Rep. Mike Harris

Maddy summaryHB 5941 amends Michigan's income tax law to clarify how certain gratuities received by tipped employees are treated for tax purposes. The bill specifically addresses the exclusion of these tips from taxable income, ensuring that workers in the service industry are not taxed on amounts that are already exempt under federal rules. By updating the state tax code, the legislation aligns Michigan's treatment of tipped income with existing federal standards. This change directly affects employees who rely on tips as part of their compensation and the employers who report such earnings.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's environmental laws to require new or increased discharge permits to include proof of permission from any neighboring counties that might be affected by the discharge. Starting in 2025, applicants must submit a resolution from the impacted county's board of commissioners, and the state department must review applications within 30 to 90 days, treating them as complete if no decision is made by the deadline. The legislation also clarifies rules for oceangoing vessels by mandating specific permits for ballast water management to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, while ensuring state standards remain at least as protective as federal requirements. Additionally, the bill sets strict timelines for the department to determine if applications are administratively complete and outlines the process for denying permits if county permission is missing.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's pawnbroker regulations by increasing the maximum civil fine for charging excessive interest from an unspecified amount to $5,000. It also updates the criminal penalties for violating the act, allowing courts to impose fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to three months. The legislation directly affects pawnbrokers and their employees by clarifying the consequences for non-compliance with state laws. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that prevents it from taking effect unless a companion bill, HB 5536, is also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the maximum monthly interest rate pawnbrokers in Michigan can charge from 3% to 5%, while also raising the minimum interest requirement to 50 cents per loan. It updates the mandatory text printed on loan receipts to reflect this new 5% cap and clarifies that loans exceeding this rate are automatically void. The legislation also maintains the existing fee for storing unencumbered property at $3.00 per month and prohibits charging interest on unpaid balances in advance. This measure directly affects licensed pawnbrokers and consumers who use their services for short-term loans.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes supervision requirements for individuals holding temporary licenses as emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technician specialists, or paramedics in Michigan. Under the new rules, these temporary license holders must practice only under the direct supervision of a similarly licensed professional who holds a permanent license rather than a temporary one. The legislation applies to all temporary license holders in these health occupations and does not alter the licensing standards for permanent practitioners. The act takes effect immediately upon approval and is tied to the passage of a companion bill, HB 4613.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's income tax law to establish specific definitions for calculating research and development tax credits. It clarifies who qualifies as an "authorized business" for these credits, distinguishing between flow-through entities and general taxpayers based on their increase in qualifying research expenses. The legislation also defines key terms such as "base amount," which is calculated from the average of prior years' research spending, and "research university," which includes public institutions and independent nonprofits. By setting these clear definitions, the bill aims to streamline how businesses and universities claim tax incentives for conducting research within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's public health laws to allow the state health department to issue nonrenewable temporary licenses to individuals who have met all licensure requirements for emergency medical roles except for specific exams. These temporary licenses are valid for one year and permit the holder to practice only under direct supervision. The measure directly affects aspiring medical first responders, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who need time to complete their required examinations. It also includes a provision stating that the law does not take effect unless a companion bill, HB 4614, is also enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish specific sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of committing fraudulent acts against insurance companies. It directly affects prosecutors, judges, and defendants involved in insurance fraud cases by providing a structured framework for determining appropriate prison terms and fines. The legislation updates existing laws to ensure consistent and standardized penalties for these financial crimes, replacing previous vague directives with clearer statutory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's insurance code to protect individuals and organizations from legal liability when they report suspected or confirmed insurance fraud. It allows people, insurers, and agencies to share information with fraud detection groups like the National Insurance Crime Bureau without fear of being sued for libel, slander, or other civil claims, provided they do not act with malice or knowingly spread false information. The law also shields these entities from lawsuits when they publish official reports or comply with court orders related to fraud investigations. Ultimately, the measure aims to encourage cooperation in fighting insurance fraud by removing the risk of civil lawsuits for those acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Health Care False Claims Act to explicitly include automobile insurers that provide personal injury protection coverage within its definition of a "health care insurer." By making this change, the law ensures that these auto insurers are subject to the same rules and penalties as other health insurance providers regarding the submission of false or deceptive claims for benefits. The update does not alter the existing definitions of what constitutes a false claim or the penalties for fraud, but rather expands the scope of entities to which those rules apply.