Rep. Tom Kuhn

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 209) formally declares November 2025 as "National Alzheimer's Awareness Month" within Michigan. It recognizes Alzheimer's disease as a critical health issue affecting over 200,000 Michiganders and 385,000 caregivers, citing it as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only top-10 cause with no cure or prevention. The resolution serves as a symbolic recognition - without creating new laws, funding, or mandates - to honor those impacted by Alzheimer's and support ongoing research and awareness efforts. It aligns with the national observance established since 1983 but applies specifically to Michigan's legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 4427 requires counties to issue a "brown alert" when sewage or E. coli levels in waterways reach dangerous public health levels. This directly affects county officials responsible for environmental monitoring and residents who use or live near affected waterways. The bill amends existing law by adding a new section mandating this alert system, replacing previous voluntary protocols. It creates a specific, actionable requirement for counties to notify the public during hazardous conditions. The law passed the House with strong support (94-10) and is now under review by the Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryHR 196 is a resolution demanding Michigan's Secretary of State comply with a federal request for an unredacted copy of the state's voter registration list, as required by the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. It directly affects the Michigan Secretary of State's office by mandating disclosure of voter data within legal limits. The bill does not create new law but compels adherence to existing federal requirements for voter list transparency. This procedural resolution focuses solely on directing state compliance with federal mandates, not altering election policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5156 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to give local law enforcement agencies (like city police or county sheriffs) temporary authority to control traffic during emergencies or specific events. It allows officers or temporary devices to guide, direct, or stop traffic on any public road within their jurisdiction when necessary for public safety, including during large marches, parades, protests, terrorist attacks, or violent acts. The bill specifically expands existing traffic control powers to cover these scenarios without requiring prior court orders. This change directly affects how local police manage traffic during public gatherings or crises, aiming to enhance safety responses. The bill is currently in committee review after being introduced on October 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5155 amends Michigan's penal code to remove duress as a defense for second-degree murder charges. Specifically, it changes section 317 to explicitly state that being forced to commit a crime (duress) cannot be used to defend against second-degree murder prosecutions. This directly affects defendants accused of second-degree murder who might otherwise claim they were coerced into committing the act. The bill makes no changes to the punishment for second-degree murder, which remains life imprisonment or any term of years at the court's discretion.

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.