Rep. Joe Aragona

Maddy summaryThis bill requires teacher preparation programs in Michigan to include specific training on the science of reading and dyslexia by September 2027. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, special education, or school psychology roles must teach evidence-based methods grounded in structured literacy for students with dyslexia and for the general student population. The legislation also mandates that all teacher training programs cover the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary effects on learning and behavior, and how to use multi-tiered support systems in classrooms. If a program does not focus on these specific subject areas, the state department may grant a waiver for some requirements, provided the waiver is reviewed every two years.

Maddy summaryHB 5934 amends Michigan's construction code to set strict deadlines for building permit decisions, requiring agencies to approve, deny, or partially grant applications within 10 business days, or 15 days for unusually complex projects. If an agency misses these deadlines, the bill treats the delay as an automatic denial, allowing the applicant to immediately appeal to a board of appeals. Additionally, the legislation mandates that if the state department fails to make a permit decision within the required timeframe, it must reimburse the applicant for the permit fees they paid.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a strict 10-business-day deadline for Michigan building departments to review and decide on construction permit applications, extending that limit to 15 days only for unusually complicated projects. If a department fails to make a decision within these timeframes, the law treats the silence as a denial, allowing the applicant to immediately appeal to a board. Additionally, the bill prevents departments from requesting new or additional changes to an application after the initial review period has expired, ensuring applicants are not subjected to endless delays. These rules apply to all types of building permits, including those for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's construction code to clarify the procedures for modifying building permits after they have been issued. It allows building permit holders to request changes while ensuring that the department can only require additional modifications directly related to those specific requests. The legislation includes a ten-day deadline for the department to notify permit holders of any required changes and prevents the need to restart the entire application process. Because the bill is tied to another piece of legislation, it will only take effect if that companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's construction code to set strict deadlines for state and local agencies reviewing building permit applications. Agencies must now decide on permit requests within 10 business days, or 15 days for unusually complex projects, with failure to meet these deadlines automatically treating the application as denied. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to explain the reasons for any denial and mandates that incomplete applications be addressed within seven days or treated as complete.

Maddy summaryHB 5511 would allow courts to delay officially recording a conviction (entry of judgment) until sentencing occurs, under specific conditions. This applies when the prosecutor agrees after consulting the victim, and either the court finds good cause to delay or the defendant enters a specialty rehabilitation program. The bill does not apply to certain traffic offenses involving vehicle operation (even if felony/misdemeanor) or convictions already eligible for delayed sentencing under other laws. The delay mechanism aims to support rehabilitation efforts while ensuring victims are consulted, but the bill requires another related bill (HB 5510) to pass first.

Maddy summaryHB 5510 allows Michigan courts to delay final sentencing for up to one year (or longer for specific cases) for certain non-violent offenses, giving defendants time to participate in rehabilitation programs like drug court. It requires courts to collect supervision fees ($30-$60 per month, depending on electronic monitoring) during the delay period, with maximum limits of 12 months for most cases or 60 months for child support violations. The bill exempts juveniles in specific cases and permits courts to waive fees for indigent defendants. This modifies existing sentencing procedures to prioritize rehabilitation while adding structured financial obligations during the delay.

Maddy summaryHB 5472 amends Michigan's Tobacco Products Tax Act (MCL 205.426) to allow the name and address of out-of-state tobacco purchasers to be placed on the largest unit of packaging instead of requiring separate written statements. This change directly affects tobacco manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and other businesses that handle tobacco products and must maintain transaction records. The key provision simplifies record-keeping by eliminating the need for separate documentation for purchaser information, as long as it appears on the primary packaging unit. The amendment applies to all tobacco product transactions where purchasers are located outside Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 5214 creates a new tax credit for Michigan family caregivers, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim up to $2,000 (30% of qualified expenses, whichever is less) against their state income tax for care provided to qualifying family members. It directly affects Michigan residents who provide unpaid care for family members living at home (not in facilities) with specific health needs, such as inability to perform two or more daily activities or requiring supervision due to cognitive impairment. Qualified expenses include respite care, assistive devices, home modifications, and transportation, but exclude general household maintenance. To claim the credit, caregivers must document expenses, provide family member details, and meet income limits ($50,000 single / $100,000 joint). The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to change how state agencies create and review new rules. It requires agencies to submit detailed requests for rule-making electronically to the Office of Regulatory Reinvention, which must approve these requests before agencies can proceed. The bill also updates the process for the Legislative Service Bureau to formally certify proposed rules, including stricter timelines and requirements for correcting errors in rule formatting or impact analyses.