Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryHB 4083 prohibits the production, sale, or offering for sale of lab-grown meat (defined as meat made from cultured animal cells outside the animal). This bill directly affects companies developing or selling cultivated meat products in Michigan. It amends Michigan's Food Law by adding a specific ban in Section 7129(7), making it illegal to manufacture or sell such products. The law does not change labeling requirements for traditional meat but explicitly blocks lab-grown meat from the market. The bill is currently in committee for review after its introduction on February 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a symbolic resolution designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Michigan. It does not create new programs or change funding but aims to raise public awareness about CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers like healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. The resolution acknowledges that over 112,000 Michigan high school students participated in CTE programs during the 2023-2024 school year, with most pursuing postsecondary education or employment. It is directed at state officials and the public to support workforce development awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 4057 amends Michigan's individual income tax code to adjust how certain deductions are calculated for taxpayers. It specifically modifies Section 30 of the Income Tax Act, affecting Michigan residents who claim deductions for retirement benefits (including Michigan National Guard pensions), education trust payments, and other income adjustments. Key provisions clarify that taxpayers can deduct payments made under Michigan's advance tuition payment contracts for higher education, with specific limits ($42,240 single/$84,480 joint) and annual inflation adjustments. The bill does not create a new child care savings account deduction (that appears related to HB 4056), but refines existing education and retirement-related tax rules. This change directly impacts individual taxpayers using these specific deduction categories when filing Michigan state taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 4058 exempts specific baby and toddler items from Michigan's sales tax, directly affecting parents and caregivers purchasing these products. The bill adds 15 categories of items to the tax exemption list, including cribs, strollers, safety gates, breast pumps (and their collection/storage supplies), baby bottles, diapers, and clothing. Key provisions define eligible items precisely - such as excluding general bottles from breast pump kits unless sold together - and clarify that exemptions apply to both new and reusable products like diapers. This policy change reduces costs for families buying essential childcare items by removing the sales tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 4055 creates a new Michigan state tax credit for families with children, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. It allows taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 50% of the federal child tax credit they qualify for on their federal return, applied against their Michigan state income tax. If this credit exceeds the taxpayer's state tax bill, the excess amount is refunded directly to them. The bill directly affects Michigan residents who claim the federal child tax credit and have children, providing a potential cash refund for eligible families.

Maddy summaryHB 4059 exempts specific baby and toddler items from Michigan's use tax, meaning parents won't pay tax when purchasing these products. The bill adds 15 categories to the tax exemption list, including cribs, strollers, safety gates, breast pumps, bottles, diapers, and clothing accessories designed for infants or toddlers. It also defines detailed terms like "breast pump collection supplies" to clarify which products qualify for the exemption. This directly affects parents and caregivers buying essential infant products, making them tax-free at point of sale.

Maddy summaryHB 4056 creates Michigan's Child Care Savings Program, allowing residents to open tax-advantaged savings accounts for child care costs. Account holders can deduct contributions from their state income tax and withdraw funds penalty-free to cover eligible child care expenses for children under 14. To claim deductions, account holders must submit receipts for care costs, account statements, and financial institution forms with their tax returns. The program, effective January 2026, requires documentation but does not obligate financial institutions to track account usage or verify eligibility. It directly affects Michigan parents or guardians paying for child care for qualifying children.

Maddy summaryHB 4049 allows homeowners in residential areas to keep egg-laying hens on properties of at least 1/4 acre, with specific limits: no more than 5 hens per 1/4 acre (capped at 25 hens total). It makes hen rearing a permitted use under zoning laws, meaning it doesn’t require special approval, though local rules on noise, traffic, or hours can still apply. The bill directly affects residential property owners seeking to raise small numbers of hens for eggs. It requires companion bill HB 4050 to pass first before taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4051 amends Michigan's individual income tax law to increase the deduction limit for retirement and pension benefits. It establishes a $42,240 annual deduction for single filers and $84,480 for joint filers on retirement income (previously higher limits existed but were not explicitly capped), with these amounts automatically adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index. The bill directly affects Michigan taxpayers receiving retirement benefits by allowing them to deduct a larger portion of that income from their taxable income. This change modifies existing tax code provisions to provide a clearer, inflation-adjusted deduction threshold for retirement income.

Maddy summaryHB 4050 amends Michigan's Right to Farm Act to clarify standards for egg-laying hen operations in residential areas. It requires farms to follow "generally accepted agricultural and management practices" (GAAMPs) for odor, waste, and animal care, with complaint investigations requiring on-site inspections within 7 business days. If a farm uses GAAMPs, complaints are dismissed; if not, the farm must submit a 30-day implementation plan for changes. The bill also blocks local ordinances from imposing stricter rules than state GAAMPs, except when cities propose alternative standards after public review and state approval. This directly affects egg farms operating near homes and shapes how communities address farm-related complaints.