Rep. Josh Schriver

Maddy summaryHB 4285 requires Michigan schools to offer firearm safety instruction for students in grades 6-12 by September 2025. The state must create a model program (based on existing hunter safety standards) covering safe handling, cleaning, firearm types, and hunting practices, taught by certified instructors - **without bringing firearms into school buildings**. Schools may offer this as an optional extracurricular class or integrate it into existing courses, and students or parents may opt out without penalty. Completing the program counts toward the hunter safety certification needed for a hunting license. The bill directly affects all Michigan public schools and students in grades 6-12.

Maddy summaryHB 5406 would prohibit Michigan health insurers from covering organ transplants if the procedure occurs in China or another country designated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as engaging in forced organ harvesting, or if the organ originated from such a country. It applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Michigan and requires the health department director to designate which countries fall under this prohibition. The bill defines "forced organ harvesting" as organ removal through coercion, abduction, deception, or abuse of power. This policy change would directly affect patients seeking transplants involving organs from designated countries and insurers offering coverage for such procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 5397 eliminates a tax exemption for data center equipment under Michigan's Use Tax Act. It repeals Section 4cc, which previously allowed data center businesses to claim an exemption from use tax on equipment purchases. This change means data center operators will now pay the standard use tax on qualifying equipment instead of claiming the exemption. The bill directly affects data center businesses that previously utilized this tax exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 5396 eliminates a sales tax exemption for data center equipment in Michigan. The bill repeals Section 4ee of the General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.54ee), which previously allowed data centers to avoid paying the standard 4% sales tax on equipment purchases. This change directly affects data center businesses operating in Michigan, requiring them to pay sales tax on qualifying equipment starting when the bill takes effect. The policy change removes a specific tax break, aligning data center equipment purchases with standard sales tax rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5398 amends Michigan's General Property Tax Act to remove a tax exemption for data centers located in Renaissance Zones. Specifically, it eliminates the exemption previously available for "eligible data center property" in zones approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund in 2016 with at least $100 million in investment. This change directly affects data center operators in designated Renaissance Zones who previously qualified for reduced property taxes. The bill updates Section 7ff of the tax act to reflect this repeal, ensuring data centers no longer receive the tax break.

Maddy summaryHB 5391 changes Michigan's unemployment benefits recovery rules by limiting the time the state can seek repayment of improperly paid benefits. It prohibits the unemployment agency from recovering benefits more than one year after the claimant receives the payment, affecting most unemployed Michiganders who received benefits by mistake. Exceptions include cases involving suspected identity fraud (where recovery may still be pursued) or intentional fraud (where no time limit applies). The bill also maintains existing hardship waiver options for repayment if recovery would be unfair due to financial hardship or administrative errors.

Maddy summaryHB 5206 creates a new "limited cosmetologist license" under Michigan's cosmetology law, allowing individuals to perform specific services like natural hair cultivation, manicuring, or skin care without needing a full cosmetologist license. This change streamlines licensing for professionals who specialize in these areas, eliminating the need for separate licenses (e.g., for manicuring or esthetics) while requiring them to limit their practice to the licensed services. The bill updates definitions to clarify terms like "natural hair cultivation" (techniques such as braiding or twisting without chemicals) and ensures license holders cannot perform unlicensed services like electrology. It directly affects cosmetology practitioners seeking to offer these focused services more efficiently.

Maddy summaryHB 5377 would allow property owners without children attending Michigan public schools to qualify for a property tax exemption on certain school millages under the Revised School Code. It directly affects homeowners who do not have children enrolled in public schools within the state. The bill amends specific sections of the school code (380.1211, 380.1212, and 380.1364) to establish this new exemption category. This change modifies existing tax eligibility rules but does not alter current tax rates or funding formulas.

Maddy summaryHB 5379 creates a property tax exemption for homeowners without children attending Michigan public schools or receiving publicly funded educational services. Starting December 31, 2026, these property owners will be exempt from the portion of library millages (tax rates) levied by districts that include school districts, specifically the part exceeding 2 mills. This change applies to taxes under the District Library Establishment Act and aligns with existing exemptions in the General Property Tax Act. The bill affects residential property owners who do not have school-age children enrolled in Michigan public education.

Maddy summaryHB 5376 would create a property tax exemption for Michigan homeowners without children enrolled in public schools or publicly funded educational services (K-12) in the state. Starting in 2027, eligible property owners would receive a phased reduction in school-related property taxes: 40% in 2027, increasing to 100% by 2031. To qualify, owners must provide proof (like a withdrawal letter or affidavit) that no dependents used public education, and the exemption excludes properties owned through private entities where the actual owner has school-aged children. The bill specifically targets school millages (taxes funding schools), not general property taxes, and requires local assessors to verify eligibility using state education data.