Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Michigan to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to award all their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most votes nationwide. The legislation declares that the one-person, one-vote principle requires the candidate with the highest national total to become President and outlines how Michigan's chief election official would count votes and designate the winner once the compact is active. The agreement only takes effect when states participating in it collectively hold a majority of the Electoral College votes, ensuring the current system remains in place until that threshold is met. If the compact becomes active, Michigan's laws regarding elector appointment will follow the compact's rules rather than conflicting state statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 6163 amends the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act to formally define "marihuana plant waste" and authorize licensed facilities to transport and dispose of it. The bill primarily affects growers, processors, and other licensed entities by clarifying that discarded plant material can be legally moved and discarded rather than being treated as contraband. By updating specific sections of the existing law, the legislation provides a clear regulatory framework for the proper handling of cultivation byproducts within the state's medical marijuana program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's marijuana regulations to explicitly allow for the transportation and disposal of marijuana plant waste. It defines plant waste as roots, stalks, leaves, and stems intended for destruction through incineration, landfilling, composting, or anaerobic digestion, while clarifying that such waste is not considered hazardous waste. The legislation establishes specific roles for "marijuana disposers," who must be licensed operators or permitted incinerators authorized to receive and destroy this material. By adding these definitions and permissions, the bill provides a legal framework for licensed marijuana businesses to manage and dispose of plant remnants without violating environmental or waste disposal laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Michigan would appoint presidential electors if the state joins an agreement to choose the President based on the national popular vote rather than the Electoral College. It requires the state Board of State Canvassers to calculate the total national popular vote for each candidate and designate the winner accordingly, while also reporting these results to other participating states. If a tie occurs for the national popular vote, the bill specifies that Michigan would appoint electors based on which candidate received the most votes within Michigan itself. The legislation updates existing election laws to ensure these procedures are followed and includes requirements for issuing official certificates of appointment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Medicaid False Claim Act to clarify what counts as a kickback or bribe. It maintains that offering, soliciting, or accepting payments to refer patients for medical services is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison or a fine of $30,000. The law explicitly excludes government-approved "model arrangements" and "model patient incentives" from being considered illegal kickbacks. This change aims to provide clearer guidance on which financial incentives are permissible under federal and state programs.

Maddy summaryHB 6145 requires school districts and intermediate school districts in Michigan to develop and submit five-year capital outlay plans for facility improvements, including new construction and renovations. These plans must be submitted electronically by November each year and will be evaluated based on factors such as safety needs, occupancy rates, sustainability, and projected operating costs. The bill allows districts to opt into this process, which involves a review by the Department of Treasury and the Joint Committee on Oversight Services before any funding is authorized for final design and construction. By establishing these specific criteria and timelines, the legislation aims to bring greater transparency and oversight to how public school districts plan and request funds for building projects.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment requires Michigan's legislature to pass the annual school aid budget bill by July 1 each year. To ensure transparency and accountability, the bill must be publicly available on the legislature's website for at least seven days before a vote, and any amendments must be posted for 24 hours. If the deadline is missed, the salaries of the governor, the Senate majority leader, and the House speaker will be withheld until the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the state treasurer to provide interest-free loans to school districts and intermediate school districts if the state budget is not passed by October 1. Under the new rules, a district can borrow an amount equal to what it received from the school aid fund in the previous year for a period of up to one year. The state treasurer retains the authority to set additional terms for these loans, which are intended to help districts manage cash flow during budget delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone applying for a building permit for a data center in Michigan to submit a detailed acoustic engineering report. The report must include measurements of current noise levels, projections of construction and operational noise, and a comparison of these levels against local rules or national standards. An enforcing agency cannot issue the permit until this report is provided and shared with the Michigan Public Service Commission and the local government. The law only takes effect if several other related bills are also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to explicitly include the Data Center Community Benefit Agreement Act as a law that local zoning ordinances must follow. By adding this requirement to the list of existing state laws, the measure ensures that municipalities cannot create zoning rules that conflict with community benefit agreements for data center projects. The legislation also clarifies that local governments cannot regulate oil and gas drilling operations and establishes specific criteria for evaluating mining activities based on factors like safety, traffic, and public interest. Additionally, it protects renewable energy projects approved after January 1, 2021, from having their special land use approvals revoked once substantial construction or financial investment has begun.