Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryHB 5243 would abolish the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), ending its role as the state agency managing economic development programs. The bill amends sections 4, 5, and 7 of the Michigan Strategic Fund Act, adds a new section 15, and repeals section 29e to effect this change. This directly affects MEDC and its current programs, which provide grants and loans to support businesses and communities across Michigan. The bill is currently in committee and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 5237 prohibits Michigan public employee retirement systems from investing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds unless those investments offer comparable financial returns to other options. The bill amends Section 13 of the Public Employee Retirement System Investment Act to require investment fiduciaries to consider *only* financial factors (like risk and return) when making decisions, explicitly excluding non-financial social, political, or ideological objectives. This directly affects retirement systems managing funds for state employees, including teachers and public workers, by restricting their ability to prioritize ESG criteria in investment choices. The key provision clarifies that ESG considerations cannot be used as a primary factor unless they demonstrably align with financial performance goals.

Maddy summaryHB 5221 would increase the required ratio of experienced plumbers to apprentices on construction sites in Michigan, changing it from 1 journey or master plumber per 2 apprentices to 1 per 5 apprentices. This directly affects plumbing contractors, who must comply with the new ratio on all jobsites. Violations would result in escalating fines ($5,000 for a first offense, $10,000 for a second, and a 90-day license suspension for a third), with fines paid to the enforcing agency. The bill also specifies that the state department can recover investigation costs and attorney fees for enforcement actions. (Note: This bill is pending review in the Government Operations Committee as of November 2025.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 212) requests that the U.S. Congress adopt Section 143 from H.R. 3838 (the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act). Section 143 would require the Air Force to maintain at least 162 A-10 aircraft until 2029 and mandate reports to Congress about transition plans before retiring the fleet. It specifically aims to prevent an operational gap at Michigan's Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where A-10s were scheduled for retirement in 2026 but replacement F-15EX fighters won't arrive until 2028. The resolution does not change policy itself but urges Congress to incorporate these protections into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 209) formally declares November 2025 as "National Alzheimer's Awareness Month" within Michigan. It recognizes Alzheimer's disease as a critical health issue affecting over 200,000 Michiganders and 385,000 caregivers, citing it as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only top-10 cause with no cure or prevention. The resolution serves as a symbolic recognition - without creating new laws, funding, or mandates - to honor those impacted by Alzheimer's and support ongoing research and awareness efforts. It aligns with the national observance established since 1983 but applies specifically to Michigan's legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 134) is a symbolic congressional recognition of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary, commemorating its founding on November 10, 1775. It honors the Marine Corps' history, values (like "Semper Fidelis"), and specific Michigan connections, including Marines from battles like Iwo Jima and Medal of Honor recipients from the state. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it simply expresses congressional gratitude for Marines' service and sacrifice. As a commemorative resolution, it directly affects no individuals or policies, serving only as a formal statement of recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 196 is a resolution demanding Michigan's Secretary of State comply with a federal request for an unredacted copy of the state's voter registration list, as required by the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. It directly affects the Michigan Secretary of State's office by mandating disclosure of voter data within legal limits. The bill does not create new law but compels adherence to existing federal requirements for voter list transparency. This procedural resolution focuses solely on directing state compliance with federal mandates, not altering election policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5164 modifies Michigan law to regulate transporting firearms and certain air guns in moving vehicles. It prohibits carrying a firearm (other than a pistol) or a pneumatic gun expelling metal BBs/pellets over .177 caliber in a moving vehicle unless the weapon is unloaded and stored in one of four ways: disassembled, in a case, in the trunk, or inaccessible from inside the vehicle. Violating this would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $100 fine. The bill directly affects drivers transporting these items in vehicles while operating them, with no exception for pistols.

Maddy summaryHR 195 is a resolution opposing Michigan's proposed Health Education Standards Framework. It urges the Michigan Department of Education to redraft the standards or the Michigan State Board of Education to reject them, specifically requesting the exclusion of content related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation from health education standards. The resolution cites parental rights and existing law requiring local control and opt-out provisions for sex education as justification. It directly targets state education officials, not students or schools, and serves as a non-binding request for policy revision.

Maddy summaryHB 4254 prohibits public bodies (like state agencies, universities, or local governments) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It specifically bans methods that would cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or invasive procedures (such as surgery), with exceptions for veterinary training with owner consent and routine procedures like spaying/neutering. The bill establishes civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per violation for noncompliance, enforced by county prosecutors or the attorney general. Named "Queenie's Law," it amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add these protections for dogs used in experimental purposes.