Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new exemption from standard teen driver training for home-schooled students in Michigan who are seeking a learner's permit or intermediate license. Under the law, parents or guardians can administer their own driving curriculum as long as it meets the state's minimum instructional and driving standards. To qualify, the parent must submit a signed certificate to the Secretary of State confirming the student completed the required hours, including specific behind-the-wheel experience and nighttime driving. The bill also establishes a process where the Secretary of State must approve or reject the certificate within 10 business days, and if no response is received or specific defects are not listed, the certificate is automatically considered approved. Additionally, the legislation grants parents immunity from civil liability and administrative penalties if they submit a certificate in good faith, while prohibiting the state from adding extra documentation requirements beyond those specified.

Maddy summaryHB 5358 modifies Michigan's teacher licensing requirements. It requires teachers seeking professional certification to complete a 3-credit course on diagnosing and supporting students with reading disabilities, including specific tools and strategies. The bill also creates streamlined pathways for out-of-state teachers to obtain Michigan certification if they've taught successfully for at least 3 years in their previous state, waiving some exam and reading course requirements. These changes directly affect teachers, school districts, and teacher preparation programs by altering certification standards and reciprocity processes.

Maddy summaryHB 5211 would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to create a legal presumption that equal or nearly equal parenting time between both parents is in a child's best interest for disputes between parents. This presumption would apply unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence that equal time is not appropriate. The bill does not change the existing "best interests of the child" standard (listed in Section 3), but establishes equal parenting time as the default starting point under Section 5. This applies specifically to custody disputes between parents, not involving agencies or third parties, and does not affect provisions addressing cases involving criminal sexual conduct by a parent.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates for the offices of governor and U.S. Senator in Michigan to avoid collecting nominating petitions by paying a nonrefundable filing fee of $15,000 to the Secretary of State. Under the new provisions, candidates who choose this option must adhere to the same withdrawal rules as those who submit petitions, meaning they cannot withdraw their candidacy unless they move out of state or become physically unfit. The legislation also updates deadlines for filing petitions, requiring them to be submitted by the fifteenth Tuesday before the August primary starting in 2014. Any fees collected under this plan are deposited into the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify the deadline by which the Department of Environmental Quality must request changes to wetland permit applications. Specifically, it states that the department cannot require changes to an application after a site visit occurs once the application has been deemed administratively complete. The legislation also outlines specific application fees based on project size and type, ranging from $50 for general permits to $2,000 for major projects like filling large wetlands or building new golf courses. Additionally, the bill provides for fee refunds if a permit is denied or found unnecessary and allows for conditional permits in emergency situations to protect public safety. These changes directly affect individuals and organizations seeking permits to develop or use wetlands in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Credit Union Act to allow the state director of credit unions to share confidential examination reports with qualified private insurance organizations that insure credit union shares. The change permits the director to provide sensitive documents to these insurers if the documents relate to a credit union whose shares are primarily insured by them, provided the insurer agrees to keep the information confidential and privileged. While the bill maintains strict protections against public disclosure and legal discovery for these documents, it creates a specific exception for sharing data with private insurers to assist in their regulatory oversight. This provision is part of a larger legislative package aimed at streamlining communication between state regulators and various financial oversight bodies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Credit Union Act to clarify the requirements for organizing domestic credit unions, specifically regarding insurance commitments. It mandates that applicants must secure a firm commitment from either a federal agency or a qualified private insurance organization to cover share and deposit accounts before the state commissioner can approve the new credit union. The legislation also outlines the application process, including specific information that must be submitted, the commissioner's authority to investigate and approve the organization, and the steps available for applicants to request a hearing or appeal if their application is denied. Because this bill is tied to several companion bills, it will only take effect if all related legislation is passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Credit Union Act to establish specific rules for domestic credit unions converting into mutual savings banks or associations. It requires credit union boards to provide detailed written notices to members explaining the reasons for conversion, its potential effects, and confirming that officials will not receive special financial benefits. The process mandates a two-thirds vote by the board and a separate two-thirds vote by members, along with public posting of notices and opportunities for regulatory review. Additionally, the bill ensures that deposits in the converted institution qualify for federal or qualified private insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Credit Union Act to allow foreign credit unions, excluding federal ones, to operate within the state with the commissioner's written approval. To receive this approval, these institutions must meet specific criteria, including financial solvency, membership insurance from a federal or qualified private source, and supervision by their home authority, while also agreeing to charge interest rates no higher than those allowed for domestic credit unions and comply with local consumer protection laws. The legislation also requires foreign credit unions to designate a local agent for legal service, file necessary reports, and permit state examinations, provided their home jurisdiction allows reciprocal business for Michigan credit unions. This change is contingent upon the enactment of four other related bills, and it does not exempt foreign credit unions from any existing state laws that apply to them.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Credit Union Act to allow domestic credit unions to obtain primary share and deposit insurance from qualified private insurance organizations licensed in the state, in addition to federal agencies. It establishes a process where the state director can authorize private insurers to provide coverage and may deny or revoke this authorization if the insurer lacks sufficient resources or governance. The legislation also permits credit unions to contract with licensed carriers for coverage on account balances that exceed the limits of primary insurance. Importantly, the bill does not take effect unless four related companion bills are also enacted into law.