Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 5391 changes Michigan's unemployment benefits recovery rules by limiting the time the state can seek repayment of improperly paid benefits. It prohibits the unemployment agency from recovering benefits more than one year after the claimant receives the payment, affecting most unemployed Michiganders who received benefits by mistake. Exceptions include cases involving suspected identity fraud (where recovery may still be pursued) or intentional fraud (where no time limit applies). The bill also maintains existing hardship waiver options for repayment if recovery would be unfair due to financial hardship or administrative errors.

Maddy summaryHB 5366 requires real estate wholesalers to provide mandatory disclosures to buyers when transferring purchase agreements. It defines "assignment fee" as the payment for such transfers and mandates clear disclosure of these fees to buyers before closing. The bill directly affects real estate wholesalers and brokers who facilitate these transactions, ensuring buyers understand all financial terms upfront. This change aims to increase transparency in real estate wholesaling without altering licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property recording rules to standardize formatting and privacy requirements for deeds, mortgages, and other property transfers recorded with county registers of deeds. Key changes include requiring documents to be printed on 20-pound white paper in 10-point font with clear addresses, obscuring the first five digits of Social Security numbers after specified dates, and mandating legible signatures with printed names beneath them. These rules apply to anyone submitting property documents for recording, ensuring consistent formatting and reducing privacy risks. The bill focuses on procedural clarity rather than substantive policy changes to property transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 5365, the "SFR Tax and Economics Act," imposes a surtax on large investors (entities owning 50+ single-family homes) for acquiring, selling, or holding properties. It requires certified entities (like community land trusts or MSHDA-approved groups) to implement 15-year affordability covenants limiting rent/sale prices to 30-80% of local median income. The bill affects large real estate investors and entities receiving state benefits related to single-family homes, mandating reporting and compliance. Proceeds from surtaxes fund affordable housing initiatives, while exemptions apply to qualifying "mission buyers" like public housing agencies.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4425 creates the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Incentive Program in Michigan. This program aims to encourage companies to produce or blend sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within the state by offering corporate income tax credits. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will administer the program, certifying SAF that meets specific criteria, including source materials, technical standards, and a minimum 50% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. The bill sets an annual cap on the total amount of tax credits approved, starting at $4.5 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and increasing to $9 million annually thereafter.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4424 proposes a new corporate income tax credit for businesses that produce or blend sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within Michigan. Qualified taxpayers can claim a credit of $1.50 per gallon for SAF produced or blended in the state and sold for use in aircraft departing from Michigan airports. This credit can increase up to $2.00 per gallon based on the SAF's life-cycle greenhouse gas emission reductions. If the credit amount exceeds a company's tax liability, the difference will be refunded.

Maddy summaryHB 5349 requires Michigan's Department of Health to create standardized forms for two types of school immunization exemptions. Medical exemptions (for health reasons) must include details like the vaccine type, reason for exemption, and expiration date. Non-medical exemptions (for religious or other objections) must include education about vaccine benefits and risks, require in-person form pickup from a health department, and include witnessed signatures. This bill directly affects parents seeking exemptions, schools requiring immunization records, and local health departments distributing the forms.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes December 13, 2025, as "National Wreaths Across America Day" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors Michigan's participation in the non-profit Wreaths Across America's annual event, where volunteers place wreaths on veterans' graves. The resolution acknowledges that Michigan will host 96 locations across the state, with approximately 60,000 wreaths laid to honor fallen veterans, active-duty military, and their families. It serves as a ceremonial declaration of the state's support for this existing national observance.

Maddy summaryHB 5344 amends Michigan's school code to update how public schools report student vaccination rates. It requires schools to submit annual immunization status reports to health officials by November 1 and February 1, including vision screening data for kindergarten students. Starting in 2028, schools must provide de-identified, aggregated data showing vaccination rates (fully/partially immunized and waiver percentages) and share each student's vaccination status with parents via mail, email, website links, and physical notices in school offices. The bill focuses on transparency and data collection for public health monitoring, without changing vaccination requirements.