Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to formally transfer the responsibilities and assets of the Job Development Authority and the Michigan Economic Development Authority into the new Michigan Strategic Fund. The legislation grants the fund broad powers to issue bonds, make loans and investments, and manage real or personal property to support economic development projects. Additionally, it establishes the fund's ability to certify minority venture capital companies for tax credit eligibility and authorizes the creation of various centers, accounts, and permanent funds to administer state resources. By amending existing sections of the law, the bill provides a legal framework for the fund to operate independently while continuing its role in fostering business growth and job creation across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state tax credit program for Michigan companies working in aerospace and defense technology, effective from 2025 through 2028. Eligible businesses, which include defense contractors and their suppliers, can receive a tax credit equal to 20% of their qualified research and development expenses that exceed a specific baseline amount. The program also offers a separate credit for smaller aerospace and defense firms to offset costs related to storing and maintaining finished goods inventory. To claim these credits, companies must be officially designated by the Michigan Strategic Fund, which will manage a total annual budget of $100 million for research credits and $25 million for inventory credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of highway M-11 in Kent County as the "Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive." The affected roadway stretches from the intersection with 3 Mile Road south to the bridge over the Grand River. By amending state highway naming laws, the legislation officially assigns this commemorative name to the route. The change applies immediately and does not alter any traffic rules or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5583 amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to give the Secretary of State the authority to apply to the Ingham County circuit court for injunctive relief when a complaint alleges a violation of campaign finance rules. The bill establishes a formal process for citizens to file complaints against individuals or committees, requiring the Secretary of State to notify the accused party and allow for written responses and rebuttals before any legal action is taken. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the standards for waiving late filing fees due to specific hardships and sets strict timelines for the Secretary of State to issue rulings on requests for legal interpretations. This measure is designed to provide a structured mechanism for enforcing campaign finance laws while ensuring due process for those accused of violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program to help private-sector employees save for retirement through automatic payroll deductions. It creates a new oversight board and a separate trust fund to manage individual retirement accounts for enrolled workers, ensuring the money remains distinct from state funds. Employers that do not currently offer qualified retirement plans are required to participate by allowing employees to make automatic contributions from their paychecks. The legislation also sets up a separate administrative fund to cover the program's operational costs and defines the specific duties of the state officials who will run the system.

Maddy summaryHB 5946 proposes to amend the Michigan Transportation Economic Development Fund Act to modify how certain funds are distributed. This change directly affects the state's transportation department and the Office of Economic Development by altering the rules for allocating money from the fund. The bill does not create new programs or change existing spending limits but instead updates the legal framework governing fund distribution. As a procedural amendment, it focuses on adjusting specific financial provisions within the existing statute rather than introducing new policy initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new special license plate in Michigan to raise money for sickle cell anemia research and treatment. The Secretary of State will work with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter, to design the plate, and all proceeds from its sale will go into a dedicated state fund. That fund will be managed by the State Treasurer, who is required to invest the money and distribute the earnings to the association every quarter. Additionally, the bill removes an outdated section from the state's vehicle code that is no longer needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan 4-H Foundation fund within the state treasury to hold money and assets contributed from various sources. It authorizes the state treasurer to manage investments for the fund, ensure earnings stay within the account, and distribute the money to the Michigan 4-H Foundation on a quarterly basis. The legislation includes a provision stating that it will not take effect unless a related bill, HB 5058, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's criminal procedure code to establish specific sentencing guidelines for violating maritime traffic rules in the Straits of Mackinac. It directly affects boaters and captains operating watercraft in that area by clarifying the penalties for failing to use a required maritime pilot or for anchoring in prohibited zones. The legislation does not create new rules but instead updates the legal framework to ensure consistent punishment when these existing safety requirements are broken.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new regulations for large watercraft, defined as vessels over 700 feet long, navigating the Straits of Mackinac. It mandates that these vessels must be guided by a licensed maritime pilot and strictly prohibits the use of anchors or any equipment that could touch the lake bottom within the designated area. Additionally, the legislation requires the state to install buoys to mark navigation hazards and designates specific emergency anchorage zones. Owners of obstructions in the straits are also required to mark their property with buoys within 90 days to ensure safe passage. Violations of these rules are classified as felonies, carrying potential prison sentences, fines, and mandatory reimbursement for environmental cleanup costs.