Rep. Ron Robinson

Maddy summaryHB 4118 amends Michigan's Drain Code to require that lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be assessed for drainage project costs based on the benefits they receive, similar to how townships, cities, counties, and state highways are assessed. The bill clarifies that drainage costs must be apportioned among these entities according to specific benefit-based formulas, including DNR lands as a distinct category. It also updates public notice requirements for bidding on drainage projects and reviews of cost allocations to ensure transparency. This change directly affects DNR lands and the entities responsible for funding drainage improvements, including local governments and state transportation authorities.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4244 requires state government entities, defined as "public bodies," to change how they refer to a specific geographical location. If a public body uses the term "Gulf of Mexico," they must modify it to "Gulf of America." This applies to all departments, boards, commissions, offices, agencies, or other units of state government. Public bodies are required to implement this change by July 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4443 establishes a new "disabled veteran's homestead specific tax" on properties currently exempt from general property taxes. Beginning January 1, 2026, this tax will apply to homesteads owned by disabled veterans or their surviving spouses. The tax amount is calculated based on what would have been owed in general property taxes, then discounted (reduced) according to the veteran's disability severity rating, potentially reducing the tax to zero for those with the highest disability ratings. Unpaid specific taxes are subject to the same forfeiture and foreclosure processes as delinquent general property taxes.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4444 amends Michigan's general property tax act to modify property tax exemptions for homesteads owned by disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill outlines the application process for these exemptions and specifies that those granted on or after January 1, 2025, will remain in effect without requiring reapplication. It also introduces methods for prorating the exemption if the property is not used as a homestead for the entire tax year. Additionally, the bill clarifies that properties exempt under this section will be subject to a specific disabled veteran's homestead tax, which will also be prorated accordingly.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4340 amends Michigan's social welfare act to establish new eligibility requirements for state programs. The bill prohibits individuals from receiving services, grants, or participating in programs under this act unless they are a United States citizen or a "qualified alien." The term "qualified alien" refers to specific immigration statuses as defined by federal law. This restriction applies to state social welfare programs, with exceptions if federal law dictates otherwise.

Maddy summaryHB 4341 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966. It adds a new section that restricts eligibility for services, grants, or participation in programs under the act. Unless otherwise provided by federal law, individuals must be either a United States citizen or a "qualified alien" to receive these benefits. The bill defines "qualified alien" by referencing an existing federal statute (8 USC 1641).

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4342 amends Michigan's state revenue sharing act, introducing a new condition for withholding state funds from local governments. Beginning October 1, 2025, the state treasurer would withhold all revenue sharing payments from any city, village, township, or county. This would occur if the local government enacts or enforces a law, ordinance, policy, or rule that violates the "local government sanctuary policy prohibition act" or the "county law enforcement protection act." Payments would be withheld for as long as the violating policy remains in effect. This bill is tied to the enactment of House Bills 4338 and 4339.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 87 is a resolution that declares May 2025 as Boating Safety Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution encourages all residents and visitors to engage in safe and responsible boating practices.

Maddy summaryHB 4338, the "Local Government Sanctuary Policy Prohibition Act," prohibits Michigan cities, townships, and their agencies from creating or enforcing policies that prevent local officials from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires local governments to comply with the law within 60 days and allows residents or the state attorney general to sue if a local policy violates it. If a court finds a violation, it can order the policy repealed, issue an injunction against enforcement, and award damages and attorney fees to the winning party. The law directly affects all local government entities and their employees who interact with federal immigration officials.

Maddy summaryHB 4288 prohibits Michigan state agencies from hiring for unclassified positions based on factors other than objective merit, such as education or work experience. It directly affects state agencies hiring for roles outside the classified civil service (e.g., certain executive branch positions). The bill requires hiring decisions to rely solely on merit-based criteria and imposes civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, with the attorney general authorized to collect penalties. This legislation creates new requirements for state hiring practices under Michigan law.