Rep. Ron Robinson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan high schools to mandate a one-semester civics course and eventually require students to pass the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test to earn graduation credit. It directs the state to update social studies curriculum standards and assessments to align with the current naturalization test questions by May 2018. The law applies to all public and nonpublic schools but includes exemptions for students with specific educational needs or those in military service.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate code to clarify how property transfers are treated when a personal representative sells estate assets to themselves or others. It establishes that buyers or lenders who purchase these assets are considered to have paid value without needing to verify if the original distribution was legally proper or if the representative still had authority. Additionally, the bill creates a legal presumption that recorded transfers are made for value, which helps simplify tax assessments, though it does not alter existing rules regarding Michigan estate tax liens. The legislation directly affects personal representatives, estate buyers, lenders, and interested parties involved in property distribution, and it requires two other related bills to pass before it can take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4572 is an appropriations bill that allocates funding for Michigan's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It establishes the specific budget amount the department can spend on military and veterans programs during this period. The bill directly affects the department's operations and the veterans and military personnel it serves through its funded services. As a routine budget measure, it creates the legal framework for spending but does not change existing programs or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5331 prohibits state agencies, local governments, universities, community colleges, and other entities receiving state funds from purchasing certain drones. It extends the same drone purchase restrictions that apply to the federal government to these Michigan entities. The bill amends Michigan's Management and Budget Act to require these organizations to follow federal guidelines when acquiring drones with state money. This directly affects any state-funded organization that might otherwise buy drones for operations.

Maddy summaryHB 5329 prohibits Michigan public entities (like state agencies, cities, schools, and counties) from purchasing or acquiring drones that include software developed by entities on three specific federal sanction lists. These lists include companies designated under the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Sanctions List, and certain Commerce Department restrictions. The ban takes effect one year after the bill passes, with an exception for entities complying with existing Michigan drone regulations (2016 PA 436). This bill directly affects all government drone procurement decisions in Michigan by restricting purchases from targeted foreign manufacturers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Boating Safety Month throughout Michigan to highlight the importance of safe recreational boating practices. The resolution encourages all residents and visitors to engage in responsible behaviors, such as wearing life jackets, checking weather conditions, and following navigation rules. It serves as a commemorative measure to raise awareness among the state's large boating community rather than implementing new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act to update definitions and requirements for renewable energy programs. It directly affects electric and natural gas providers, state agencies, and energy consumers by modifying how clean energy standards are calculated and how costs are recovered from customers. Key changes include redefining clean energy systems to include natural gas plants with carbon capture technology, establishing a wind energy resource zone board, and adjusting rules for customer generation and net metering. The legislation also updates provisions related to energy waste reduction programs and authorizes new residential energy improvement initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric, gas, and steam utilities in Michigan to consider all available energy sources when planning their integrated resource portfolios. It amends existing state laws governing utility rate-setting and planning processes to ensure comprehensive evaluation of different energy options. The legislation also establishes specific timelines for utility rate applications and includes provisions for partial rate relief motions for smaller gas utilities. Additionally, the bill repeals a specific section of the Public Service Commission Act related to stranded costs.

Maddy summaryHB 5281, the "Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency Act," regulates third-party funding of civil lawsuits by requiring funding companies to register with the state, disclose all terms to clients, and cap fees at 36% annually. It directly affects litigation funding companies and attorneys who use these services, mandating clear disclosure of costs and prohibiting hidden fees. The bill excludes pro bono nonprofits, health insurers, and traditional loans from its rules, focusing specifically on commercial funding arrangements where funders share in lawsuit proceeds. It establishes civil penalties for violations and gives state officials authority to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 10-16, 2026, as Junior Achievement Week throughout the state of Michigan. It directly affects the organization Junior Achievement and the residents of Michigan by formally recognizing the group's efforts to teach financial literacy to students. The resolution encourages all Michiganders to celebrate the organization's work during this specific week and honors the staff who support youth financial education programs.