Rep. Joe Pavlov

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5131 proposes an amendment to the state's individual income tax act. It aims to create a new deduction for taxpayers. This deduction would allow individuals to subtract capital gains derived from the sale or exchange of investment coins and bullion when calculating their state taxable income. This change would reduce the amount of income subject to state tax for those who realize such gains.

Maddy summaryHB 5132, the "Use of Convertible Virtual Currency Protection Act," prohibits Michigan government entities from restricting how individuals or businesses use digital money (like Bitcoin) for personal purchases, as collateral, or via self-managed digital wallets. It specifically bans taxes or reporting requirements for transactions under $200 using digital money. The bill also allows people harmed by violations to sue for triple their actual damages. This directly affects residents and businesses using digital currency in Michigan, ensuring their transactions remain tax-free and unregulated for small amounts.

Maddy summaryHB 5129 updates Michigan's sales tax law to exempt purchases of investment coins and bullion from tax. It expands the definition of "bullion" to include gold, silver, or platinum films/leafs (50%+ metal content) used as currency (but not legal tender) starting January 1, 2026, while maintaining the 90% purity standard for other bullion. This directly affects buyers of these specific precious metal products, including new film-based items, by removing sales tax. The bill requires passage of companion bill HB 5130 to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5130 exempts the storage, use, or consumption of investment coins and bullion from Michigan's use tax, effective July 7, 1999. It directly affects individuals and businesses buying or selling qualifying precious metals, including collectible coins and bullion (gold, silver, or platinum in bulk form). The bill updates the definition of "bullion" to include gold/silver/platinum leaf, foil, or film with 50%+ metal content (starting January 1, 2026), provided it's used as currency but isn't legal tender. Investment coins are defined as government-issued coins with market value exceeding face value.

Maddy summaryHB 5135 prohibits medical marijuana businesses from using billboards - including digital billboards - to advertise their products or services in Michigan. The bill amends the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act to add a specific ban on billboard advertising, directly affecting licensed dispensaries, growers, and processors that previously used this advertising method. This prohibition applies to all billboards as defined by state law (including digital displays under the Highway Advertising Act of 1972). The change does not restrict other advertising methods, such as online or print media, and aligns with existing rules limiting marijuana promotion near schools or parks.

Maddy summaryHB 4691 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to increase penalties for drivers who flee or elude police officers. It creates four tiers of felony sentencing based on the severity of the violation: fourth-degree (up to 2 years for basic evasion), third-degree (1-5 years if collision occurs or in low-speed zones), second-degree (2-10 years for serious injury or prior convictions), and first-degree (5-15 years if death results). The bill specifically defines "serious injury" to include loss of limbs, brain damage, or coma. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for police in uniform with marked vehicles, with penalties escalating based on outcomes like collisions, injuries, or prior offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4431 creates a new $2,500 state income tax credit for qualified volunteer firefighters in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, individuals must serve at least 10 hours per month as unpaid volunteers (reimbursed only for expenses or standard benefits) with an organized fire department, verified by a written statement from the department head. The credit reduces tax liability, with any excess amount refunded to the taxpayer. This applies specifically to volunteer firefighters meeting the defined criteria, not paid staff or other volunteer roles.

Maddy summaryHB 4039 requires Michigan state agencies to eliminate at least two existing regulations for every new rule they propose. This directly affects all state agencies that create or change regulations, mandating they submit a list of rescinded rules alongside new rule requests. The bill establishes a process where the Michigan Office of Regulatory Reinvention must approve these requests before agencies can proceed, ensuring new rules don’t expand regulation without removing older ones. It aims to reduce regulatory burden by making rulemaking more streamlined and transparent.

Maddy summaryHB 4690 mandates fixed prison sentences for certain violent or gun-related crimes by amending Michigan's sentencing law (MCL 750.479a). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific offenses, as judges must now impose predetermined terms instead of exercising discretion. The key provision requires minimum sentence lengths for these cases, removing judicial flexibility in sentencing. This policy change applies to new convictions under the amended law.

Maddy summaryHB 4484 amends Michigan's Social Welfare Act to allow licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to seek reimbursement for audiological rehabilitation and speech-language therapy services, regardless of whether they hold a certificate of clinical competence. This change directly affects SLPs practicing in Michigan who previously faced potential barriers to reimbursement under existing department rules. The bill removes a prior requirement for the clinical certificate, ensuring reimbursement eligibility solely based on state licensure. It applies to all coverage policies under the Social Welfare Act (MCL 400.1-400.119b), streamlining access to payment for these healthcare services.