Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryHB 4795 removes a requirement for intermediate school board members to file paperwork accepting their position. It amends Michigan's school code (MCL 380.861) to eliminate this administrative step. The bill directly affects individuals serving on intermediate school districts' governing boards. This change simplifies a procedural obligation without altering voting rights or substantive school governance.

Maddy summaryHB 4431 creates a new $2,500 state income tax credit for qualified volunteer firefighters in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, individuals must serve at least 10 hours per month as unpaid volunteers (reimbursed only for expenses or standard benefits) with an organized fire department, verified by a written statement from the department head. The credit reduces tax liability, with any excess amount refunded to the taxpayer. This applies specifically to volunteer firefighters meeting the defined criteria, not paid staff or other volunteer roles.

Maddy summaryHB 4039 requires Michigan state agencies to eliminate at least two existing regulations for every new rule they propose. This directly affects all state agencies that create or change regulations, mandating they submit a list of rescinded rules alongside new rule requests. The bill establishes a process where the Michigan Office of Regulatory Reinvention must approve these requests before agencies can proceed, ensuring new rules don’t expand regulation without removing older ones. It aims to reduce regulatory burden by making rulemaking more streamlined and transparent.

Maddy summaryHB 4690 mandates fixed prison sentences for certain violent or gun-related crimes by amending Michigan's sentencing law (MCL 750.479a). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific offenses, as judges must now impose predetermined terms instead of exercising discretion. The key provision requires minimum sentence lengths for these cases, removing judicial flexibility in sentencing. This policy change applies to new convictions under the amended law.

Maddy summaryHB 4588 would require candidates for school district board positions in Michigan to declare a partisan political affiliation (e.g., Democrat, Republican) on their nomination papers. This change directly affects individuals running for local school board seats by adding a new requirement to their candidacy. The bill amends sections of Michigan's election law (MCL 168.303, 168.697, and 168.699) to implement this declaration requirement. The proposal is currently pending in the Committee on Election Integrity after its second reading referral.

Maddy summaryHB 4484 amends Michigan's Social Welfare Act to allow licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to seek reimbursement for audiological rehabilitation and speech-language therapy services, regardless of whether they hold a certificate of clinical competence. This change directly affects SLPs practicing in Michigan who previously faced potential barriers to reimbursement under existing department rules. The bill removes a prior requirement for the clinical certificate, ensuring reimbursement eligibility solely based on state licensure. It applies to all coverage policies under the Social Welfare Act (MCL 400.1-400.119b), streamlining access to payment for these healthcare services.

Maddy summaryHB 4794 eliminates a requirement for community college board of trustee members to file an acceptance of office document. This change directly affects current and future members of community college boards across Michigan. The bill amends specific sections of state law (MCL 389.156 and 389.157) to remove the filing obligation, simplifying administrative processes for these boards. The legislation passed unanimously in the House with immediate effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4088 adjusts the property tax credit for Michigan homeowners by raising the taxable value cap for homestead eligibility from $135,000 (through 2021) to $196,500 starting in 2026. It requires annual adjustments to this cap based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), rounded to the nearest $100, to maintain its real value over time. The bill directly affects homeowners claiming the property tax credit who own homestead properties with taxable values exceeding the new cap. This change modifies the eligibility threshold under Section 520 of Michigan's Income Tax Act, ensuring the cap keeps pace with inflation.

Maddy summaryHB 4376 modifies Michigan's sales tax rules for trade-in values on vehicle purchases. It increases the annual adjustment for the maximum deductible trade-in value from $500 to $1,000, starting January 1, 2020. This change allows car buyers trading in vehicles to reduce the taxable sales price by more when purchasing new or used cars from dealers. The provision applies only when the trade-in value is separately stated on the sales invoice.

Maddy summaryHB 5114 designates October 14 of each year as "Charlie Kirk Day" in Michigan. This ceremonial bill creates no new policies, funding, or obligations - it simply names a day for recognition. It directly affects the public by establishing a symbolic observance date, with no specific groups or programs impacted. The bill is purely commemorative and has no substantive provisions beyond the designation.