Maddy summaryHB 5557 amends Michigan's planning laws to require local governments to forecast and incorporate housing needs into their master plans. The bill mandates that these plans include a range of housing types and costs to serve a diverse population. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for appointing planning commission members to ensure the groups represent various community segments and include school board representatives in counties. These changes affect cities, villages, townships, and counties by updating how they structure their planning commissions and develop long-term development strategies.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 6064 modifies how Michigan's Renew Michigan Fund is managed and spent to support environmental and recycling initiatives. The bill designates the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy as the administrator and ensures that any money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year stays in the fund rather than moving to the general fund. It establishes specific spending percentages for environmental cleanup, waste management, and recycling, with the allocation for cleanup and redevelopment gradually increasing from 65% to 55% starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the legislation introduces a new category for host community grants to cities and townships near landfills and coal ash impoundments, effective from 2025-2026. The bill also requires the department to submit an annual report to the state legislature detailing the fund's revenue, expenditures, and balance.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time tax credit of up to $10,000 for Michigan residents who incur unreimbursed costs related to live organ donation. Starting in the 2025 tax year, eligible individuals can claim this credit for expenses such as travel, lodging, lost wages, and child care, provided they submit proof of the donation and related costs. The credit is not refundable, meaning it can only reduce the tax owed to zero but will not result in a cash payment if the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's liability.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers in Michigan from selling specific weight loss dietary supplements and diet pills to anyone under the age of 18. To enforce this, the law requires physical stores to check identification before a sale and mandates that online orders include age verification through independent government databases and secure shipping methods that prevent minors from receiving the product. The state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will create and annually update a list of covered products based on their marketing claims regarding weight loss or appetite control. Retailers found violating these rules could face civil fines of up to $1,000 or other legal remedies.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for special "disabled veteran" license plates in Michigan to include partially disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 50%, in addition to those with total disabilities. The law allows these eligible veterans to obtain plates marked with "DV" and "disabled veteran" without paying the standard service fee, while also permitting their surviving spouses to use the plates after the veteran's death. Furthermore, the legislation authorizes the Secretary of State to issue free adhesive disability tabs to these veterans and their spouses, provided the applicant also meets the state's criteria for a permanent windshield placard. These changes aim to increase recognition and support for a broader range of veterans by simplifying the application process and reducing associated costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to use records of deferred domestic violence charges as evidence when deciding child custody and parenting time cases. It requires courts to make these previously sealed records available to judges and the parties involved in custody disputes to help determine the best interests of the child. The legislation does not change how domestic violence cases are handled but instead ensures that past deferred charges are visible in family court proceedings.
Maddy summaryHB 6009 amends Michigan's penal code to establish new guidelines for expert testimony in assault cases involving domestic violence or attacks on healthcare workers. The bill requires that any expert witness testifying in these specific prosecutions must have demonstrated expertise and experience working with victims of domestic violence. Additionally, the legislation defines key terms such as "dating relationship" and "health professional" to clarify the scope of protected individuals and situations. These changes aim to ensure that expert testimony in such cases is provided by individuals with relevant background knowledge.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to update Michigan's occupational code to formally establish a licensing requirement for interior designers. By adding a new article to the law, it would create specific rules and standards that individuals must meet to legally practice interior design in the state. The legislation directly affects current and future interior designers, as well as businesses and consumers who hire them for professional services.
Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill creates the Hazardous Products Act to regulate specific chemicals found in cosmetic products sold within the state. It requires manufacturers to notify consumers about the presence of certain substances and prohibits the sale of cosmetics containing defined hazardous compounds such as asbestos, heavy metals, and various phthalates. The Department of Health and Human Services will establish and update a list of high-priority chemicals of concern every three years, setting safety limits based on scientific guidance. While the law defines numerous restricted substances, it explicitly excludes retailers and grocery wholesalers from the definition of manufacturers subject to these rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for how fines are handled in certain state civil infraction cases related to environmental protection. Instead of directing these specific fines to public libraries, the legislation allows a portion of the revenue to be dedicated to a grant program assisting farmers impacted by PFAS contamination. The change applies only to fines resulting from violations of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, leaving other civil fine distributions unchanged. This measure requires the passage of two other related bills before it can take effect.