Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill amends the state's vehicle code to clarify that traffic violations designated as civil infractions cannot be treated as lesser included offenses of criminal charges. It establishes specific fine ranges for various driving and vehicle equipment violations, including a new provision that requires courts to waive fines and costs if a driver cited for an illegible registration plate provides proof of having obtained and installed a compliant plate before their court date. The legislation also mandates a $40 justice system assessment for most civil infractions and allows judges to order additional educational or rehabilitation programs alongside monetary penalties.

Maddy summaryMichigan's HB 6265 requires owners and operators of data centers to submit annual reports to the state public service commission detailing their total water and electricity consumption, along with the sources of that water and the percentage of electricity derived from renewable energy. These reporting obligations begin on March 1, 2028, and if the commission finds a submitted report inaccurate or incomplete, it must notify the operator to file corrected information within 30 days. The bill authorizes civil fines of up to $10,000 for each day a violation continues, with collected penalties deposited into the state general fund. This legislation only takes effect if several other specific bills from the current legislative session are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6264, titled the "data center energy standards act," requires owners and operators of data centers in the state to source 100% of their annual energy use from clean or renewable sources by January 1, 2040. The bill allows facilities to meet this requirement through on-site generation, power purchase agreements, or other energy instruments approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Violations of these standards are subject to civil fines of up to $10,000 per day, which must be deposited into the state's general fund. This legislation only takes effect if seven companion bills from the 103rd Legislature are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify definitions and procedures for commercial fishing in the state's Great Lakes waters. It directly affects licensed commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources by establishing precise meanings for terms like "abandoned gear," "quota," and various types of fishing nets. The legislation also adds new definitions to improve record-keeping requirements for fish production, storage, and sale, ensuring that all commercial activities are clearly regulated. By amending multiple existing sections and adding a new one, the bill aims to provide a more structured framework for managing allowable catch limits and enforcing fishing privileges.

Maddy summaryHB 4103 adds a new section to Michigan's health occupations law to implement an occupational therapy licensure compact. This bill allows occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, and vice versa for therapists from other compact states. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines, reducing barriers to practice. The compact mechanism establishes standardized licensing requirements among participating states, streamlining the process for therapists to provide services in multiple jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4104 updates Michigan's occupational therapy licensing rules to join a multi-state licensure compact. This would allow occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill modifies existing law to align with the compact's standards and adds new sections for implementation. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines within the compact.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Michigan to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to award all their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most votes nationwide. The legislation declares that the one-person, one-vote principle requires the candidate with the highest national total to become President and outlines how Michigan's chief election official would count votes and designate the winner once the compact is active. The agreement only takes effect when states participating in it collectively hold a majority of the Electoral College votes, ensuring the current system remains in place until that threshold is met. If the compact becomes active, Michigan's laws regarding elector appointment will follow the compact's rules rather than conflicting state statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal appeal process and creates a new Cannabis Licensing Appeals Board to handle disputes involving violations of Michigan's marijuana laws. It directs the state regulatory agency to use a graduated disciplinary system that starts with warnings or citations for minor issues and escalates to fines or license suspensions only for serious offenses like public safety risks or repeated violations. The legislation sets specific rules for how penalties are determined, including a two-year lookback period for prior warnings and a maximum fine of $10,000 or daily gross receipts for each violation. Licensees will receive written notices explaining their right to appeal before facing license suspensions, ensuring due process in enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Michigan would appoint presidential electors if the state joins an agreement to choose the President based on the national popular vote rather than the Electoral College. It requires the state Board of State Canvassers to calculate the total national popular vote for each candidate and designate the winner accordingly, while also reporting these results to other participating states. If a tie occurs for the national popular vote, the bill specifies that Michigan would appoint electors based on which candidate received the most votes within Michigan itself. The legislation updates existing election laws to ensure these procedures are followed and includes requirements for issuing official certificates of appointment.

Maddy summaryHB 6145 requires school districts and intermediate school districts in Michigan to develop and submit five-year capital outlay plans for facility improvements, including new construction and renovations. These plans must be submitted electronically by November each year and will be evaluated based on factors such as safety needs, occupancy rates, sustainability, and projected operating costs. The bill allows districts to opt into this process, which involves a review by the Department of Treasury and the Joint Committee on Oversight Services before any funding is authorized for final design and construction. By establishing these specific criteria and timelines, the legislation aims to bring greater transparency and oversight to how public school districts plan and request funds for building projects.