Rep. Doug Wozniak

Maddy summaryHB 5918 amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to update sentencing guidelines for various specific crimes. The bill directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defendants by modifying the rules used to determine appropriate prison terms and penalties. It achieves these changes by revising numerous sections within the state's criminal code to reflect recent legal adjustments. This legislation is part of a larger group of related bills aimed at refining how sentences are calculated and applied in the state court system.

Maddy summaryHB 5913 strengthens Michigan's existing laws against contraband in prisons by establishing mandatory minimum sentences for specific violations. The bill directly affects anyone who sells, gives, or furnishes weapons, drugs, or wireless communication devices to prisoners, as well as prisoners who possess these items. Under the new provisions, bringing weapons or drugs into a correctional facility carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year, while possessing weapons inside a facility mandates a minimum of 15 years in prison. Additionally, the bill requires that confiscated but functional cell phones be donated to charities supporting military personnel rather than being destroyed. These changes aim to increase penalties for individuals who facilitate the entry of prohibited items into correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the mandatory minimum prison sentence for individuals convicted of conspiring to defraud the state of Michigan by submitting false Medicaid claims. Under the current law, such offenses are felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000, but this legislation would require a minimum sentence of 2 years and 6 months for anyone found guilty. The change directly affects healthcare providers, billing companies, and other entities or individuals involved in submitting false claims for Medicaid reimbursement. If passed, the amendment would take effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHB 5914 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to update mandatory sentencing guidelines for various drug-related offenses. The bill establishes specific prison terms and fines for manufacturing, distributing, or possessing controlled substances, with penalties varying by drug type and quantity. It also criminalizes the solicitation of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine for illegal methamphetamine production and prohibits providing equipment or locations for drug manufacturing. These changes directly affect individuals charged with violations of the state's public health and criminal laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to increase penalties for traffic violations occurring in work zones, school zones, and school bus zones. It mandates that fines for moving violations in these areas be doubled and elevates offenses causing injury or death to misdemeanors or felonies, respectively. Additionally, the legislation adjusts sentencing guidelines for fleeing and eluding police, making penalties more severe based on factors like prior convictions and the severity of the outcome. The changes also clarify definitions for emergency scenes and school bus zones to ensure consistent application of these stricter rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for bringing weapons, drugs, alcohol, and cell phones into Michigan jails. It mandates minimum prison sentences of five to fifteen years for individuals who smuggle in or provide these items to inmates, while also imposing a one-to-five-year sentence for unauthorized possession of communication devices by prisoners. The law requires that confiscated cell phones be donated to charities supporting military personnel rather than being destroyed or sold. These changes directly affect jail administrators, visitors, and anyone attempting to introduce contraband into correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 5908 amends Michigan's existing riot laws to establish mandatory minimum sentences for specific criminal acts. The bill requires that anyone convicted of violating certain sections of the Riot Act must receive a prison term of at least 10 years, while other related offenses carry a maximum sentence of five years. This legislation directly impacts individuals charged with rioting and related crimes by ensuring they face a set minimum punishment rather than a judge's discretion. The changes take effect 90 days after the bill is officially signed into law.

Maddy summaryHB 5499 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to allow individuals denied state agency permits to sue for monetary damages and attorney fees after exhausting all administrative remedies. The bill specifically adds this right to section 101(2), creating a direct legal path for people who face permit denials. It does not change the requirement to first pursue all internal agency appeals before seeking court review. This change directly affects residents and businesses seeking permits from state agencies who believe their denial was unjust. The bill provides a concrete legal remedy for permit denials, focusing on financial compensation rather than reversing the agency's decision.

Maddy summaryHB 5558 creates a new licensing system for businesses providing "earned wage access services" (EWAS), which allow workers to access part of their earned but unpaid wages before payday. It requires all EWAS providers (excluding banks, payroll services, and employers offering early pay) to obtain a state license, pay annual fees based on business volume, and submit detailed application information. The law defines key terms like "earned but unpaid income" (wages earned but not yet paid by an employer) and outlines penalties for unlicensed operation. This directly affects EWAS providers operating in Michigan, imposing regulatory requirements while exempting certain financial institutions and employer-provided early wage options.

Maddy summaryHB 5568 amends Michigan's 1966 interest rate law (MCL 438.31) to explicitly exempt "earned wage access services" from the 7% annual interest cap. This means providers of early paycheck access services (like apps or employer programs that let workers withdraw earned wages before payday) can charge rates outside the standard limit. The bill directly affects workers who use these services and the companies offering them. It clarifies an existing exemption under the law without changing the 7% cap for other loans.