Rep. Sharon MacDonell

Maddy summaryHB 4804 would increase the annual registration fee for vehicles with four or more tires (including most passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs) in Michigan. It directly affects vehicle owners who register these vehicles under the current fee structure. The bill amends Section 801 of the Michigan Vehicle Code to implement this fee increase, modifying the existing registration fee schedule. This change would generate additional revenue for the state's transportation fund through higher registration costs for affected vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 4047 creates a new legal cause of action allowing individuals to sue media organizations that falsely depict them engaging in sexual conduct. The law directly affects media companies publishing such false content and individuals whose reputations were harmed by the inaccurate depictions. It establishes specific procedures for filing these lawsuits within the civil court system. The bill became law on August 26, 2025, after approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4048 adds a new sentencing guideline for distributing intimate deepfake sexual images with aggravating circumstances, classifying it as a Class F felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison. This directly affects individuals convicted of disseminating such deepfakes, particularly those with prior offenses under Michigan law. The bill amends sentencing guidelines in Chapter XVII of the Michigan Penal Code to specifically address this crime, establishing a clear penalty framework for courts to apply. It became effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on August 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4796 would require any armed military force from another state, territory, or district to obtain the Michigan governor's permission before entering the state to perform military duty. This applies to out-of-state military units but excludes U.S. military forces acting under valid presidential authority. The bill amends Michigan's Military Act to add this authorization requirement as a new Section 132. It directly affects military forces from other jurisdictions seeking to conduct training or operations within Michigan. The policy change aims to clarify state authority over military activity on Michigan soil.

Maddy summaryHB 4792 creates a special license plate for Michigan vehicles, with sales proceeds funding animal welfare. The plate design will support efforts to address pet overpopulation and provide humane care for homeless and abused animals in shelters and rescues. Money from plate sales will go into a dedicated "Protecting Michigan's Pets Fund" managed by the state treasurer, with quarterly disbursements to the Michigan Pet Alliance. This bill directly affects vehicle owners who purchase the plate, directing funds specifically toward spay/neuter programs and animal health care services.

Maddy summaryHB 4797 creates a grant program to provide funding to public broadcast stations in Michigan, directly affecting local public radio and TV stations that serve educational, cultural, or civic needs. The bill requires stations to apply with documentation about their local service, financial need, and how funds will maintain public interest programming. It establishes a "public media fund" in the state treasury, appropriating $13 million for fiscal year 2025 to award grants of up to $1.5 million per station for programming, staffing, or infrastructure. The Michigan Department of Education administers the program, prioritizing stations demonstrating commitment to noncommercial, community-focused broadcasting.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (not a binding law) reaffirming support for the existing 22nd Amendment, which limits U.S. presidents to two terms. It does not change any law or affect any individuals, as the two-term limit has been part of the Constitution since 1951. The resolution states that all presidents since its ratification have respected the limit and rejects any efforts to undermine or weaken the amendment. It is a non-binding statement of congressional support, not a new policy or legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 4767 requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to develop a statewide research and monitoring plan focused on microplastics in the Great Lakes. The plan must assess microplastic impacts on health, ecosystems, and drinking water, establish baseline data, identify sources, and propose solutions like source reduction and public education. It mandates collaboration with universities (e.g., MSU, U of M) and adherence to federal standards, with the initial plan due to the legislature by July 2026 and full implementation by July 2028. This directly affects state agencies, research institutions, and Michigan residents through efforts to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Maddy summaryHB 4768 requires Michigan's environmental department to establish a program testing public drinking water for microplastics from 2027 to 2030. The program mandates quarterly testing using methods from agencies like the EPA, focusing on water sources such as Great Lakes tributaries, groundwater near landfills, and agricultural areas. By July 2031, the department must submit a report to the legislature detailing microplastic levels, testing methods, and recommendations for future action. This bill creates a baseline study to understand microplastic presence without setting immediate regulatory limits.

Maddy summaryHB 4766 prohibits the manufacture and sale of personal care products (like face washes and lotions) and cleaning products (including soaps and air fresheners) containing plastic microbeads in Michigan. Starting January 1, 2026, manufacturers cannot make such products, and retailers cannot sell them starting January 1, 2027, with an exception for microbeads below 1 part per million by weight. The law applies to businesses producing or selling these items in Michigan, and violations can result in daily fines up to $2,000. Enforcement falls to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, which will track compliance and report annually.