Rep. Brian BeGole

Maddy summaryHB 4166 prohibits the non-medical use of xylazine (a sedative sometimes mixed with drugs like fentanyl) in Michigan. It defines "illicit use" as any xylazine use not covered under "licit use," which includes legal veterinary applications, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or approved medical treatments. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to make possessing or using xylazine for non-licensed purposes a felony, with penalties ranging from up to 20 years in prison or fines up to $1 million depending on the amount. This directly affects individuals using xylazine outside approved medical or veterinary contexts, aligning penalties with those for other controlled substances like opioids.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress to freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A agricultural workers at the 2023 level ($15.10/hour) through 2025. It directly affects Michigan farmers who rely on the H-2A program, as the current 2025 AEWR in Michigan is $18.15/hour - a 34% increase since 2019. The resolution seeks to prevent further wage hikes for temporary farm workers, aiming to reduce rising labor costs amid broader farm expense increases. It does not change existing law but calls on Congress to pass legislation implementing this freeze.

Maddy summaryHB 4138 amends Michigan's civil procedure code to remove references to the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Act, which was repealed. It specifically revises Sections 1908, 2529, and 2559 of the Revised Judicature Act (1961 PA 236) to eliminate exemptions and provisions that previously applied to ERPO-related cases. This change affects court procedures for service of process and filing fees, ensuring the code no longer includes outdated references to the repealed ERPO law. The bill makes no new policy changes to fees or procedures - only aligns the civil code with the ERPO repeal.

Maddy summaryHB 4139 removes references to "extreme risk protection orders" from Michigan's firearm licensing requirements. Specifically, it amends sections of the state's firearms law (MCL 28.422, 28.422b, 28.425b, and 28.428) by deleting the provision that previously required applicants to disclose if they were subject to such orders. This change directly affects individuals applying for firearm licenses, as they will no longer need to certify whether they are under an extreme risk protection order. The bill does not repeal extreme risk protection orders themselves but modifies the licensing process to exclude this specific requirement. The change reflects the repeal of the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act as noted in the bill's title.

Maddy summaryHB 4131 updates Michigan's animal care laws by clarifying definitions and requirements for dog shelter and tethering. It directly affects dog owners, breeders, pet shops, and animal shelters by specifying that dog shelters must include properly insulated doghouses with dry bedding (like straw or cedar shavings) during freezing temperatures, excluding items like blankets, cardboard, or crawl spaces. The bill also requires tethers for dogs to be at least three times the dog's length (nose-to-tail) unless used for grooming, training, transport, or hunting. These changes aim to ensure dogs have adequate protection from weather and prevent harmful tethering practices. The bill is currently in committee after its February 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 4132 amends Michigan's personal protection order law to explicitly include animal-related abuse as a prohibited act in domestic violence cases. The bill adds new language (subsection 1(k)) making it illegal for a respondent to injure, kill, threaten, or remove an animal in which the petitioner has ownership interest, or to retain an animal taken from the petitioner. This directly affects domestic violence victims who rely on pets for emotional support, expanding court orders to protect both people and their companion animals. The provision specifies it does not override lawful animal use (e.g., hunting under state law) and aligns with existing protections for victims.

Maddy summaryHB 4130 amends Section 2 of Michigan's Animal Welfare Fund Act (MCL 287.992) by updating the definition of "State animal anticruelty laws" to explicitly include specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.49-750.70, 750.70a, and MCL 750.50(8) and (12)). This technical update ensures the fund act correctly references existing animal cruelty laws without creating new policies or funding. The bill affects how the Animal Welfare Fund Act applies to enforcement of current animal protection laws. It is a procedural clarification, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4140 repeals the 2023 "Extreme risk protection order act" (2023 PA 38, MCL 691.1801-691.1821), which established a legal process for temporarily removing firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The bill does not create new provisions or directly affect any individuals or groups, as it solely removes an existing law. This repeal is contingent on two other bills (HB 4138 and HB 4139) also being enacted into law. The bill was introduced on February 26, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4123 amends Michigan's Reconnect Grant Act to expand support for adult learners pursuing industry-recognized credentials. It requires eligible community colleges and career-training programs to implement corequisite academic support (taking college-level courses while receiving targeted help) instead of traditional remedial classes, and to report on student success strategies like credit for prior learning. The bill directly affects adult students enrolled in these programs and institutions receiving Reconnect Grants, including career-tech centers and apprenticeships offering stackable credentials. Key changes include expanding grant funding eligibility to cover non-degree certificate programs and mandating institutions to provide free academic support for students needing remediation. If passed, these changes would reshape how Michigan's community colleges and career programs support adult learners seeking job-ready skills.

Maddy summaryHB 4002 amends Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act to clarify eligibility and usage rules for workers. It expands the definition of "family member" to include domestic partners and specifies that employees must work at least 25 hours weekly (averaged over a benefit year) to qualify for sick time. The bill also defines key terms like "benefit year" (a 12-month period for calculating leave) and clarifies that employers with 50+ employees must provide sick time for health, family, or safety needs. These changes aim to make the law's implementation more consistent while maintaining existing requirements for covered workers.