Rep. Tom Kuhn

Maddy summaryHB 5901 modifies Michigan's eminent domain laws to require government agencies to make a formal, good-faith written offer for property before starting condemnation proceedings. The bill also clarifies rules for filing court complaints, defines what constitutes a suitable replacement home for displaced residents, and outlines how agencies can request financial records from property owners to determine fair compensation. Additionally, the legislation shifts the burden of proof regarding bad faith offers to the agency and establishes specific penalties if an owner unreasonably withholds necessary financial documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's condemnation laws to clarify how courts review whether the government or a private entity needs to take private property. It establishes that public agencies' claims of needing land are generally binding on courts unless fraud, legal error, or abuse of discretion is proven, while private entities must prove public necessity to the court. The legislation also adjusts the burden of proof, requiring agencies to show by a preponderance of evidence that a taking is for public use, or by clear and convincing evidence if the project involves eradicating blight. Additionally, the bill sets a 60-day deadline for courts to decide these necessity challenges and limits the ability to appeal such decisions to the Court of Appeals without special permission.

Maddy summaryHB 5091 amends Michigan's Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act by clarifying key definitions used in financial reporting. It specifically defines terms like "public officer" (including state legislators, the governor, attorney general, and county officials in large counties), "earned income," "gift," and "liabilities" for disclosure purposes. These definitions will directly affect elected state officials and certain county leaders who must file annual financial disclosures. The bill does not change reporting requirements but ensures consistent understanding of terms used in the disclosure forms. It focuses on standardizing terminology rather than creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property tax laws to clarify how disabled veterans and their surviving spouses qualify for tax exemptions on their homes. It establishes specific criteria for eligibility based on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ratings and outlines a streamlined process where exemptions granted after January 1, 2025, remain in effect without needing annual reapplication. The legislation also introduces an audit program to verify eligibility every three years and defines clear rules for prorating tax exemptions when property ownership changes during the year.

Maddy summaryHB 4303 designates May of each year as "Chaldean American Month" in Michigan to recognize the contributions of Chaldean, Assyrian, and Syriac Americans to the state and nation. The bill is purely symbolic, creating no new policies, funding, or obligations. It directly affects the Chaldean American community by formally honoring their cultural and historical contributions through this annual designation. The bill has advanced through committee stages but remains pending final legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Michigan state constitution to permanently extend a property tax relief measure for homeowners who sell their primary residences. Currently, selling a home triggers a full reassessment of its value, which often leads to a significant spike in property taxes for the new owner; this change would allow the new owner to keep the lower taxable value established under the existing cap rules. The relief applies only to homes that are continuously owned and used as a principal residence, meaning the tax advantage ends if the property is sold for investment purposes or converted to a non-residential use. By removing the automatic reset of taxable value upon transfer, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on families moving between primary homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's laws regarding false reports and threats of terrorism. It directly affects individuals who make communications about terrorism, clarifying that a person can be charged even if they lack the actual intent or ability to commit the threatened act. The key provision states that knowingly making a false report of terrorism or threatening violence with reckless disregard remains a felony punishable by five to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The bill is currently tied to a companion measure, meaning it will not take effect unless that related legislation is also passed.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4477 mandates that public school districts and public school academies provide water safety instruction to students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, students will receive age- and grade-appropriate water safety instruction as part of their physical education courses, covering topics such as proper use of flotation devices and awareness of water conditions. The Department of Education is tasked with developing a model water safety program for schools by December 2025. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services will create a multilingual informational notice on water safety, which all public and nonpublic schools must distribute annually to parents or legal guardians starting October 2026. The bill also grants civil liability immunity to institutions and individuals involved in developing and distributing this informational notice.

Maddy summaryHB 5537 prohibits the production, sale, or offering for sale of kratom (including all parts of the Mitragyna speciose plant and synthetic variants like 7-hydroxymitragynine) in Michigan. It directly affects businesses and individuals selling kratom products, imposing misdemeanor penalties that escalate based on severity: up to 90 days in jail and $5,000 fines for first offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat violations or sales to minors. Sales to anyone under 18 carry enhanced penalties, including up to one year in jail and $10,000 fines for first offenses. The law defines "kratom" broadly to cover all plant parts, extracts, and synthetic forms, making these activities illegal under Michigan's penal code.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Mental Health Code to establish a formal mediation process for individuals receiving mental health services. It requires community mental health services programs to offer mediation to recipients, their representatives, or petitioners to resolve disputes regarding the planning and delivery of services. The state will fund and contract with mediation organizations to facilitate these processes. The bill sets timelines for mediation initiation and completion, with successful mediations resulting in legally binding agreements.