Rep. Mark Tisdel

Maddy summaryHB 5901 modifies Michigan's eminent domain laws to require government agencies to make a formal, good-faith written offer for property before starting condemnation proceedings. The bill also clarifies rules for filing court complaints, defines what constitutes a suitable replacement home for displaced residents, and outlines how agencies can request financial records from property owners to determine fair compensation. Additionally, the legislation shifts the burden of proof regarding bad faith offers to the agency and establishes specific penalties if an owner unreasonably withholds necessary financial documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's condemnation laws to clarify how courts review whether the government or a private entity needs to take private property. It establishes that public agencies' claims of needing land are generally binding on courts unless fraud, legal error, or abuse of discretion is proven, while private entities must prove public necessity to the court. The legislation also adjusts the burden of proof, requiring agencies to show by a preponderance of evidence that a taking is for public use, or by clear and convincing evidence if the project involves eradicating blight. Additionally, the bill sets a 60-day deadline for courts to decide these necessity challenges and limits the ability to appeal such decisions to the Court of Appeals without special permission.

Maddy summaryHB 5091 amends Michigan's Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act by clarifying key definitions used in financial reporting. It specifically defines terms like "public officer" (including state legislators, the governor, attorney general, and county officials in large counties), "earned income," "gift," and "liabilities" for disclosure purposes. These definitions will directly affect elected state officials and certain county leaders who must file annual financial disclosures. The bill does not change reporting requirements but ensures consistent understanding of terms used in the disclosure forms. It focuses on standardizing terminology rather than creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property tax laws to clarify how disabled veterans and their surviving spouses qualify for tax exemptions on their homes. It establishes specific criteria for eligibility based on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ratings and outlines a streamlined process where exemptions granted after January 1, 2025, remain in effect without needing annual reapplication. The legislation also introduces an audit program to verify eligibility every three years and defines clear rules for prorating tax exemptions when property ownership changes during the year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4599) amends Michigan's criminal code to address gift card fraud by adding Section 3a to existing statutes (MCL 752.1081-752.1087). It directly affects individuals who commit gift card fraud, such as stealing or selling stolen gift card numbers. The bill creates specific criminal penalties for these offenses but does not provide details on the exact penalties or scope in the given context. The bill passed the House on September 9, 2025, with strong support, and was referred to the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. The context provided does not include the specific provisions or who is affected beyond the general fraud focus.

Maddy summaryHB 4598 expands Michigan's Organized Retail Crime Act to specifically address new tactics used in theft. It adds provisions criminalizing the acquisition, alteration, or use of stolen gift cards (subsections i(i)-(iii)), fraudulent wireless device purchases (subsections h), and manipulating fire exit alarms (subsections g) as organized retail crime. The bill makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, or both, and requires offenders to pay restitution to retailers and forfeit stolen merchandise. This directly affects retailers (through enhanced protections) and individuals committing these expanded theft methods, while clarifying that property representation as stolen is sufficient for prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments in Michigan, such as cities and counties, from creating or enforcing taxes and regulations based on carbon emissions, energy consumption, or vehicle miles traveled. It defines these restricted measures broadly to include fees on greenhouse gases, specific fuel types, and mandatory emissions trading programs. If passed, any existing local rules violating these restrictions would become invalid, and local entities would be barred from using public funds to defend such policies in court. The legislation also allows individuals to sue to stop the implementation of these prohibited local measures and grants them the right to recover legal fees if they win the case.

Maddy summaryHB 5809 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act to update the powers of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) regarding its coordination with federal programs and the Michigan Strategic Fund. The bill clarifies the authority's ability to collect fees for loans and publications, allowing those funds to be used for corporate purposes unless pledged for bond repayment. It also reinforces the authority's role in encouraging community organizations for housing projects and managing the salvage of usable housing scheduled for demolition. Additionally, the legislation ensures that the authority can make loans to mortgage lenders and purchase securities to support housing development efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state tax credit program designed to encourage private investment in community development projects across Michigan. It allows qualified taxpayers to claim a credit equal to 25% of their eligible investment, increasing to 50% for projects involving historic rehabilitation, rural development, or areas with low-income populations. To receive the credit, applicants must demonstrate local support and prove that the project would not happen without the financial incentive, while the state fund reviews applications based on criteria such as economic soundness and the potential to revitalize blighted or vacant properties. The legislation sets annual spending limits for the program, requires projects to be completed within three years, and mandates that at least 20% of the credits go to rural or small-scale initiatives.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4477 mandates that public school districts and public school academies provide water safety instruction to students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, students will receive age- and grade-appropriate water safety instruction as part of their physical education courses, covering topics such as proper use of flotation devices and awareness of water conditions. The Department of Education is tasked with developing a model water safety program for schools by December 2025. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services will create a multilingual informational notice on water safety, which all public and nonpublic schools must distribute annually to parents or legal guardians starting October 2026. The bill also grants civil liability immunity to institutions and individuals involved in developing and distributing this informational notice.