Rep. Tonya Phillips

Maddy summaryHB 6095 amends state law to regulate how public utilities in Michigan can raise their rates and charges. The bill requires utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before increasing costs for customers and mandates that they provide notice and hold hearings for affected parties. It establishes specific timelines for the commission to review rate applications and grants utilities the ability to implement proposed rate increases temporarily if the commission does not act within 180 days, provided they refund any excess amounts later with interest. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for spacing out rate filings by large electric utilities and outlines procedures for seeking immediate partial rate relief for smaller gas utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's housing law to require landlords and building owners to provide relocation assistance to tenants living in hazardous or dangerous structures. The measure mandates that if an enforcing agency determines unsafe conditions exist due to a landlord's poor maintenance and orders the property vacated or demolished, the responsible party must pay the tenant three months of current rent. This financial aid must be issued within seven business days of the order and applies regardless of whether the tenant is up to date on rent payments. The provision ensures that this assistance is in addition to any other legal remedies available under existing housing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's existing laws regarding post-conviction DNA testing to allow certain defendants to request new trials based on DNA evidence. It primarily affects individuals convicted of felonies before January 8, 2001, who are currently serving prison sentences, enabling them to petition for DNA testing of biological material collected during their original investigation. The legislation outlines specific conditions under which courts must grant testing, such as when the material has not been previously tested or when newer technology could yield more accurate results. If the testing excludes the defendant as the source of the biological material, the court must appoint counsel and hold a hearing to determine if a new trial is warranted. Additionally, the bill requires that victims be notified of these petitions and ensures that the costs of testing are covered by the state if the defendant cannot afford them.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan from including specific administrative and political expenses in the rates charged to customers. It explicitly bans the recovery of costs related to executive compensation, fines, lobbying, advertising, charitable donations, and trade association memberships. If the Public Service Commission determines that a utility has improperly collected these fees, it must order a refund to customers with interest and impose escalating fines based on the number of violations. Any fines levied under this new rule would be directed toward a fund designed to assist low-income individuals with energy costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 17, 2026, as Solar Energy Awareness Day throughout Michigan to highlight the state's progress in renewable energy. It serves as a commemorative resolution acknowledging Michigan's leadership in solar installations and honoring the workers and businesses driving this growth. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead formally recognizes the state's achievements in the clean energy sector.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day throughout Michigan. It aims to raise public awareness about the issue of elder abuse and encourage residents to recognize warning signs and report incidents. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the importance of protecting older adults.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for calculating Michigan's school foundation allowance, which determines the base funding provided to public schools. It requires the state's revenue estimating conference to use the Detroit Consumer Price Index to adjust the allowance amount, ensuring it keeps pace with local inflation rather than a statewide index. The legislation also mandates that this adjusted allowance be projected for the current fiscal year and the next two years to help plan school budgets. By tying school funding growth to inflation in the Detroit area, the bill aims to maintain the purchasing power of state aid for education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Michigan to honor victims and support survivors of firearm-related incidents. The measure serves as a symbolic declaration intended to encourage community engagement and awareness regarding the impacts of gun violence. It does not alter any laws or create new regulations but rather establishes an official observance period for public education and remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Make It In Michigan" tax credit program designed to encourage recent college graduates to live and work in the state. To qualify, individuals must be Michigan residents employed by local businesses and must have earned a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution after the law takes effect. The legislation defines specific terms for eligible employees, students, and loans, while also renaming existing tax credits under sections 279a, 279b, 679, and 679a to reflect this new program name. Crucially, the bill will not become effective unless four companion bills regarding the program's funding and administration are also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Michigan residents who earned a degree in the state and subsequently stayed or returned to Michigan for a job. Eligible individuals can claim a credit equal to 50% of their student loan payments for a specific tax year, but the total credit cannot exceed 20% of the average annual tuition at a public Michigan university. To receive the benefit, taxpayers must provide proof of their degree, employment within the state, and student loan payments, and they must apply within 10 years of graduating. If the calculated credit is larger than the taxpayer's total tax liability for that year, the difference will be refunded to them. The legislation will only take effect if four companion bills are also passed into law.