Rep. Tom Kuhn

Maddy summaryHB 5940 allows electric utilities and other providers to install electronic transmission infrastructure, such as high-voltage power lines, within existing highway rights-of-way without needing separate consent from local governments. The bill establishes specific standards for underground placement to avoid increasing road maintenance costs and introduces a fee structure where utilities pay a one-time permit fee, with revenues dedicated to highway capital and maintenance. Additionally, the legislation creates a coordination process between the state transportation department and utilities to identify suitable routes and includes protections that prevent the state from relocating transmission lines for at least five years once a route is approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires K-5 teachers and literacy support staff in Michigan to complete specific professional training focused on reading and literacy instruction by the 2029-2030 school year. The legislation designates a single state-approved provider to deliver the training, which must cover evidence-based reading methods, assessment strategies, and a multitiered system of supports for addressing learning difficulties. School districts must report annual compliance data to the state department, which will publish public reports on implementation progress and recommend funding adjustments as needed. The training includes mandatory components on phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and data-driven decision-making, with phased implementation beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4471 proposes to allow retired county employees to be employed in a county sheriff's office. The key provision is that these individuals would be able to work in such a role without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance or pension benefits. This bill directly affects county retirees who may wish to return to employment within a sheriff's department. It amends section 12a of 1851 PA 156, which concerns the powers and duties of county boards of commissioners regarding employee benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 4064 prohibits Michigan state senators and representatives from receiving extra pay (beyond their regular salary) for directly communicating with government officials to influence legislative or administrative decisions. It specifically bans compensation for lobbying activities involving officials in Michigan's executive or legislative branches, or similar officials in other state or local governments. Violating this rule is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill amends Michigan's ethics law (MCL 4.411-4.431) and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4415 requires county road commissions to use competitive bidding for certain road projects that were previously exempt. This bill directly affects county road commissions by modifying existing rules (MCL 224.10) to expand the requirement for public bidding on specific infrastructure work. The key provision mandates that counties must solicit competitive bids for projects like road construction or repairs that meet defined criteria, ensuring transparency in spending. This change applies to all counties in Michigan where such projects were previously handled without competitive processes.

Maddy summaryHB 4187 modifies Michigan's corporate income tax law by adjusting how the tax base is calculated and clarifying revenue distribution. It requires corporations to add back certain taxes and expenses previously deducted for federal purposes (like state taxes or related-party royalties) and eliminates deductions for oil/gas and mineral-related income and expenses. For the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the bill directs $800 million of corporate tax revenue to the Michigan taxpayer rebate fund, while other years’ revenue flows to the general fund. This directly affects corporations operating in Michigan and the state’s budget allocation process.

Maddy summaryHB 5249 creates a new "adaptive care license" for ambulance operations currently licensed only for basic life support (BLS). It allows these operations to gradually upgrade to provide limited advanced life support (ALS) or advanced life support (ALS) services, provided they demonstrate staffing and equipment readiness for higher care levels by January 1, 2025. The license requires annual documentation of progress toward this upgrade, including training and equipment plans, and must be renewed annually alongside the operation's regular license. This applies specifically to ambulance services owned or contracted by local governments that previously provided only BLS for emergency response.

Maddy summaryHB 6190 amends the Michigan Credit Reform Act to update and clarify the legal definitions used throughout the state's financial regulations. The bill specifically revises the definitions for key terms such as "borrower," "regulated lender," and "extension of credit" to ensure they align with current laws and cover various types of lending activities. It also ties the effectiveness of this bill to another piece of legislation, HB 6177, meaning it will only take effect if that companion bill is passed. By standardizing these definitions, the bill aims to provide a clearer framework for how financial institutions and mortgage brokers operate under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHB 6183 amends Michigan's Tobacco Products Tax Act to strengthen regulations on the sale, distribution, and taxation of tobacco products. The bill requires that all tobacco products sold within the state must be purchased from licensed wholesalers or unclassified acquirers, and it mandates that retailers verify the age and identity of customers for online, telephone, or mail-order transactions. Additionally, the legislation updates record-keeping requirements for license verification and imposes new labeling rules, such as stamping packages with "TOBACCO PRODUCTS" and including specific tax information on invoices. These changes directly affect tobacco retailers, wholesalers, and remote sellers by enforcing stricter compliance measures to prevent underage access and ensure proper tax collection.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Home Rule City Act to allow Michigan cities with specific population thresholds to establish administrative hearings bureaus for adjudicating blight violations. These bureaus would handle cases related to zoning, property maintenance, sanitation, and other local ordinances, with hearing officers required to be licensed attorneys who have completed formal training. The legislation sets limits on the bureaus' authority, such as capping civil fines at $10,000 and prohibiting incarceration, while also outlining procedures for issuing violation notices and accepting admissions of responsibility. Additionally, the bill includes protections for landlords participating in city rental inspection programs, ensuring they receive correction notices and a chance to fix issues before facing penalties unless an emergency exists.