Rep. Jay DeBoyer

Maddy summaryHB 5953 limits the late fees or penalties that privately owned toll bridge operators can charge for unpaid tolls to no more than five times the original toll amount. This restriction applies only to privately owned bridges and does not affect international crossings or publicly owned bridges. The bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to establish this cap, ensuring that fees for overdue tolls remain proportional to the initial cost.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to clarify definitions and compliance requirements for economic development projects. It specifically adds a new section requiring the fund to ensure its investments comply with the federal Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The legislation also expands the list of eligible projects to include various port facilities and provides a detailed definition of green chemistry principles. These changes directly affect the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and businesses seeking financing for industrial, commercial, or agricultural ventures in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 5941 amends Michigan's income tax law to clarify how certain gratuities received by tipped employees are treated for tax purposes. The bill specifically addresses the exclusion of these tips from taxable income, ensuring that workers in the service industry are not taxed on amounts that are already exempt under federal rules. By updating the state tax code, the legislation aligns Michigan's treatment of tipped income with existing federal standards. This change directly affects employees who rely on tips as part of their compensation and the employers who report such earnings.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Michigan's environmental laws by requiring counties to notify neighboring counties at least 24 hours before discharging waste or sewage into shared waters, with permission needed from the affected county before the discharge occurs. It establishes new penalties for failing to provide this advance notice or for discharging without permission, including fines up to $500,000 that go into a state recovery fund. The legislation also clarifies existing rules by defining specific circumstances under which violations lead to criminal charges or civil fines, particularly when actions pose a substantial danger to public health or the environment. Additionally, it adjusts how courts determine liability for serious violations and mandates that certain fines be paid to the state's general fund while creating liens on the property of those found liable.

Maddy summaryHB 5916 proposes changes to Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically regarding cases involving excessive discharges into state waters. The bill aims to modify how judges determine punishments for these environmental violations by updating the relevant legal section in the Code of Criminal Procedure. It directly affects prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges who handle such cases by altering the framework used to calculate sentences. This legislative measure is part of a paired bill effort to refine sentencing standards for water pollution offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's environmental laws to require new or increased discharge permits to include proof of permission from any neighboring counties that might be affected by the discharge. Starting in 2025, applicants must submit a resolution from the impacted county's board of commissioners, and the state department must review applications within 30 to 90 days, treating them as complete if no decision is made by the deadline. The legislation also clarifies rules for oceangoing vessels by mandating specific permits for ballast water management to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, while ensuring state standards remain at least as protective as federal requirements. Additionally, the bill sets strict timelines for the department to determine if applications are administratively complete and outlines the process for denying permits if county permission is missing.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill establishes a licensing system for notary schools, requiring them to obtain a state license and pay fees to operate legally. To qualify, schools must provide a specific curriculum covering notary duties and remote electronic notarization, employ a certified notary instructor, and carry professional liability insurance. The legislation also mandates that students pass a standardized exam with an 80% passing score and requires schools to demonstrate high student success rates to renew their licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the qualifications and reappointment procedures for notary publics in Michigan, directly affecting individuals seeking or renewing their notary commissions. Starting June 1, 2025, applicants and those seeking reappointment must complete a specific course of instruction and pass an examination administered by the state, replacing the previous automatic reappointment process for most notaries. The legislation also clarifies that licensed attorneys are exempt from the surety bond requirement but must still meet the new education and testing standards to retain their commission. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State notify county clerks monthly of new notary appointments and establishes a rule to automatically cancel a notary's commission if they submit a bounced check for the required processing fee.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of highway M-26 in Adams Township as the "Private Wesley Vietti Karna Memorial Highway." The designated stretch runs from Academy Street south to Hubbard Avenue. By adding a new section to the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, the legislation formally assigns this name to the road to honor Private Wesley Vietti Karna.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's pawnbroker regulations by increasing the maximum civil fine for charging excessive interest from an unspecified amount to $5,000. It also updates the criminal penalties for violating the act, allowing courts to impose fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to three months. The legislation directly affects pawnbrokers and their employees by clarifying the consequences for non-compliance with state laws. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that prevents it from taking effect unless a companion bill, HB 5536, is also enacted into law.