Rep. Mark Tisdel

Maddy summaryHB 5159 amends Michigan's arson laws to clarify definitions and adjust penalties based on property value, occupancy, and prior offenses. It modifies classifications for first through sixth-degree arson, specifying that fires involving multiunit buildings, injuries, mines, or insured property face stricter penalties (up to life imprisonment), while lower-value property fires (under $1,000) with prior convictions become misdemeanors. Key changes include setting clear value thresholds ($1,000, $2,000, $20,000) for personal property, removing occupancy requirements for dwelling fires, and adding "recklessly" as a punishable mental state. This directly affects individuals who set fires to buildings, vehicles, or other property, with penalties varying by property value, prior convictions, and whether the fire caused injury. The bill does not change existing constitutional rights but refines how arson is legally categorized and punished.

Maddy summaryHB 5140 expands local governments' authority to impose hotel and short-term rental taxes. It allows cities in counties with 600,000-775,000 residents to levy up to 3% on accommodations (previously capped at 2%), while counties under 600,000 residents can tax up to 8% but require voter approval for rates above 5%. The bill directly affects hotels, vacation rentals, and online booking platforms that collect these taxes. Local governments must follow specific voter approval processes and administration rules under the amended law.

Maddy summaryHB 5138 clarifies that Michigan's Department of Treasury will administer and collect certain local taxes when cities or counties enter agreements with the state. It updates procedures for city income tax collection (under the City Income Tax Act) and county accommodation taxes (like hotel taxes under the Essential Services Tax Act). The bill transfers administrative responsibilities from previous entities to the Treasury Department, ensuring consistent collection processes for these taxes. This affects local governments that choose to contract with the state for tax administration, without changing tax rates or who pays them.

Maddy summaryHB 4691 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to increase penalties for drivers who flee or elude police officers. It creates four tiers of felony sentencing based on the severity of the violation: fourth-degree (up to 2 years for basic evasion), third-degree (1-5 years if collision occurs or in low-speed zones), second-degree (2-10 years for serious injury or prior convictions), and first-degree (5-15 years if death results). The bill specifically defines "serious injury" to include loss of limbs, brain damage, or coma. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for police in uniform with marked vehicles, with penalties escalating based on outcomes like collisions, injuries, or prior offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4690 mandates fixed prison sentences for certain violent or gun-related crimes by amending Michigan's sentencing law (MCL 750.479a). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific offenses, as judges must now impose predetermined terms instead of exercising discretion. The key provision requires minimum sentence lengths for these cases, removing judicial flexibility in sentencing. This policy change applies to new convictions under the amended law.

Maddy summaryHB 4422 raises the fees that licensed liquor distribution agents must pay to the state for operating under the current system. It directly affects authorized liquor distributors who hold state licenses to handle and sell alcoholic beverages. The bill increases the existing fee structure outlined in MCL 436.1205 without altering distribution rules or requirements. This change applies immediately following the bill's passage, as noted in the House vote.

Maddy summaryHB 4823 updates Michigan's liquor distribution rules by amending sections covering licensing, delivery, and sales (1998 PA 58). It directly affects liquor distributors, retailers, and manufacturers by modifying existing regulations and adding a new Section 412. The bill updates specific provisions related to how alcohol is distributed and sold, though the exact changes to each section aren't detailed in the provided context. It passed overwhelmingly in the House (100-3) and was referred to the Regulatory Affairs committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4825 would create a tax credit for businesses that sell beverages in returnable containers (like soda cans or bottles), allowing them to deduct $0.005 per container sold from their Michigan corporate income tax starting in 2026. The credit amount would automatically increase each year based on inflation (using the U.S. Consumer Price Index) beginning in 2027. To claim the credit, businesses must attach a specific report (required under existing law) with their annual tax return. This policy directly affects beverage distributors who manage deposit systems for returnable containers, reducing their tax liability or generating refunds if the credit exceeds their tax bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4747 adds a new state income tax deduction for Michigan taxpayers who contribute to 529 education savings plans. It allows residents to subtract their 529 plan contributions from their taxable income when filing Michigan state taxes, directly benefiting families saving for education costs. The bill amends Michigan’s tax code to create this specific deduction, effective immediately after its passage on October 23, 2025. This change provides a direct financial incentive for contributing to qualified education savings accounts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 189) passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor the Detroit Red Wings hockey team on its 100th season. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply recognizes the team's historical significance to Michigan. The resolution cites the Red Wings' founding in 1926, 11 Stanley Cup championships, cultural impact as "Hockeytown," and community work through their foundation. The House formally resolved to commemorate the team and transmitted a copy to the Red Wings organization as a gesture of appreciation.