Rep. Brian BeGole

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan National Guard to pay all servicemembers their compensation through direct deposit or electronic transfer starting with their first eligible pay period. The legislation amends existing state wage payment laws to mandate this specific payment method for National Guard members, who must provide the necessary banking information to enable the transfers. While the bill maintains existing protections for other employees regarding payroll debit cards and direct deposit consent, it creates a special provision that applies exclusively to the National Guard without requiring individual opt-in consent from each servicemember. This change ensures consistent electronic payment processing for military compensation while preserving the broader legal framework governing wage payments for other Michigan employees.

Maddy summaryHB 5302 creates a $5 million annual competitive grant program for recovery community organizations in Michigan to expand services for people seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders. The bill requires the state to fund at least 19 certified local recovery groups and qualifying nonprofit associations, with each grant capped at $250,000 (or 50% of an organization’s operating budget). Priority goes to groups offering specific services like recovery navigation, workplace education, and wellness activities (e.g., support groups, nutrition programs). Grantees must report annually on fund usage, participant metrics, and budget details starting in 2027, with the program set to expire on October 1, 2031.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4599) amends Michigan's criminal code to address gift card fraud by adding Section 3a to existing statutes (MCL 752.1081-752.1087). It directly affects individuals who commit gift card fraud, such as stealing or selling stolen gift card numbers. The bill creates specific criminal penalties for these offenses but does not provide details on the exact penalties or scope in the given context. The bill passed the House on September 9, 2025, with strong support, and was referred to the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. The context provided does not include the specific provisions or who is affected beyond the general fraud focus.

Maddy summaryHB 4598 expands Michigan's Organized Retail Crime Act to specifically address new tactics used in theft. It adds provisions criminalizing the acquisition, alteration, or use of stolen gift cards (subsections i(i)-(iii)), fraudulent wireless device purchases (subsections h), and manipulating fire exit alarms (subsections g) as organized retail crime. The bill makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, or both, and requires offenders to pay restitution to retailers and forfeit stolen merchandise. This directly affects retailers (through enhanced protections) and individuals committing these expanded theft methods, while clarifying that property representation as stolen is sufficient for prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 5301 amends Michigan's hunting regulations to allow licensed hunters to use artificial lights for 2 hours before and after official shooting hours while traveling on foot to or from their hunting location. This change directly affects licensed hunters traveling to and from hunting sites, extending the previous 1-hour window. The bill modifies Section 40113 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify this specific exception to the general ban on using artificial light to locate game. It does not alter other restrictions, such as prohibitions on using lights between 11 PM and 6 AM from December 1 to October 31.

Maddy summaryHB 5804 allows Michigan planning commissions to appoint up to three alternate members who possess the same voting rights as regular members. These alternates can be called to participate in meetings when a regular member is absent or to cast a vote when a regular member recuses themselves due to a conflict of interest. The bill applies to planning commissions in cities, villages, townships, and counties, while also permitting smaller municipalities to use existing economic development or downtown development boards as their planning commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's school aid act to adjust how state funding is withheld from school districts that fail to meet minimum instructional day requirements due to closures. It specifically creates an exception for districts losing instructional days to conditions beyond their control, allowing them to avoid penalties for those specific days while maintaining a lower attendance threshold of 60% instead of the standard 75% for added calendar days. The legislation also clarifies that hours or days lost during strikes or teacher conferences do not count toward the minimum instructional requirements. By updating these rules, the bill aims to provide flexibility for districts facing unexpected closures while ensuring they still adhere to core accountability standards for student attendance and instruction.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4477 mandates that public school districts and public school academies provide water safety instruction to students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, students will receive age- and grade-appropriate water safety instruction as part of their physical education courses, covering topics such as proper use of flotation devices and awareness of water conditions. The Department of Education is tasked with developing a model water safety program for schools by December 2025. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services will create a multilingual informational notice on water safety, which all public and nonpublic schools must distribute annually to parents or legal guardians starting October 2026. The bill also grants civil liability immunity to institutions and individuals involved in developing and distributing this informational notice.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 18, 2026, as Champions Day in Michigan to honor the state's historic sports achievements from 1935 and recent successes. The resolution encourages citizens to celebrate the 1935 victories of Joe Louis, the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Red Wings, while also acknowledging Olympic gold medalists and the University of Michigan men's basketball team's 2026 national championship. As a commemorative measure, the bill has no legal requirements or funding provisions and serves solely to recognize these athletic milestones.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the United States Men's and Women's National Hockey Teams for their gold medal victories at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. It highlights the sport's historical significance in American culture and specifically acknowledges Michigan's strong reputation as 'Hockeytown' in the context of these achievements. The measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new laws or funding.