Rep. Joe Aragona

Maddy summaryHB 5916 proposes changes to Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically regarding cases involving excessive discharges into state waters. The bill aims to modify how judges determine punishments for these environmental violations by updating the relevant legal section in the Code of Criminal Procedure. It directly affects prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges who handle such cases by altering the framework used to calculate sentences. This legislative measure is part of a paired bill effort to refine sentencing standards for water pollution offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's environmental laws to require new or increased discharge permits to include proof of permission from any neighboring counties that might be affected by the discharge. Starting in 2025, applicants must submit a resolution from the impacted county's board of commissioners, and the state department must review applications within 30 to 90 days, treating them as complete if no decision is made by the deadline. The legislation also clarifies rules for oceangoing vessels by mandating specific permits for ballast water management to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, while ensuring state standards remain at least as protective as federal requirements. Additionally, the bill sets strict timelines for the department to determine if applications are administratively complete and outlines the process for denying permits if county permission is missing.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws to clarify the duties and record-keeping requirements for notary publics. It mandates that notaries maintain detailed journals for every notarial act, including specific information about the individuals involved, the type of act performed, and the identification methods used. The legislation also sets a standard fee cap of $15 per transaction for in-person acts and $45 for initial remote electronic notarizations, while requiring notaries to clearly display or communicate these fees to clients. Additionally, the bill specifies exact formatting for notary stamps and signatures to ensure consistency across all official documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's pawnbroker regulations by increasing the maximum civil fine for charging excessive interest from an unspecified amount to $5,000. It also updates the criminal penalties for violating the act, allowing courts to impose fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to three months. The legislation directly affects pawnbrokers and their employees by clarifying the consequences for non-compliance with state laws. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that prevents it from taking effect unless a companion bill, HB 5536, is also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase the maximum monthly interest rate pawnbrokers in Michigan can charge from 3% to 5%, while also raising the minimum interest requirement to 50 cents per loan. It updates the mandatory text printed on loan receipts to reflect this new 5% cap and clarifies that loans exceeding this rate are automatically void. The legislation also maintains the existing fee for storing unencumbered property at $3.00 per month and prohibits charging interest on unpaid balances in advance. This measure directly affects licensed pawnbrokers and consumers who use their services for short-term loans.

Maddy summaryHB 5733 establishes a new tolling enforcement program that allows the Michigan Secretary of State to work with operators of toll bridges and tunnels to collect unpaid tolls. Under this program, the Secretary of State will negotiate agreements to identify vehicle owners who have failed to pay tolls and will send them official notices. The bill also creates a formal process for these individuals to dispute unpaid toll claims and sets strict rules for how data is shared and used between the state and toll operators. Additionally, the legislation requires the Secretary of State to refuse vehicle registration or title transfers if there is an outstanding unpaid toll associated with the vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address the use of computers or similar technology to program key codes for automobile theft. It directly affects prosecutors and judges by adding this specific method of vehicle theft to the list of crimes used to calculate sentencing severity. The legislation requires that this new offense be treated alongside other burglary-related felonies when determining potential prison terms. Additionally, the bill includes a condition that it will not take effect unless a companion bill, HB 5182, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to specifically address the use of technology for automobile theft. It makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for anyone who possesses tools or electronic devices designed to unlock or start a vehicle with the intent to steal it. The law further increases the penalty to up to ten years if the offender is part of a criminal organization targeting multiple vehicles. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that previously issued keys or cards belonging to the lawful owner are not considered prohibited tools under this statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new fundraising license plate in Michigan specifically for the Michigan 4-H organization. Under the plan, the Secretary of State would work with 4-H to design the plates, and any money raised from their sale would be transferred to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. The legislation includes a condition that it will only take effect if a related bill, HB 5056, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's law regarding how much money insurance companies must set aside from fire and storm damage claims for residential homes. It increases the maximum amount of withheld funds that local governments can hold in escrow to ensure repairs are made, raising the cap from $12,000 to $24,000 starting July 1, 2024. The legislation also clarifies the notification process, requiring insurers to inform homeowners, lenders, and local officials about these withheld funds and the option for municipalities to secure the money for public safety repairs.