisions establish that local certificates must meet state standards but can be issued by districts or approved entities, expanding certification options for schools. This change modifies existing sections (501, 521, 551, etc.) to incorporate the new local certificate type into teacher certification requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4151 modifies Michigan's teacher certification rules, primarily allowing experienced educators from other states to obtain Michigan teaching licenses without retaking certain exams if they've taught successfully for at least three years in their home state. It maintains existing requirements for new teachers to complete reading competency training (including diagnosing reading disabilities) before advancing to professional certification. The bill also requires the education department to report annually on exam fees and develop standardized tests for teacher certification, while keeping the same reading proficiency standards for Michigan-certified teachers. These changes directly affect teachers seeking certification or additional endorsements in Michigan, especially those transferring from other states or countries.

Maddy summaryHB 4060 amends Michigan's school code to update rules for funding area career and technical education (CTE) programs through local property taxes. It sets specific millage limits: new programs can levy up to 1 mill, while existing programs can increase to 1.5 times their 1993 rate (with elector approval only for new increases). The bill requires school districts to audit and publicly post CTE fund usage online, mandates repayment if funds are misused, and defines allowable CTE program expenses to include inter-district contracts. These changes directly affect intermediate school districts operating CTE programs and ensure tax dollars are used solely for designated career education purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 4224 requires all Michigan K-12 public and private schools to install emergency responder radio coverage systems within 10 years if they lack them, ensuring these systems integrate with statewide public safety communications and cover all building areas. It also mandates the state to create and publish safety guidelines for school lockdown procedures within 90 days, including how fire codes impact lockdowns and evacuation plans. These guidelines must align with existing construction and fire safety codes. The bill directly affects every K-12 school building in Michigan and requires coordination with state agencies like the Michigan State Police and fire marshals for implementation.

Maddy summaryHR 40 is a non-binding resolution urging the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to update its eligibility rules for female athletes to comply with Executive Order 14201. The resolution states that MHSAA’s current rules, which allow biological males to compete in women’s sports, conflict with the federal executive order prioritizing female-only competition. It argues this noncompliance risks jeopardizing federal funding for Michigan school districts and compromises the safety and fairness of women’s athletic competitions. The resolution was adopted by the Michigan House with 66 yeas, 43 nays, and 1 excused vote on March 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4191 requires hunters who bait deer during hunting season to purchase a $20 deer baiting license in addition to a valid hunting license. This applies specifically to those engaging in "deer or elk baiting" (depositing feed to attract deer for hunting), excluding agricultural practices, normal logging, or feeding wildlife that excludes deer. Revenue from the license must fund research and surveillance of chronic wasting disease and other wildlife diseases in deer and elk. The bill amends Michigan’s Natural Resources Act to establish this licensing requirement and funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 4032 permanently extends Michigan's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by removing a scheduled expiration date (sunset) from the law. This change directly affects physicians in Michigan who use the compact to practice medicine across state lines, as it eliminates the need for periodic legislative renewal. The bill's key provision amends Michigan's Public Health Code to make the compact's terms permanent, ensuring uninterrupted eligibility for physicians seeking multi-state licensure. The compact allows doctors to obtain licenses in multiple participating states more efficiently, reducing administrative barriers for cross-state medical practice.

Maddy summaryHB 4188 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to clarify that operating a vehicle "in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness" would be classified as a civil infraction. This change directly affects drivers whose behavior meets this specific standard - non-reckless, careless driving - by treating it as a civil matter rather than a criminal offense. The bill modifies Section 626b of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.626b) to explicitly exclude cases involving "wantonness or recklessness," which would remain subject to more severe penalties. The amendment is procedural and aims to refine the legal definition of the infraction. The bill was introduced on March 6, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.