Rep. Joe Aragona

Maddy summaryHB 4714 updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for fraudulent insurance acts by amending Section 15a of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.15a). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of insurance fraud by establishing clearer sentencing standards for these offenses. It modifies existing sentencing structures to provide more defined parameters for judges when determining penalties in fraud cases involving insurance. The changes aim to standardize penalties for this specific crime category within Michigan's criminal justice system. The bill passed the Michigan House on September 16, 2025, with strong support.

Maddy summaryHB 4717 amends Michigan's criminal code by adding insurance fraud to the legal definition of racketeering under MCL 750.159g. This change directly affects cases involving insurance fraud, making it a specific type of racketeering offense rather than a separate crime. The key provision updates the statute to explicitly include insurance fraud within the broader racketeering definition used for prosecution. As a substantive policy change, this alters how such fraud cases are categorized and prosecuted under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 4715 protects individuals and entities that report suspected or confirmed insurance fraud from civil lawsuits, provided they act without malice and do not knowingly provide false information. It extends this immunity to insurers, their employees, private citizens cooperating with fraud investigations, and authorized agencies like the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill ensures those filing reports, sharing information, or testifying in fraud cases cannot be sued for libel, slander, or other civil claims related to their good-faith actions. This directly affects anyone involved in reporting or investigating insurance fraud within Michigan’s legal framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4719 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to adjust civil penalties for insurance violations. It increases the maximum fine for knowing violations from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation (capped at $50,000 total) and clarifies that violations include non-compliant filings under specific insurance chapters. The bill directly affects insurance professionals who breach the code, allowing the director to order fines, license suspensions, or cease-and-desist actions. It also specifies that fines under this section can be imposed alongside other penalties like restitution for certain violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4966 amends Michigan's Industrial Hemp Growers Act to clarify key definitions and testing requirements for hemp growers and processors. It defines "acceptable THC level" using a scientific method to ensure hemp remains below 0.3% THC, specifies requirements for compliance testing facilities, and updates criminal history verification processes for applicants. These changes directly affect registered hemp growers, processors, and testing labs by standardizing regulatory compliance procedures. The bill focuses on improving clarity in enforcement and testing protocols without altering hemp cultivation rules or financial provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4965 amends the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act to update cross-references between medical marijuana regulations and the Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act. It specifically revises sections 102, 206, 502, and 505 to ensure consistent terminology and legal alignment regarding industrial hemp. This affects medical marijuana licensees (growers, processors, and provisioning centers) who may also engage in industrial hemp activities under existing law. The bill does not change hemp or marijuana regulations but corrects outdated references to improve administrative clarity. It directly impacts how licensees comply with both medical marijuana and hemp-related provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4967 amends Michigan's Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act to clarify definitions related to industrial hemp. It updates Section 3 to explicitly define "industrial hemp" as cannabis plants or products with 0.3% THC or less (dry weight), including seeds, derivatives, and hemp-infused products meeting this limit. This directly affects hemp businesses, farmers, and manufacturers by ensuring their products (like CBD oils or textiles) are regulated as hemp - not marijuana - when they comply with the THC threshold. The bill also refines Section 8 to align regulatory requirements with these updated definitions, providing clearer legal boundaries for hemp producers.

Maddy summaryHB 4964 establishes a licensing system for businesses processing, brokering, and selling industrial hemp products like edibles, beverages, and infused liquids containing nonintoxicating cannabinoids (which do not cause intoxication). Businesses must apply for a state license, pay fees, and meet requirements including location restrictions (no residential dwellings), background checks, and submission of key participant information. Licenses are valid for one year, require annual renewal by November 30 (with a $250 late fee for delays), and are nontransferable. The act also sets product testing, labeling standards, and creates a fund for regulatory activities, repealing an older 2014 law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed marijuana businesses in Michigan to collect payment at the point of sale for all transactions. It directly affects all licensed establishments - including growers, processors, retailers, and microbusinesses - under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act. The key provision mandates that customers pay for marijuana before receiving it, changing current transaction practices. This amendment applies to all sales conducted by licensed entities under the state's marijuana regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4549 modifies Michigan's Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act to allow owners of motor vehicle repair facilities to operate multiple locations under a single business registration. This change directly affects auto repair business owners who previously needed separate registrations for each facility. The bill amends several sections of the law (including adding Section 30a) to streamline the registration process for multi-location operations. The key provision removes restrictions preventing a single registered owner from managing additional repair facilities without new licensing.