Rep. Joe Aragona

Maddy summaryHB 4651 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically include crimes against animals as a distinct category. It adds offense variable 16 for violations of Michigan's animal cruelty law (MCL 750.110a), requiring judges to consider this factor when sentencing cases involving animal abuse. This change directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling animal cruelty cases by adding a standardized scoring element to sentencing calculations. The bill does not alter penalties but ensures animal cruelty offenses receive specific consideration within the existing sentencing framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4649 revises Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes against animals by amending MCL 777.31 in the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill directly affects judges who sentence individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses and the people convicted of those crimes. Its key provision updates the legal framework used to determine appropriate sentences for animal abuse cases, replacing outdated language with revised guidelines. This change aims to clarify sentencing standards for prosecutors and courts handling animal cruelty prosecutions. The bill does not alter penalties but refines the procedural guidelines governing how sentences are applied.

Maddy summaryHB 4646 clarifies that "companion animal" (as defined in Michigan's penal code) is explicitly included in sentencing guidelines for animal-related crimes. The bill amends Michigan's code of criminal procedure to formally define this term within sentencing context, ensuring courts use the existing definition from MCL 750.50b. This change directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling cases involving cruelty to companion animals. It does not create new penalties or alter sentencing ranges - only standardizes terminology for consistency in court proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 4650 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.39) specifically for crimes against animals. It revises the existing sentencing structure for animal cruelty offenses, affecting judges who impose sentences and defendants convicted of such crimes. The bill updates the legal framework used to determine appropriate penalties under current law. This is a procedural change to the sentencing guidelines, not a new criminal offense. The summary focuses solely on the policy adjustment to sentencing standards for animal-related crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 4645 revises Michigan's sentencing guidelines for crimes against animals by amending MCL 777.37 in the Code of Criminal Procedure. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of animal-related offenses by altering the sentencing structure applied to such cases. The key provision changes the specific sentencing guidelines referenced in the law, ensuring animal crime penalties are addressed under updated standards. The bill does not create new crimes but modifies how existing animal cruelty offenses are sentenced.

Maddy summaryHB 4653 sets specific timelines for holding special elections to fill vacant legislative seats in Michigan. It requires the governor to announce the special election date within 30 days of a vacancy occurring and mandates that the election be held no later than 180 days after the vacancy begins. The bill directly affects voters in districts with vacancies and the governor's office, establishing clear deadlines for the election process. This procedural bill amends Michigan's election law to standardize the timeline for filling legislative vacancies, ensuring elections occur within defined windows.

Maddy summaryHB 4648 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address crimes against animals by revising Section 33 of the 1927 Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.33). The bill directly affects judges, prosecutors, and individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses by establishing clearer sentencing parameters for these crimes. Key provisions would revise existing guidelines to create dedicated sentencing ranges for animal-related offenses, moving beyond general criminal sentencing categories. This change aims to provide more consistent legal consequences for harming animals while using plain language to describe the policy adjustment.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 133) introduced by Rep. Aragona and adopted on June 12, 2025, to commemorate the 115th anniversary of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA), founded in 1910. The resolution acknowledges MIRA's history as a trade association representing independent retailers across the Midwest, including its evolution from the Detroit Retail Meat Merchants to its current form. It has no policy provisions or funding impact - it solely serves as a symbolic recognition of MIRA's role in supporting small businesses and communities.

Maddy summaryHB 4592 would create a new tax deduction for Michigan taxpayers aged 17 or younger, allowing them to subtract their earned income (such as wages from a part-time job) from their taxable income. This directly affects minor workers in Michigan who earn income through employment. The bill amends Michigan's tax code to add this deduction under existing provisions for other types of income, reducing the amount of income subject to state income tax. The change would lower tax bills for qualifying young workers but does not alter other tax rules or create new government programs. (Note: This bill is currently in committee and has not been enacted.)

Maddy summaryHB 4114 amends Michigan's liquor code to prevent certain past violations from affecting a liquor licensee's standing after a specific time period. It adds Section 910 to the Liquor Control Commission regulations, meaning businesses like bars and restaurants will no longer face penalties for eligible violations that occurred beyond the designated timeframe. This directly impacts licensed alcohol sellers by clearing historical compliance issues from their records. The policy change takes effect immediately upon passage.