Rep. Alicia St. Germaine

Maddy summaryHB 4170 permanently sets Michigan's individual income tax rate at 4.05% for all taxpayers, replacing a temporary 4.25% rate scheduled to take effect in 2024. It creates a mechanism where the rate could decrease further if state revenue growth exceeds inflation, requiring annual revenue reviews. The bill directly affects all Michigan residents who pay individual income tax. The change takes effect immediately for tax years beginning January 1, 2025, with the 4.05% rate now permanent unless triggered by the revenue growth condition.

Maddy summaryHB 4014 exempts certain family transfers of residential property from a rule that normally resets property taxes to current market value after a sale or transfer. It specifically applies when property is transferred to close family members (such as parents, children, or siblings) through trusts, wills, or inheritances, provided the property isn't used commercially afterward. To qualify, beneficiaries must provide proof of their relationship within 30 days, or face a $200 fine. The bill modifies Michigan’s property tax law to prevent "taxable value" adjustments that would otherwise increase annual property tax bills significantly for these transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 4150 eliminates application evaluation fees for school-related processes under Michigan's Revised School Code. It directly affects individuals applying for educational certifications, programs, or school-related services by removing a requirement to pay fees when their applications are reviewed. The bill amends two specific sections (MCL 380.1531h and 380.1538) to delete the fee mandate, streamlining the application process. This change applies statewide to all relevant school applications governed by the revised code. The bill passed the Michigan House with strong support (83-26) on March 12, 2025, and is now awaiting further legislative action.

Maddy summaryHB 4153 creates a new "local teaching certificate" pathway for educators in Michigan. It amends the Revised School Code to define a "certificated teacher" as including individuals holding either a standard teaching certificate or this new local certificate (under added Section 1531l). The bill directly affects teachers seeking certification through local school districts or authorized entities, rather than the standard state-issued process. Key provisions establish that local certificates must meet state standards but can be issued by districts or approved entities, expanding certification options for schools. This change modifies existing sections (501, 521, 551, etc.) to incorporate the new local certificate type into teacher certification requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4151 modifies Michigan's teacher certification rules, primarily allowing experienced educators from other states to obtain Michigan teaching licenses without retaking certain exams if they've taught successfully for at least three years in their home state. It maintains existing requirements for new teachers to complete reading competency training (including diagnosing reading disabilities) before advancing to professional certification. The bill also requires the education department to report annually on exam fees and develop standardized tests for teacher certification, while keeping the same reading proficiency standards for Michigan-certified teachers. These changes directly affect teachers seeking certification or additional endorsements in Michigan, especially those transferring from other states or countries.

Maddy summaryHB 4060 amends Michigan's school code to update rules for funding area career and technical education (CTE) programs through local property taxes. It sets specific millage limits: new programs can levy up to 1 mill, while existing programs can increase to 1.5 times their 1993 rate (with elector approval only for new increases). The bill requires school districts to audit and publicly post CTE fund usage online, mandates repayment if funds are misused, and defines allowable CTE program expenses to include inter-district contracts. These changes directly affect intermediate school districts operating CTE programs and ensure tax dollars are used solely for designated career education purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 4021 modifies Michigan's eviction process by allowing district court magistrates to conduct both pretrial hearings and trials in eviction cases, expanding their authority beyond current limits. It sets specific timeframes: summons must be served 10 days before trial for most evictions (30 days for certain cases under Section 5726), and trials must occur within 7 days of the defendant's appearance unless parties stipulate otherwise. The bill requires magistrates to verbally inform parties of their rights at pretrial hearings as outlined in Michigan court rules. This directly affects tenants and landlords involved in eviction proceedings by changing who handles the case (magistrates instead of only judges) and accelerating the timeline for resolution.

Maddy summaryHB 4213 eliminates restrictions on concealed carry in specific locations by removing existing prohibitions from Michigan's concealed carry law. The bill removes restrictions that previously barred licensed concealed pistol permit holders from carrying in places like schools (with a parent drop-off/pick-up exception), child care centers, sports arenas, bars/taverns, places of worship, large entertainment venues (2,500+ seats), hospitals, and college dorms/classrooms. Licensed permit holders would no longer be prohibited from carrying concealed weapons in these locations under this amendment. The bill does not change security requirements for venues that choose to prohibit concealed carry (e.g., metal detectors).

Maddy summaryHR 40 is a non-binding resolution urging the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to update its eligibility rules for female athletes to comply with Executive Order 14201. The resolution states that MHSAA’s current rules, which allow biological males to compete in women’s sports, conflict with the federal executive order prioritizing female-only competition. It argues this noncompliance risks jeopardizing federal funding for Michigan school districts and compromises the safety and fairness of women’s athletic competitions. The resolution was adopted by the Michigan House with 66 yeas, 43 nays, and 1 excused vote on March 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4191 requires hunters who bait deer during hunting season to purchase a $20 deer baiting license in addition to a valid hunting license. This applies specifically to those engaging in "deer or elk baiting" (depositing feed to attract deer for hunting), excluding agricultural practices, normal logging, or feeding wildlife that excludes deer. Revenue from the license must fund research and surveillance of chronic wasting disease and other wildlife diseases in deer and elk. The bill amends Michigan’s Natural Resources Act to establish this licensing requirement and funding mechanism.