Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryHB 4757 updates Michigan's rules for how local governments (like cities, counties, and townships) can invest surplus funds. It adds new investment options, including specific federal mortgage securities (like GNMA and FNMA bonds) and certificates of deposit from qualified financial institutions. The bill also sets a 25% limit on corporate bond investments and requires investment officers to use certified professionals or fiduciary advisors. These changes directly affect all local governments managing public funds, ensuring investments follow updated safety and rating standards.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 147) formally declares August 7, 2025, as Purple Heart Day in Michigan. It commemorates the anniversary of the Purple Heart medal's founding (August 7, 1782) and honors military personnel wounded or killed in combat. The resolution directs the state to recognize Purple Heart recipients' sacrifices and expresses appreciation through the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly honor veterans.

Maddy summaryHB 4744 designates Vernors (a ginger ale soft drink) as Michigan's official state beverage. The bill formally recognizes Vernors in a symbolic capacity for the state, without altering any existing laws or regulations. It would take effect 90 days after enactment, creating a new state law for ceremonial purposes only. This designation has no practical impact on citizens, businesses, or state operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts honorably discharged veterans (who are Michigan residents) from paying the state park recreation passport fee. Veterans can obtain a special sticker or hangtag by verifying their status through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This allows them to enter all state parks and recreation areas without paying the annual fee required for most resident vehicle owners. The exemption applies to all locations where the fee would normally be required, including designated boating access sites.

Maddy summaryHB 4390 expands Michigan's vehicle code to allow testing of oral fluid (such as saliva) for controlled substances, alongside blood, breath, or urine, when determining impairment. It directly affects commercial drivers who refuse chemical tests for controlled substances or alcohol while operating commercial vehicles. The bill adds a new definition of "other bodily fluid" to include oral fluid and creates a process for "preliminary oral fluid analysis" conducted by certified experts at the scene. This change updates existing suspension rules for commercial drivers who refuse testing, ensuring consistent enforcement for controlled substances alongside alcohol. The policy change specifically targets commercial motor vehicle operators who decline chemical tests for drugs or alcohol.

Maddy summaryHB 4391 expands Michigan's vehicle code to allow law enforcement to test for intoxication using other bodily fluids beyond blood or breath, such as urine or saliva. It directly affects drivers suspected of operating a vehicle while impaired, updating sections 625a, 625c, and 625g of the 1949 Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.625a et seq.). The bill amends existing testing methods to include these additional fluids, providing more flexibility for officers during DUI investigations. The bill passed the Michigan House on July 17, 2025, with immediate effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4681 allows eligible disabled veterans with an honorable U.S. military discharge to request special vehicle registration plates or a "DV" adhesive tab for their service/conflict plates at no application fee. To qualify, veterans must prove a VA disability rating of at least 50% (for partial disability) or 100% (for total disability), including receiving disability retirement pay. Totally disabled veterans would be exempt from registration taxes, and their plates could be renewed without re-proving disability or paying fees. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also use and renew these plates after the veteran’s death. The bill also permits a free wheelchair symbol tab to be attached to these special plates.

Maddy summaryHB 4682 modifies Michigan's property tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans. It expands eligibility to include surviving spouses who qualify for dependency and indemnity compensation (under 38 USC 1310-1318) because their veteran spouse died from a service-connected disability. The exemption applies to homestead property owned by these surviving spouses, reducing their property tax burden. This change directly affects surviving spouses of veterans who meet specific U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 4680 would make it a misdemeanor to refuse to remove a face covering when law enforcement requests it, if the person was wearing the mask to conceal their identity while threatening others, intimidating a group, or violating a state law or local ordinance. Currently, wearing a mask to hide identity during a crime is already a misdemeanor, but this bill adds officers' authority to stop and ask for removal in those specific situations. Refusing such a request would carry a penalty of up to one year in jail or a $2,500 fine. The bill directly affects individuals wearing face coverings in contexts involving potential threats, group intimidation, or ongoing law violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4516 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to clarify when workers lose eligibility for benefits due to leaving jobs. It shifts the burden of proof to claimants to prove they left work "involuntarily" for employer-related reasons, rather than assuming voluntary departure. The bill adds specific exceptions where benefits aren't charged to employers, including for domestic violence victims, military spouses relocating due to service, and part-time workers switching employers. These changes directly affect unemployed workers applying for benefits who left their jobs, ensuring clearer standards for disqualification and employer accountability.