Rep. Joe Aragona

Maddy summaryHB 5105 modifies Michigan's sentencing rules for marijuana possession offenses under the Public Health Code. It lowers penalties for most possession amounts, reclassifying some as misdemeanors (e.g., 1-5 kilograms or 50-100 plants becomes a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail or a $20,000 fine). For larger amounts, it reduces maximum prison terms (e.g., 45+ kilograms now carries a max 10-year felony instead of 15 years). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of marijuana offenses under current law, altering sentencing based on quantity. It is pending in committee after introduction on October 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Michigan Education Savings Program to allow withdrawals from education savings accounts for qualified postsecondary credentialing expenses, such as those for professional certifications or licenses. The change directly affects account owners and designated beneficiaries who wish to use their savings for these specific costs in addition to traditional tuition and fees. By updating the state's definition of qualified higher education expenses to align with federal rules, the legislation enables families to access their savings for a broader range of career training without incurring penalties. The bill amends existing state law to incorporate these new expense categories into the program's guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows journalists and independent news reporters to submit reports directly to the Michigan Auditor General regarding suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or misuse of state funds. It establishes a process where the Auditor General reviews these reports within six months, deciding whether to investigate, disregard them, or refer them to the Attorney General or other relevant agencies for action. If the investigation leads to the recovery of state money, the reporter who provided the information is eligible to receive a reward of at least 15% of the recovered funds, though this amount can be adjusted based on the source of the information and the reporter's role in the misconduct. The legislation also defines specific terms like fraud and waste to clarify what types of financial misconduct are covered under the new reporting system.

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 extends the Michigan First-Time Home Buyer Savings Program through December 31, 2026, by amending the existing law that established the program. It allows individuals to open special savings accounts designated for paying qualified costs related to purchasing a single-family home in Michigan. The program permits contributions from people other than the account holder and allows joint ownership if the account holders file a joint tax return. The bill includes a provision stating that it will not take effect unless a related bill, HB 5973, is also passed into law.

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 5581 sets a 500-square-foot minimum size requirement for new homes in Michigan, preventing local governments from imposing larger minimums through zoning ordinances. This directly affects homeowners, developers, and local municipalities that create zoning rules for residential construction. The bill amends Michigan’s zoning law by adding Section 205e, which explicitly prohibits zoning ordinances from requiring dwelling sizes greater than 500 square feet. It does not change other zoning regulations like land use types, building heights, or lot coverage. The bill is currently pending in the House Government Operations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5583 would limit local zoning rules in metro areas by prohibiting minimum setbacks for homes or outbuildings that exceed 15 feet from the front property line or 5 feet from rear/side lines. It allows up to 25 feet of setback only near specific environmental features: wetlands, lakes/streams, or the Great Lakes shoreline as defined by state law. The bill applies to all local governments located within or adjacent to a federally designated metropolitan statistical area. This change aims to simplify zoning for residential development in urban and suburban regions while maintaining environmental protections.