Rep. Brian BeGole

Maddy summaryHB 4258 creates a statewide 24/7 hotline for the Michigan State Police to receive public reports about threats of self-harm, sexual abuse, assault, or violence targeting school students, staff, or schools. It requires the State Police to notify affected schools and local law enforcement within 24 hours of receiving such reports. The bill also mandates that existing school violence hotlines be disconnected within six months of the new hotline's launch and includes requirements for mental health resource referrals and staff training. This law directly affects schools, law enforcement, and students by establishing a standardized system for reporting and responding to school safety threats.

Maddy summaryHB 4201 amends Michigan's income tax law to exempt certain retirement benefits from state taxation. It specifically adds a deduction for retirement or pension benefits received from Michigan's public retirement systems (like state employee pensions) or federal public retirement systems. This directly affects Michigan residents who receive these types of public-sector retirement benefits by reducing their taxable income. The change modifies Section 30 of Michigan's Income Tax Act (MCL 206.30) to exclude these benefits from taxable income calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 4259 amends the Student Safety Act by updating key definitions to clarify the law's scope. It specifies that "school" includes all public, private, denominational, and parochial schools serving kindergarten through 12th grade, and "school property" covers buildings, fields, and school buses. The bill also defines the "hotline" as a statewide system for reporting safety concerns via phone, text, or online. These changes ensure consistent application of the Student Safety Act for all schools and safety reports. The bill requires concurrent passage of HB 4258 to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4118 amends Michigan's Drain Code to require that lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be assessed for drainage project costs based on the benefits they receive, similar to how townships, cities, counties, and state highways are assessed. The bill clarifies that drainage costs must be apportioned among these entities according to specific benefit-based formulas, including DNR lands as a distinct category. It also updates public notice requirements for bidding on drainage projects and reviews of cost allocations to ensure transparency. This change directly affects DNR lands and the entities responsible for funding drainage improvements, including local governments and state transportation authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 prohibits labeling lab-grown meat substitutes as "meat" and requires sellers to use specific terms like "cell-cultured," "lab-grown," or "cultivated" on product labels. It directly affects manufacturers and retailers selling lab-grown meat alternatives, mandating clear labeling that distinguishes these products from traditional meat. The bill amends Michigan's Food Law to require these terms on sealed packages or bulk displays, ensuring consumers can accurately identify the product type. This policy change focuses on transparent labeling without altering existing requirements for traditional meat products.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4475 proposes to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's vaccination status or whether they possess an "immunity passport." It would prevent state or local governmental entities, private universities, and community colleges from denying services, goods, educational opportunities, healthcare, or employment for these reasons. Employers would also be prohibited from discriminating against individuals in hiring, termination, or terms of employment due to vaccination status. The bill includes specific exceptions, such as for certain child care organizations, federal contractors, and regulated entities whose funding depends on compliance with federal health regulations. Additionally, it allows vaccination requirements for employees in roles with direct exposure to infectious materials or in public health/medical settings where vaccinations are necessary for their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to connect hunting and fishing license processes with voter registration. It requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its authorized license sellers to make voter registration applications available to individuals applying for resident hunting, fishing, or fur harvester's licenses. While these locations must display and may offer the applications, staff are prohibited from assisting with completion or collecting the forms. Additionally, the DNR's website must provide a link to the state's online voter registration application for those applying digitally.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4242 amends the public health code to update requirements for how medical licensees manage patient records. It mandates that healthcare providers explicitly document medical services involving vaginal or anal penetration in patient records, with certain exceptions. The bill establishes a general minimum record retention period of 7 years, which extends to 15 years for records of these specific penetration-related services, also with specified exceptions. Additionally, it outlines procedures for protecting record integrity and confidentiality, ensuring patient access, and for the proper destruction or transfer of records.

Maddy summaryHB 4233 prohibits foreign entities (including foreign governments, corporations, or individuals) from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Michigan, with limited exceptions. Current foreign owners may retain existing farmland but cannot buy additional land, and all foreign-owned agricultural land must be registered with the Secretary of State within 60 days, including location, acreage, and ownership details. Exceptions allow land acquired through inheritance (if sold within two years), security interests, or legal processes like foreclosure (if sold within two years and not used for non-farming purposes). Violations trigger court action by the Attorney General, requiring foreign owners to divest the land within two years.

Maddy summaryHB 4387 creates a temporary 2025 income tax credit for Michigan residents affected by a severe winter storm and ice storm declared a state of emergency by Governor Whitmer on March 31, 2025. It allows eligible taxpayers to claim a credit of up to $5,000 for qualified expenses directly related to repairing or restoring homes, property, or businesses damaged by the emergency - such as purchasing generators, chainsaws, or building materials. To qualify, taxpayers must reside in the declared emergency area, provide proof of expenses (including federal ID and property address), and confirm expenses weren’t reimbursed. The credit applies only to the 2025 tax year and cannot exceed the taxpayer’s total tax liability for that year.