Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryThis bill directs that fines collected from specific state civil infractions under Michigan's natural resources and environmental protection act be used to fund a grant program assisting farmers impacted by PFAS contamination. It achieves this by creating an exception to the existing rule that typically requires all such civil fines to be dedicated exclusively to supporting public and county law libraries. The legislation does not take effect unless it is tied to and passed alongside a companion bill that establishes the actual grant program for the farmers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to notify private well owners and nearby residents when tests detect unsafe levels of PFAS chemicals in their water. The legislation mandates that the department provide specific guidance on reducing exposure, along with free certified water filters, to those directly affected and to neighbors within a one-mile radius of the contaminated well. Additionally, the bill establishes a voluntary registry to send email alerts about future testing locations and dates, ensuring the public stays informed about potential water quality issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amendments to Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for violations of the Hazardous Products Act. By updating the relevant section of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it would establish or modify the standard sentencing framework for individuals charged with these specific offenses. The legislation directly affects prosecutors, judges, and defendants involved in cases concerning the improper handling or distribution of hazardous materials. As a procedural update to existing law, it aims to clarify how penalties are determined for these particular crimes without introducing new offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 5896 requires people who use sewage sludge or its derivatives on land to test these materials for PFAS chemicals before application and report the results to the state Department of Environmental Quality. The bill mandates that these tests use methods approved by the federal EPA and requires anyone who prepares biosolids to notify landowners and farmers about the specific PFAS levels found in the material. Additionally, the legislation provides exceptions for certain high-quality compost used in landscaping, allowing it to bypass some existing rules if it meets specific maturity and quality standards and is used in approved locations like parks or home gardens.

Maddy summaryMichigan's HB 5892, known as the Safe Cosmetics Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing cosmetic products containing specific hazardous chemicals starting January 1, 2027. The law bans intentionally added substances such as asbestos, certain phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and heavy metals, while also setting strict limits on lead content in both general and color cosmetics. To enforce these rules, the state Department of Health and Human Services can request compliance statements from manufacturers and impose civil fines of up to $10,000 for repeat violations. This legislation directly affects companies that produce, sell, or distribute cosmetics within Michigan, requiring them to ensure their products are free from the listed restricted ingredients.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Commercial Redevelopment Act to exempt new, replacement, or restored facilities located in designated HOPE zones from the commercial facilities tax. By removing this specific tax liability for properties in these zones, the legislation aims to provide financial relief to businesses undergoing redevelopment in areas identified for economic growth. The measure is tied to companion bills and will only take effect if all related legislation is passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act to create a tax exemption for solar projects located in designated HOPE zones. Under the proposed changes, solar facilities in these areas would not be subject to the standard annual tax, which is normally $7,000 per megawatt of capacity. The exemption applies only to the specific tax portion of the fee and is tied to the duration of the HOPE zone designation. The bill also includes a tie-bar provision, meaning it will only become effective if two other related bills are passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property tax laws to ensure that businesses leasing tax-exempt real property are taxed as if they owned the property. It directly affects private individuals, associations, and corporations using such property for profit by removing their ability to claim tax exemptions on the lease value. The legislation maintains existing exceptions for various uses, including public airports, county fairs, and specific economic zones like Renaissance and HOPE zones, while explicitly excluding casinos from these protections. Because the bill is tied to two other related bills, it will only take effect if all three are passed into law together.

Maddy summaryHB 5855 amends Michigan's City Utility Users Tax Act to create exemptions for specific businesses and locations. The bill allows qualified start-up businesses to be exempt from utility taxes for up to five years if they first receive a tax credit and receive approval from their city council. Additionally, it extends tax exemptions to businesses operating within designated Renaissance zones and HOPE zones, while explicitly excluding casinos from these benefits. To claim the start-up exemption, businesses must file an affidavit by September 1 and provide proof of their prior tax credit eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Michigan state constitution to guarantee every person an inherent right to a clean environment, including clean water, air, and soil. It establishes that the state and all its agencies must act as trustees for natural resources, which are declared the common property of all people, including future generations. The amendment would require the government to protect these rights equitably for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or location, and it allows citizens to directly enforce these rights in court. If approved by voters, this change would legally bind the state to conserve and maintain natural resources while preventing any actions that infringe upon environmental rights.