Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 63 declares April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about child abuse and neglect, and it urges all Michiganders to support children and families, learn the signs of abuse, and take action to help prevent it.

Maddy summaryHB 4305 would ban the use of SNAP benefits (food assistance) to purchase soda, directly affecting Michigan SNAP recipients. The bill requires the state to seek a federal waiver from the USDA to exclude soda from eligible foods under SNAP rules, and if approved, the state would prohibit soda purchases with these benefits. "Soda" is defined as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages, excluding milk, milk substitutes, and juices containing over 50% juice by volume. The bill does not change current SNAP rules but proposes a policy shift pending federal approval.

Maddy summaryHB 4185 changes how Michigan's general sales tax revenue is distributed. It directs 15% of the 4% sales tax to cities, villages, and townships through the Glenn Steil Revenue Sharing Act. Sixty percent goes to the state school aid fund (including all 2% tax from aviation fuel sales), while 27.9% of 25% from vehicle/fuel sales funds the transportation system. Additionally, it requires $9-12 million annually from computer software sales to the Michigan health initiative fund.

Maddy summaryHB 4184 increases Michigan's excise tax on aviation fuel from 3.10 cents to 4.00 cents per gallon. It directly affects fuel sellers, airlines, and airport operators by changing how this tax revenue is distributed. The bill modifies Section 203 of the Aeronautics Code to require 35% of the tax revenue to fund the state aeronautics fund and 65% to fund qualified airports. It also retains the 1.5-cent refund for airlines operating interstate flights and the exemption for fuel used in leaded racing fuel production.

Maddy summaryHB 4186 increases Michigan's business income tax rate from 4.95% to 30% for all business activity occurring on or after January 1, 2025. This rate change directly affects businesses operating within Michigan that are subject to the state's business tax, including those previously filing under the corporate income tax act. The bill amends sections 201 and 500 of the Michigan Business Tax Act (2007 PA 36) to implement this rate increase and adjust the tax base calculations for businesses. The change represents a significant policy shift in how Michigan taxes business income, effective in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4286 requires Michigan public schools to update health education curriculum standards by the 2026-2027 school year. It mandates specific content about human development, including an overview of pregnancy biology, fetal development inside the uterus, a 3-minute high-definition ultrasound video of early fetal organ development, and a computer-generated animation showing fertilization through birth. The bill directly affects Michigan public schools and the state Department of Education, which must revise curriculum standards to include these requirements. This is a concrete policy change to the health education curriculum, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHB 4278 designates the state of Michigan as the "Purple Heart State" to symbolically honor military service members wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals through concrete action - it is purely a symbolic gesture expressing gratitude. The bill’s sole mechanism is renaming the state for this purpose, as stated in its text: "This state is designated as a purple heart state to express gratitude and respect." The bill was introduced on March 20, 2025, and referred to committee, with no further action taken.

Maddy summaryHB 4014 exempts certain family transfers of residential property from a rule that normally resets property taxes to current market value after a sale or transfer. It specifically applies when property is transferred to close family members (such as parents, children, or siblings) through trusts, wills, or inheritances, provided the property isn't used commercially afterward. To qualify, beneficiaries must provide proof of their relationship within 30 days, or face a $200 fine. The bill modifies Michigan’s property tax law to prevent "taxable value" adjustments that would otherwise increase annual property tax bills significantly for these transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 4213 eliminates restrictions on concealed carry in specific locations by removing existing prohibitions from Michigan's concealed carry law. The bill removes restrictions that previously barred licensed concealed pistol permit holders from carrying in places like schools (with a parent drop-off/pick-up exception), child care centers, sports arenas, bars/taverns, places of worship, large entertainment venues (2,500+ seats), hospitals, and college dorms/classrooms. Licensed permit holders would no longer be prohibited from carrying concealed weapons in these locations under this amendment. The bill does not change security requirements for venues that choose to prohibit concealed carry (e.g., metal detectors).

Maddy summaryHB 4224 requires all Michigan K-12 public and private schools to install emergency responder radio coverage systems within 10 years if they lack them, ensuring these systems integrate with statewide public safety communications and cover all building areas. It also mandates the state to create and publish safety guidelines for school lockdown procedures within 90 days, including how fire codes impact lockdowns and evacuation plans. These guidelines must align with existing construction and fire safety codes. The bill directly affects every K-12 school building in Michigan and requires coordination with state agencies like the Michigan State Police and fire marshals for implementation.