Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish a refund system for permit applicants if the state department fails to approve or deny their applications within the statutory deadline. Under the new provisions, the department must pay applicants 15% of the application fee or the first periodic charge if processing delays occur, except in specific cases where the application is automatically treated as approved. The legislation also clarifies rules for extending processing times, requires written decisions based on specific evidence and scientific principles, and mandates that the department notify legislative committees if it repeatedly misses processing deadlines. Additionally, the bill ensures that applicants facing delays due to departmental inaction cannot be discriminated against and must have their applications processed in the correct sequence.
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Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish specific time limits for state agencies to review and approve various environmental permits. It directly affects businesses and individuals applying for permits related to activities such as oil and gas drilling, mining, waste disposal, water use, and construction. The legislation defines a "processing period" with varying deadlines - ranging from 20 to 150 days depending on the permit type - and requires agencies to declare an application administratively complete within 30 days of receipt. By setting these clear timelines, the bill aims to create a more predictable and efficient approval process for environmental permits issued by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to exempt the construction and maintenance of certain residential ponds from state permitting requirements. It directly affects homeowners and property owners who wish to build small, noncommercial ponds on residential or agricultural land. The key provision allows for the excavation or construction of ponds under one acre in surface area, provided they are used for residential purposes and meet specific conditions outlined in the legislation. This change removes the need for a permit for these specific residential pond projects, simplifying the process for property owners while maintaining oversight for larger or commercial water structures.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to expand managed care options for Medicaid recipients, giving them a choice among contracted health plans while ensuring access to primary care and preventive services. It requires new enrollees to schedule an initial appointment with a primary care provider within 60 days and mandates that the department track plan compliance with this requirement. The legislation also establishes financial incentives for providers and enrollees to encourage the use of high-value services, promote generic prescriptions, and detect fraud, while allowing telemedicine from out-of-state providers. Additionally, the bill outlines a performance bonus system for health plans based on specific health equity and outcome targets, and sets rules for automatically moving individuals out of skilled nursing facilities after 45 days of care.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.
Maddy summaryHB 5145 changes documentation requirements for Michigan's public assistance programs, including food assistance. It replaces self-attestation with verifiable documents for applicants to prove identity (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate), income (e.g., pay stub, tax return), and Michigan residency (e.g., utility bill, lease). The bill requires applicants to upload these documents via the MI Bridges online portal before eligibility is determined. It also mandates that the department use alternative verification methods if documents are missing, rather than automatically denying benefits. This bill directly affects individuals applying for or renewing public assistance benefits in Michigan.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan to use a competitive bidding process for all contracts related to construction, operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. To enforce this rule, the state's public service commission will be prohibited from allowing utilities to recover costs for work that was not competitively bid, and the law grants ratepayers and bidders the right to sue for damages or injunctive relief if the process is not followed. Additionally, all bids and related documentation must be treated as public records and made available for inspection by anyone. The legislation defines "competitive procurement" by referencing specific federal standards that local governments must follow.
Maddy summaryThis bill would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to establish a presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time with both parents is in a child's best interest. It requires courts to inform parents about joint custody options and the presumption of equal time during custody disputes, and specifies that "joint custody" means either shared decision-making for important child welfare matters or equal physical time with each parent. The bill also clarifies that joint custody does not affect child support obligations, which remain based on each parent's resources and the child's needs. This applies directly to parents involved in custody cases and judges handling such cases under Michigan law.
Maddy summaryHB 5211 would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to create a legal presumption that equal or nearly equal parenting time between both parents is in a child's best interest for disputes between parents. This presumption would apply unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence that equal time is not appropriate. The bill does not change the existing "best interests of the child" standard (listed in Section 3), but establishes equal parenting time as the default starting point under Section 5. This applies specifically to custody disputes between parents, not involving agencies or third parties, and does not affect provisions addressing cases involving criminal sexual conduct by a parent.
Maddy summaryHB 5213 requires Michigan's Friend of the Court offices to provide parents with an informational pamphlet explaining the legal presumption of equal or approximately equal parenting time in child custody cases. This pamphlet must detail the presumption as outlined in Michigan's Child Custody Act (MCL 722.26a), alongside information about joint custody options. The bill amends existing law to ensure parents receive this specific information early in domestic relations proceedings. It directly affects parents involved in custody disputes who interact with the Friend of the Court system. The change focuses on informing parents of their rights, not altering custody standards.