Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6249 establishes that ownership of subsurface pore space, which can be used for storing carbon dioxide or other substances, is vested in the owner of the surface land unless it has been previously separated. The bill allows this pore space to be sold, leased, or otherwise transferred independently from the surface estate, provided that any such separation clearly describes the specific geological formation, depth, and scope of surface use rights involved. It clarifies that selling mineral rights does not automatically transfer pore space ownership, which must be explicitly stated in the agreement. This legislation takes effect only if two related companion bills are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify definitions and procedures for commercial fishing in the state's Great Lakes waters. It directly affects licensed commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources by establishing precise meanings for terms like "abandoned gear," "quota," and various types of fishing nets. The legislation also adds new definitions to improve record-keeping requirements for fish production, storage, and sale, ensuring that all commercial activities are clearly regulated. By amending multiple existing sections and adding a new one, the bill aims to provide a more structured framework for managing allowable catch limits and enforcing fishing privileges.

Maddy summaryHB 5919 creates a new statewide school district called the Learner-First District to offer parents and students additional educational choices beyond traditional local school districts. The bill defines this new district as a public entity that covers the entire state and allows parents to hire independent contractors, such as teachers, directly to provide instruction to their children. Key provisions establish rules for mastery-based learning, where students progress based on demonstrating knowledge rather than time spent in class, and outline how the district will operate under the supervision of the state board of education.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill updates high school graduation requirements by allowing students to earn math credits through approved career and technical education programs in trades like welding, construction, and engineering. It adds a new section to the state school code that recognizes formal CTE programs as equivalent to traditional math courses when they cover the same content as state assessments. The legislation also clarifies how personal finance courses can count toward multiple subject requirements, including math, arts, and foreign language credits. These changes directly affect public school districts and academies in Michigan by providing more flexibility in how students meet graduation standards while maintaining core academic expectations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the powers and duties of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, which handles complaints from prisoners, their advocates, and legislators regarding conditions in state correctional facilities. Key changes require the ombudsman to notify complainants and affected prisoners when investigating or declining to investigate complaints, and mandate that the office consult with the Department of Corrections before issuing any report that criticizes the department or its staff. The legislation also establishes strict reporting requirements, forcing the ombudsman to publish detailed monthly and annual reports on complaint statistics and department responses, while adding protections to ensure that individuals cannot be penalized for filing complaints or cooperating with the ombudsman. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the ombudsman's authority operates alongside, rather than replacing, existing legal remedies and appeal processes for prisoners.

Maddy summaryHB 5920 expands the powers of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to better investigate issues within the Department of Corrections. The bill allows the ombudsman to launch investigations based on complaints from prisoners, legislators, or family members, as well as on their own initiative regarding safety and security concerns. Key provisions include granting the ombudsman access to medical and mortality records, the ability to hire qualified experts for inspections, and the authority to enter correctional facilities at any time, including during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 4202 amends Michigan's income tax code to update deductions for retirement benefits and education-related payments. It specifically adjusts the maximum deductible amount for retirement/pension benefits (currently $42,240 for singles/$84,480 for couples) to automatically increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index, and clarifies rules for deducting payments made to Michigan's education trust for tuition. The bill affects Michigan taxpayers who claim these deductions, particularly retirees and those using education trust programs. It does not create a new "fetus exemption" (a misstatement in the bill title), but refines existing tax code provisions for retirement income and education savings. The bill is currently in committee after its March 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Michigan teacher preparation programs to mandate specific literacy training for all participants by September 2027. The legislation adds new requirements to the state's school code, making completion of LETRS training and comprehensive knowledge of the science of reading mandatory for graduation from these programs. Specifically, all individuals in teacher preparation programs must complete LETRS training, and those who teach literacy or reading methods courses must also demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of reading science. The bill applies to both traditional teacher preparation programs and alternative teaching programs, with the state department responsible for enforcing these new approval standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires K-5 teachers and literacy support staff in Michigan to complete specific professional training focused on reading and literacy instruction by the 2029-2030 school year. The legislation designates a single state-approved provider to deliver the training, which must cover evidence-based reading methods, assessment strategies, and a multitiered system of supports for addressing learning difficulties. School districts must report annual compliance data to the state department, which will publish public reports on implementation progress and recommend funding adjustments as needed. The training includes mandatory components on phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and data-driven decision-making, with phased implementation beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 5482 requires Michigan state agencies to submit a corrective action plan within 60 days after an audit completes, detailing how they will address audit findings. The bill amends sections 462 and 487 of the Management and Budget Act (MCL 18.1462 & 18.1487) to mandate this plan and specify that if an agency fails to submit it, the state budget director must notify relevant legislative committees. It also clarifies that agencies must report serious issues (like suspected criminal activity) to the governor and attorney general within 60 days, with corrective plans then submitted to the state budget director. The law directly affects all state agencies subject to audits and aims to improve accountability through structured reporting.