Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryHB 5274 creates a sales tax exemption for qualified disabled veterans purchasing vehicles. Beginning January 1, 2026, disabled veterans who meet the state's definition (as outlined in the General Property Tax Act) will not pay the 4% state sales tax on new or used vehicles bought for their personal use and registered in their name. This directly affects disabled veterans seeking to purchase a vehicle for personal transportation. The exemption applies specifically to the sales tax on the vehicle itself, not other taxes or fees.

Maddy summaryHB 5278 amends Michigan's identification card law to include individuals who served in the NOAA Commissioned Corps (NOAACOC) or the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHSCC) in the state's definition of "veteran" for identification cards. This change would allow these service members to request a "veteran" designation on their state ID, similar to military veterans, upon providing proof of service and discharge. The bill requires the Secretary of State to verify service records with relevant agencies and issue the designation in an appropriate format. This policy change directly affects NOAA and USPHSCC personnel seeking to identify their service on official state IDs.

Maddy summaryHB 5265 creates Michigan's Veterans Service Animal Grant Program, providing financial assistance to eligible veterans for obtaining service animals. It directly affects veterans diagnosed with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who are matched with service animals through IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, uses a new state fund to cover costs like training and acquisition, with grants awarded based on specific eligibility criteria. The fund is established in the state treasury and can only be used for program grants and administration, as outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 5276 extends eligibility for Michigan's Vietnam veteran era bonus to veterans who received the National Defense Service Medal between September 1, 1973, and May 7, 1975. It adds Section 6a to the existing law, creating a new eligibility path for veterans meeting the service period requirements and medal award criteria. The bill also extends the application deadline for these veterans to May 7, 2028, instead of the original 1980 cutoff. This change directly affects Michigan veterans who served during the Vietnam era and were awarded the specified medal during the extended timeframe.

Maddy summaryHB 5272 proposes to create a new property tax credit for disabled veterans and surviving spouses (widows/widowers) of disabled veterans who rent or lease a home in Michigan. It amends Michigan’s income tax law to add this credit and specifically exclude it from the state’s income tax cap. This would directly benefit qualifying renters who are disabled veterans or surviving spouses, providing them with a tax reduction they currently cannot access under existing rules. The bill does not change other tax credits or the overall tax structure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 2025 as Adoption Month in Michigan to recognize adoptive families and the children they welcome. It is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or funding changes, acknowledging the work of adoptive parents and the experiences of adopted children. The resolution cites adoption statistics from Michigan (including 1,610 foster care adoptions in 2023) but does not alter any laws or programs. It serves solely to honor adoption as part of Michigan's community values.

Maddy summaryHB 5247 amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to exclude individuals serving prison sentences from the definition of "person" eligible to request public records. Specifically, it revises Section 2(g) to clarify that "person" does not include anyone incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities. This change directly affects people currently in prison, removing their right to access public records through FOIA requests. The bill maintains that all other residents retain full FOIA access rights, with no other policy changes to the act's core provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5266 creates Michigan's Office of Veteran Homelessness within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to coordinate support for homeless veterans. The office will identify, align, and connect veterans to existing state, federal, and local resources and programs addressing homelessness, including mental health, substance use, and housing services. It establishes a $1 million Veteran Homelessness Fund for the office's operations and requires annual reports detailing the scope of veteran homelessness, resource gaps, and recommendations for improvement. The bill directly affects homeless veterans in Michigan by streamlining access to services and improving coordination across government programs.

Maddy summaryHCR 3 is a Michigan legislative resolution urging Congress to amend two federal laws (38 U.S.C. § 5304 and 10 U.S.C. § 12316) that currently prevent National Guard and reserve members from receiving both active duty pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously. Under current law, veterans must choose between these two payments, forcing them to waive disability benefits to maintain reserve pay or vice versa. If enacted, the amendment would allow service members to receive both payments concurrently, supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities who serve part-time in the reserves or National Guard. This resolution is a recommendation to Congress, not a law, and does not change existing policy.

Maddy summaryHR 216 is a procedural resolution urging Congress to support a National Infrastructure Bank as described in H.R. 5356. It does not create new funding but proposes a public bank capitalized through existing Treasury debt to finance infrastructure projects like road repairs, school upgrades, lead pipe replacement, and affordable housing. The resolution highlights Michigan's infrastructure challenges - such as 33% of roads in poor condition and 11% of bridges deemed structurally deficient - and cites widespread support from state legislatures and organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it formally requests congressional action but does not enact policy changes itself.