Rep. Joe Aragona

Maddy summaryHB 5920 expands the powers of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to better investigate issues within the Department of Corrections. The bill allows the ombudsman to launch investigations based on complaints from prisoners, legislators, or family members, as well as on their own initiative regarding safety and security concerns. Key provisions include granting the ombudsman access to medical and mortality records, the ability to hire qualified experts for inspections, and the authority to enter correctional facilities at any time, including during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows foreign insurance companies operating in Michigan to reduce their retaliatory tax liability by using housing opportunity tax credits. It directly affects alien or foreign insurers by permitting them to subtract the value of these credits from the taxes they must pay to the state treasurer. The key mechanism requires insurers to attach proof of their credit eligibility to their annual tax return to claim this subtraction. This change only applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and the bill will not take effect unless two companion bills are also passed.

Maddy summaryHB 5806 creates a new state tax credit for individuals and businesses that invest in affordable housing projects in Michigan starting in 2027. The bill allows these investors to reduce their income tax by a specific amount tied to their share of the project, provided they receive approval from the State Housing Development Authority. It also establishes rules for how investors must report the credit, handle situations where federal tax credits are lost, and carry forward any unused credit for up to 10 years.

Maddy summaryHB 5570 would allow single exit stairways in small multi-family buildings (up to 4 floors above ground or 3 floors with an occupiable roof) under strict safety conditions. It applies to buildings with no more than 4 units per floor and 4,000 square feet per floor. Required safety features include fire alarms, smoke detectors in common areas (like hallways and laundry rooms), and sprinklers meeting NFPA standards. This change would affect housing developers building qualifying new or renovated apartment buildings.

Maddy summaryHB 5571 allows single interior exit stairways in multi-family apartment buildings with 4-6 levels (or 3-5 levels with an occupiable roof), directly affecting developers and builders of such structures. The bill requires buildings to have no more than 4 units per level, limit floor area to 4,000 sq ft per level, and ensure exit access travel is ≤125 feet from any point. Key safety provisions include mandatory smoke detectors in common areas (like hallways and laundry rooms), manual fire alarms, automatic smoke detection systems, and sprinklers meeting NFPA standards. It also mandates that the building’s fire department must be accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and hold a Class 1-2 public protection rating. The bill is contingent on HB 5570 passing into law.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4471 proposes to allow retired county employees to be employed in a county sheriff's office. The key provision is that these individuals would be able to work in such a role without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance or pension benefits. This bill directly affects county retirees who may wish to return to employment within a sheriff's department. It amends section 12a of 1851 PA 156, which concerns the powers and duties of county boards of commissioners regarding employee benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 4189 names a specific bridge on South Grand Avenue over I-96 in Fowlerville as the "LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge" to commemorate a fallen Marine. The bill requires the state transportation department and Livingston County road commission to install signs at both approaches of the bridge designating its new name. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or financial impact, directly affecting the bridge location and signage in Fowlerville. It amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act to add this designation without altering transportation policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 4062 restricts lobbying by former Michigan state legislators to prevent potential conflicts of interest. It prohibits former senators or representatives from engaging in paid lobbying activities for two years after leaving office, specifically banning them from spending money or receiving compensation for lobbying that meets the threshold requiring lobbyist registration. The law applies to legislators whose term began on or after January 1, 2025, and violations are punishable by a misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. This bill directly affects former lawmakers seeking to lobby government officials, aiming to limit immediate post-office influence in policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4064 prohibits Michigan state senators and representatives from receiving extra pay (beyond their regular salary) for directly communicating with government officials to influence legislative or administrative decisions. It specifically bans compensation for lobbying activities involving officials in Michigan's executive or legislative branches, or similar officials in other state or local governments. Violating this rule is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill amends Michigan's ethics law (MCL 4.411-4.431) and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4103 adds a new section to Michigan's health occupations law to implement an occupational therapy licensure compact. This bill allows occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, and vice versa for therapists from other compact states. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines, reducing barriers to practice. The compact mechanism establishes standardized licensing requirements among participating states, streamlining the process for therapists to provide services in multiple jurisdictions.