Rep. Doug Wozniak

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the legal requirement for hunters and dealers in Michigan to report the number of deer pelts they possess or trade. While the law currently mandates that individuals holding licenses must submit notarized reports on all other fur-bearing animals and game birds, this legislation specifically exempts deer pelts from those reporting obligations. The change affects both hunters who keep pelts after the season and businesses that buy or sell them, allowing them to exclude deer pelts from their monthly and seasonal filings to the state department.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 5939 updates Michigan's Business Corporation Act to formally authorize the creation of benefit corporations and clarify the roles and duties of their officers and directors. The bill defines key terms such as 'benefit corporation' and 'independent director,' establishing specific experience and conflict-of-interest requirements for independent directors to ensure unbiased governance. By amending existing sections and adding new chapters, the legislation provides a clear legal framework for businesses seeking to operate with a focus on social and environmental goals alongside profit.

Maddy summaryHB 5926 updates Michigan's liquor laws to increase the annual volume limit for direct wine shipments to consumers from 1,500 cases to 9,000 cases, or from 13,500 liters to 81,000 liters. This change allows wineries and direct shippers to send more wine directly to customers via mail or online while maintaining existing rules on age verification, labeling, and tax payments. The bill applies to both Michigan-based and out-of-state wineries that hold a direct shipper license and wish to expand their direct-to-consumer sales within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4708 updates Michigan's law for marinas and boatyards to clarify how they enforce liens on stored watercraft (like boats and trailers) when owners don't pay for services. It requires facility owners to send written notice to the property owner and the secretary of state after 60 days of non-payment (or 180 days if other liens exist), and to advertise the sale in a local newspaper for two weeks. Sale proceeds must cover the facility owner's costs first, then the lien, then other liens in order, with any surplus returned to the property owner. The bill also allows other lienholders to pay to stop the sale and provides steps for resolving disputes about lien priority.

Maddy summaryHB 5915 amends Michigan's Sex Offender Registration Act to clarify the criminal penalties for individuals who willfully violate registration requirements. The bill establishes a tiered sentencing system where first-time offenders face up to four years in prison or a $2,000 fine, while those with one prior violation could be sentenced to life imprisonment or at least seven years, and repeat offenders could receive life sentences or at least ten years. Additionally, the legislation specifies that courts must revoke probation or youthful trainee status, and parole boards must rescind parole for individuals who willfully break the law, while also allowing violations to be prosecuted in the judicial district where the person lived, actually resides, or was arrested.

Maddy summaryHB 5916 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the legal age threshold for criminal contempt penalties associated with violating personal protection orders. The bill changes the age requirement from 17 to 18 years old, meaning individuals aged 18 and older who violate such orders face immediate arrest and potential felony charges with a maximum prison sentence of 181 days and a fine of up to $500. This change directly affects adults who are subject to restraining orders and law enforcement officers who enforce them. The amendment clarifies sentencing guidelines for adult respondents while maintaining existing protections for minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Social Welfare Act to impose mandatory prison sentences for individuals who commit fraud to obtain government assistance or for those who knowingly fail to report required financial information. Under the new provisions, anyone convicted of obtaining relief through false statements or hiding income would face a fixed sentence of between 2.5 and 4 years in prison, regardless of the specific amount involved. The legislation also mandates that employees of social welfare agencies who authorize relief for ineligible individuals be removed from their positions upon conviction. Additionally, the bill clarifies the reporting obligations for recipients, requiring them to disclose employment offers and changes in circumstances that might affect their eligibility for aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to establish mandatory minimum sentences for specific assault and battery offenses. It directly affects individuals convicted of assaulting spouses, dating partners, household members, or pregnant victims, as well as those with prior convictions for similar acts against these groups. The key provision requires that anyone found guilty of these crimes receive a prison term of at least one year, with higher minimums of two and a half years or five years depending on the victim's status and the offender's criminal history. Additionally, the bill mandates that healthcare facilities post signs warning that assaulting medical staff can result in enhanced fines.

Maddy summaryHB 5911 amends Michigan's Identity Theft Protection Act to establish mandatory minimum prison sentences for repeat offenders who commit identity theft crimes. Specifically, the bill requires a minimum of 10 years in prison for a third or subsequent violation of the act and a minimum of 2 years and 6 months for certain violations involving specific types of data breaches. These sentencing rules apply regardless of whether the victim is alive or deceased at the time of the crime and allow courts to order prison terms to be served consecutively with other related convictions. The legislation also clarifies that these mandatory sentences do not apply to violations of state or federal regulations governing financial institutions and insurance.