Rep. Mike Harris

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's property tax rules to clarify how taxable values are calculated when property ownership transfers. It establishes that a property's taxable value resets to its current market value upon transfer, but then limits future annual increases to the lesser of 5% or the inflation rate until another transfer occurs. The legislation also defines specific scenarios where a transfer does not trigger a reset, such as when property is moved into a trust by a parent for their own children or grandchildren, provided the home remains residential. Additionally, it allows local tax officials to correct past valuation errors related to missed transfers for up to three years and clarifies rules for land contracts and certain bond-funded properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to update tax exemption rules for downtown development authorities in Michigan. It clarifies that these entities remain exempt from real estate transfer taxes even after the state real estate transfer tax act was repealed. The changes will only take effect if two other related bills are also enacted into law. Ultimately, the measure ensures these local economic development organizations do not face new transfer tax obligations on property instruments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate code to clarify how property transfers are treated when a personal representative sells estate assets to themselves or others. It establishes that buyers or lenders who purchase these assets are considered to have paid value without needing to verify if the original distribution was legally proper or if the representative still had authority. Additionally, the bill creates a legal presumption that recorded transfers are made for value, which helps simplify tax assessments, though it does not alter existing rules regarding Michigan estate tax liens. The legislation directly affects personal representatives, estate buyers, lenders, and interested parties involved in property distribution, and it requires two other related bills to pass before it can take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5878 eliminates the personal property tax in Michigan for all items that do not qualify for an existing specific exemption, effective for taxes levied after December 31, 2026. Owners of such property must annually file a statement with their local tax collector to claim this new exemption, while property that already has a designated exemption cannot be claimed under this new rule. The bill also requires local tax units to send summary data to the state Department of Treasury by April 1 each year to track the revenue impact of these new exemptions. This legislation directly affects business owners and individuals holding personal property by removing a tax burden on eligible assets, provided they complete the necessary filing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Michigan's state real estate transfer tax, which previously applied to the sale of property. It includes a provision to ensure that any resulting loss in state revenue is compensated by transferring funds from the state general fund to the school aid fund. The law will only take effect if a separate companion bill, HB 5880, is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Michigan's 1993 State Education Tax Act, which previously imposed a tax on property owners to fund public schools. The legislation is contingent upon the simultaneous passage of a companion bill (HB 5880) that mandates the state to use general funds to fully replace any revenue lost from eliminating the tax. If enacted, the change would remove the specific tax requirement while ensuring that school funding levels remain unchanged through state appropriation. The law is scheduled to take effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows premium finance companies in Michigan to charge fees for processing insurance payments made via credit cards, debit cards, or other electronic methods. The law requires these companies to limit fees to the actual costs incurred for processing, notify customers before charging, and offer a free alternative payment option like cash or check. It also clarifies rules for delinquency charges on unpaid installments and cancellation fees if a policy is terminated due to non-payment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance agents in Michigan to charge customers a fee for paying premiums via credit cards, debit cards, or other electronic methods. The fee is limited to the actual cost of processing the payment and must be disclosed to the customer before the transaction is completed. Customers will also be given the option to pay by check or money order without incurring a fee, and the charge cannot be refunded once accepted.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Michigan Education Savings Program to allow withdrawals from education savings accounts for qualified postsecondary credentialing expenses, such as those for professional certifications or licenses. The change directly affects account owners and designated beneficiaries who wish to use their savings for these specific costs in addition to traditional tuition and fees. By updating the state's definition of qualified higher education expenses to align with federal rules, the legislation enables families to access their savings for a broader range of career training without incurring penalties. The bill amends existing state law to incorporate these new expense categories into the program's guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 5480, known as the "Natalia Moore Law," allows parents to transfer children to another school district if the child experiences bullying at their current school. To qualify, parents must provide documented bullying incidents, proof of reporting to school staff, and evidence that prior interventions failed. The receiving district must accept the transfer and share academic records within 7 days, while the child’s original district cannot charge tuition for such transfers under the amended school code. This law directly affects students experiencing bullying and their families seeking safer school environments.