Rep. Matt Maddock

Maddy summaryHB 5085 eliminates an excise tax on marijuana sales by amending sections 3 and 13 (MCL 333.27953 and 333.27963) of Michigan's 2018 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. This change directly affects licensed marijuana businesses and consumers by removing a specific tax previously applied to marijuana products. The bill modifies the statutory definitions and tax provisions within the existing regulatory framework without altering other aspects of marijuana licensing or sales rules. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to committee on September 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5084 proposes to eliminate Michigan's $6.30 per barrel tax on beer. This bill would remove the existing tax requirement for brewers, brewpubs, and wholesalers under the Liquor Control Code. The change would directly affect beer manufacturers and distributors who currently pay this tax on beer sold in Michigan. The bill focuses solely on removing the tax rate and related collection mechanisms, without adding new provisions or exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 4664 prohibits blocking state highways during assemblies of individuals, amending Michigan's existing traffic law (MCL 257.676b). It directly affects protesters or assembly participants who obstruct highway traffic, making such obstruction a misdemeanor offense. The key provision adds a specific penalty for blocking highways while engaging in group assemblies, moving beyond general traffic violations. This law clarifies that highway obstruction during protests is a criminal act, not merely a traffic infraction.

Maddy summaryHB 4939 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address the distribution of certain material by adding new provisions to the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.17d). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of distributing particular types of material, establishing new sentencing parameters for these offenses. Key provisions include creating distinct sentencing guidelines that would apply to cases involving the distribution of the specified material, moving beyond general sentencing rules. This change modifies how courts determine appropriate penalties for these specific distribution-related convictions. The bill was introduced in 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 4938, the "Anticorruption of Public Morals Act," prohibits the online distribution of specific material defined as "prohibited" under the bill. It directly affects internet service providers, social media platforms, websites, and commercial entities by requiring them to block access to material including most pornographic content (depicting specific sexual acts, AI-generated sexual content, or content involving gender expression that "disconnects biology and gender"), with exceptions for scientific/medical research and academic content. Key mechanisms include mandatory filtering systems for ISPs, requirements for platforms to implement AI and human content moderation with 2-day response times for flagged content, and annual transparency reports. Violations carry criminal penalties (up to 25 years in prison or $125,000 fines) or civil fines of up to $500,000 per violation, enforced by a new Attorney General's division.

Maddy summaryHB 4936 limits late fees charged by privately owned toll bridge operators for unpaid tolls in Michigan. It prohibits these operators from charging late fees exceeding five times the original toll amount. The law applies specifically to privately owned toll bridges and excludes international crossings and publicly owned bridges. This change directly affects drivers who miss toll payments and privately operated bridge operators, setting a clear cap on additional charges.

Maddy summaryHB 4850 requires automatic fire sprinkler systems in parking spaces designated for electric vehicles at new multi-family buildings (excluding single-family homes) and mandates retrofitting existing multi-family buildings within 180 days of the law's effective date. The bill applies to buildings constructed after the law takes effect and to existing multi-family structures (excluding single-family or 1-2 family detached dwellings), with installation standards set by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. It defines "electric vehicle" as a solely electric vehicle (no gasoline/diesel capability) and specifies sprinkler systems must meet fire protection engineering standards. The law does not apply to single-family homes or small detached residential buildings.

Maddy summaryHB 4849, the "Student Free Press Act," protects student journalists in Michigan public high schools and state colleges/universities by treating school-sponsored media as a public forum for expression. It prohibits schools from censoring student journalism unless a regulation is strictly necessary to serve an important government interest and doesn’t target specific viewpoints. The bill also shields schools and advisors from liability for student publications and prevents retaliation against advisors who uphold these rights. It further guarantees students’ broader free speech rights on campus, including distributing materials and organizing demonstrations, while allowing limited, content-neutral time/place/manner restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4851 limits the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to owning no more than 50% of all land within any single state jurisdiction (such as a county or township). This amendment to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act restricts the DNR from purchasing additional surface rights to land north of the Mason-Arenac line unless specific conditions are met. The key mechanism requires the DNR to maintain land ownership below this 50% threshold in any jurisdiction, affecting how the department acquires or manages public lands. The bill does not change existing land management practices but sets a new cap on ownership percentages. This policy directly impacts the DNR’s land acquisition authority and planning for public lands.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 169) designates September 11-17, 2025, as "Patriot Week" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages Michigan residents, schools, and government agencies to honor American history, founding documents, and symbols during this week. The resolution specifically urges participation in activities that promote studying the nation's history and values, including recognition of the September 11, 2001, attacks and key historical figures and events. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal or financial impact on individuals or entities.