Maddy summaryHB 5171, the "Household Water Lien Prohibition Act," prohibits water authorities from placing or acquiring liens on residential properties for water, sewage, or stormwater management services. It directly affects residential property owners by preventing service providers from using liens to collect unpaid bills, and water authorities by banning this practice. The bill dissolves all existing liens for these services created under the repealed 1939 law (MCL 123.161-123.167), which previously allowed such liens. This replaces the old law with a new prohibition, effective upon enactment.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 4254 prohibits public bodies (like state agencies, universities, or local governments) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It specifically bans methods that would cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or invasive procedures (such as surgery), with exceptions for veterinary training with owner consent and routine procedures like spaying/neutering. The bill establishes civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per violation for noncompliance, enforced by county prosecutors or the attorney general. Named "Queenie's Law," it amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add these protections for dogs used in experimental purposes.
Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes the importance of early detection and breast cancer prevention, referencing statistics on diagnoses and mortality rates in the state and nation. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or requirements - it solely serves to highlight awareness efforts during October 2025 for all Michiganders.
Maddy summaryHB 5148 prohibits local governments and towing companies from exchanging payments or fees to secure contracts for towing services. It bans local units from requiring tow companies to pay fees for responding to incidents (like accidents or disabled vehicles) and prevents tow companies from offering payments to governments to gain business. This directly affects local governments entering contracts with towing services and the towing companies themselves. The bill focuses on preventing conflicts of interest in towing contracts, not on altering traffic fine amounts (which are addressed in other sections of the vehicle code).
Maddy summaryHB 5149 prohibits motor vehicle repair facilities in Michigan from charging storage fees while a vehicle is under repair or during billing disputes. It requires facilities to provide customers with a written, itemized estimate before work begins, including all fees and charges, and bans exceeding that estimate without the customer’s written or oral consent. The bill specifically targets hidden storage fees (Section 7e(f)) and strengthens existing estimate requirements (Section 32), applying directly to repair shops and their customers. This policy change aims to prevent surprise charges and increase transparency in vehicle repair billing.
Maddy summaryHB 5147 establishes new rules for towing damaged or disabled vehicles in Michigan. It requires towing agencies to provide written disclosures before towing, including costs, storage location, and owner rights (Section 271), and to issue itemized final invoices detailing all charges and vehicle condition (Section 272). Towing companies must maintain records for five years and post disclosure information visibly (Sections 273-274). These rules directly affect towing businesses and vehicle owners, ensuring transparency before towing and during storage. Violations prevent agencies from charging fees or enforcing contracts (Section 271(6)).
Maddy summaryHB 5141 amends Section 2 of Michigan's 1939 Labor Relations Act (MCL 423.2) by removing specific exclusions from the definition of "employee." This change would extend labor protections to workers previously excluded, including domestic workers, agricultural laborers, and certain supervisors. The bill directly affects these workers by ensuring they fall under the act's coverage for organizing, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution. It makes a concrete policy change to the legal definition without altering other provisions of the law.
Maddy summaryHB 5146 clarifies procedures for handling abandoned vehicles and towing services in Michigan. It defines "abandoned vehicle" more precisely (e.g., vehicles left on public property for 18+ hours with valid plates) and requires police to verify if a vehicle is stolen before towing. The bill mandates that owners receive written notice with details about the vehicle and their right to contest abandonment or towing fees within 20 days, including a $40 bond requirement for hearings. It also creates a public website listing abandoned vehicles for 1 year, affecting vehicle owners, towing agencies, and law enforcement.
Maddy summaryHB 5090 amends Michigan's LiHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funding rules to require a higher percentage of funds to be used for weatherization assistance. Specifically, it increases the mandatory allocation for weatherization services - such as home insulation and heating system upgrades - from existing levels. This change directly affects low-income households receiving weatherization support through state programs. The bill modifies Section 527a of the Income Tax Act (MCL 206.527a) to implement this funding shift. (Note: The bill is currently in committee referral stage and has not yet passed.)
Maddy summaryThis resolution ceremonially recognizes physical therapy professionals in Michigan by designating October 2025 as Physical Therapy Month. It encourages all Michigan residents to learn about physical therapy benefits, express gratitude to practitioners, and explore how the field supports community health. The bill has no binding policy changes or funding provisions - its purpose is purely symbolic recognition of the profession's role in healthcare. It directly affects Michigan residents and physical therapy practitioners by highlighting their contributions during a designated month.