Rep. Sharon MacDonell

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to require landlords to include a specific written notice in rental agreements regarding rent increases. The law mandates that landlords provide tenants with at least 90 days' written warning before any rent hike takes effect. Additionally, the bill updates the required text on rental contracts to ensure tenants are clearly informed of their rights under the act and instructed to seek legal help if needed. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants by standardizing how rent increase notices are communicated and ensuring they are prominently displayed in lease documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a tax credit for Michigan homeowners who build or contract to build an accessory dwelling unit, such as a detached structure or converted garage, on their property. Starting in the 2026 tax year, eligible taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 20% of the construction costs, provided they submit reasonable proof of expenses to the tax department. If the credit amount is larger than the taxpayer's current tax liability, the unused portion can be carried forward to future years rather than being refunded. The legislation defines an accessory dwelling unit as a secondary living space on the same property as the main home and sets the credit effective date for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, would allow tenants in Michigan to get the first chance to buy their rental homes or apartments before the landlord sells them to someone else. It requires landlords to offer the property to tenants at a price and terms that are at least as good as what a third-party buyer would get, or comparable to the property's appraised value if no other offer exists. The law applies to various types of rental units, including apartments and single-family homes, but excludes hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Tenants can exercise this right individually or by forming an association representing a majority of the tenants in the building.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Tenants Right to Organize Act" in Michigan, granting residential tenants the legal right to form unions and collectively negotiate with landlords. It allows tenant groups to distribute literature, hold meetings in shared spaces, and organize canvassing efforts by non-tenant organizers, while prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants who participate in these activities. The legislation also sets specific penalties for landlords who interfere with organizing rights, including fines of up to $1,000 per violation and the requirement to pay reasonable attorney fees. By defining terms like "tenant union" and outlining permissible activities, the law aims to create a structured framework for collective bargaining within rental properties.

Maddy summaryHB 6095 amends state law to regulate how public utilities in Michigan can raise their rates and charges. The bill requires utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before increasing costs for customers and mandates that they provide notice and hold hearings for affected parties. It establishes specific timelines for the commission to review rate applications and grants utilities the ability to implement proposed rate increases temporarily if the commission does not act within 180 days, provided they refund any excess amounts later with interest. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for spacing out rate filings by large electric utilities and outlines procedures for seeking immediate partial rate relief for smaller gas utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's housing law to require landlords and building owners to provide relocation assistance to tenants living in hazardous or dangerous structures. The measure mandates that if an enforcing agency determines unsafe conditions exist due to a landlord's poor maintenance and orders the property vacated or demolished, the responsible party must pay the tenant three months of current rent. This financial aid must be issued within seven business days of the order and applies regardless of whether the tenant is up to date on rent payments. The provision ensures that this assistance is in addition to any other legal remedies available under existing housing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners converting existing buildings into accessory dwelling units to ensure their foundations meet current frost protection standards. To qualify for an exemption from this rule, applicants must provide a document showing the building is at least 10 years old and include a professional engineer's statement confirming there is no evidence of significant frost heaving that could threaten the structure's safety. The legislation directly impacts homeowners and developers seeking to add secondary living spaces to older properties without rebuilding their foundations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan from including specific administrative and political expenses in the rates charged to customers. It explicitly bans the recovery of costs related to executive compensation, fines, lobbying, advertising, charitable donations, and trade association memberships. If the Public Service Commission determines that a utility has improperly collected these fees, it must order a refund to customers with interest and impose escalating fines based on the number of violations. Any fines levied under this new rule would be directed toward a fund designed to assist low-income individuals with energy costs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day throughout Michigan. It aims to raise public awareness about the issue of elder abuse and encourage residents to recognize warning signs and report incidents. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the importance of protecting older adults.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan businesses selling car parts and accessories to separately report and pay sales tax on those specific items starting October 1, 2027. To prepare for this change, the state Department of Treasury must define which products count as car parts by March 31, 2027, and create a new form for businesses to use. Companies will need to set up systems to identify these items at the point of sale and submit distinct payments for them alongside their regular monthly tax returns. The bill amends existing state tax laws to establish these new reporting and payment procedures without changing how the tax revenue is currently distributed.