Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryHB 4124 creates a tax credit for Michigan corporations that spend money on research and development for advanced small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). It directly affects companies developing this specific type of nuclear technology within the state. The bill adds new sections to Michigan's tax code, allowing businesses to claim a credit against their corporate income tax for qualifying R&D expenses related to SMRs. This policy change aims to incentivize investment in emerging nuclear energy technology within Michigan. The bill passed the House on October 28, 2025, with 78 yeas and 26 nays.

Maddy summaryHB 4128 creates a new corporate income tax credit for businesses generating power from advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) in Michigan. It directly affects utility companies and energy developers investing in SMR technology by providing a financial incentive to offset project costs. The key provision adds Section 678 to Michigan's tax code, allowing qualifying entities to claim a credit against their state corporate income tax liability for SMR-generated electricity. This policy change aims to support clean energy development without specifying expected outcomes or endorsing particular technologies. The bill passed the House on October 28, 2025, and is now pending final approval in the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 4127 adds a specific definition for "advanced nuclear reactor technologies" to Michigan's energy law. The bill defines these as nuclear reactors with significant safety improvements over pre-2016 U.S. models, including federally defined advanced reactors and existing Michigan nuclear facilities that completed life cycle management. This definition will directly affect the Michigan Public Service Commission and electric utilities when evaluating nuclear energy projects and regulatory approvals. It creates a clear standard for identifying qualifying nuclear technologies under state law, ensuring consistent application of energy regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4126 creates a dedicated fund in the Michigan state treasury to provide grants to colleges and universities that establish or expand educational programs leading to degrees or credentials in the nuclear and hydrogen energy sectors. The fund, administered by the state Department of Education, will support institutions developing training programs aligned with these industries' workforce needs. Money in the fund does not expire annually and must be used solely for awarding these grants through state appropriations. This bill directly affects Michigan higher education institutions seeking to build or expand programs in nuclear and hydrogen energy fields.

Maddy summaryHB 4745 modifies Michigan's Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act to expand exemptions from registration and reporting requirements. It exempts small charitable groups that raise under $25,000 annually through unpaid volunteers, individual relief efforts (like community fundraisers for named people), educational institutions, hospitals, veterans' organizations, and certain non-profits with specific tax statuses. The bill also adds requirements for some exempt groups, such as filing financial statements or using funds solely for stated charitable purposes. These changes directly affect local charities, community groups, and hospitals that previously faced registration burdens for smaller-scale fundraising.

Maddy summaryHB 4642 amends Michigan's campaign finance law to require the secretary of state to refer violations involving themselves, their immediate family, or a connected campaign to the attorney general for resolution. This change ensures that cases where the secretary of state is a party are handled by an independent office, avoiding potential conflicts of interest. The bill does not alter the secretary of state's authority over other campaign finance matters. It specifically clarifies the process for referring such cases to the attorney general under the existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 4125 creates the "nuclear and hydrogen education grant program" to fund colleges and universities in Michigan that establish or expand educational programs leading to degrees or credentials in nuclear or hydrogen energy fields. The program requires participating schools to offer scholarships or tax credits to students who commit to working for at least three years at a nuclear or hydrogen energy facility in the state after graduation. Grants are awarded competitively by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, targeting programs that directly support workforce development for these industries. This bill directly affects postsecondary institutions, students in qualifying programs, and the nuclear/hydrogen energy sector by creating a pipeline for trained workers.

Maddy summaryHB 4432 creates a $2,500 refundable state income tax credit for qualified volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, volunteers must serve at least 10 hours monthly with a life support agency (like EMS organizations), receive no hourly wage or salary, and only be reimbursed for reasonable expenses or receive customary benefits. The credit requires a signed verification statement from the agency confirming the volunteer’s service hours, compliance with training standards, and non-salary compensation. This directly affects unpaid EMS volunteers who meet these criteria, reducing their state tax liability or providing a refund if the credit exceeds their tax bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4691 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to increase penalties for drivers who flee or elude police officers. It creates four tiers of felony sentencing based on the severity of the violation: fourth-degree (up to 2 years for basic evasion), third-degree (1-5 years if collision occurs or in low-speed zones), second-degree (2-10 years for serious injury or prior convictions), and first-degree (5-15 years if death results). The bill specifically defines "serious injury" to include loss of limbs, brain damage, or coma. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for police in uniform with marked vehicles, with penalties escalating based on outcomes like collisions, injuries, or prior offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement for Michigan school board members to formally accept their positions within 10 business days of election or appointment. Previously, newly elected or appointed members had to file acceptance with the school board secretary after being notified by the election coordinator. The change eliminates this step under Section 309 of the Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.309), simplifying the onboarding process. It directly affects all school board members elected or appointed across Michigan school districts.