Rep. Angela Witwer

Maddy summaryHB 5265 creates Michigan's Veterans Service Animal Grant Program, providing financial assistance to eligible veterans for obtaining service animals. It directly affects veterans diagnosed with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who are matched with service animals through IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, uses a new state fund to cover costs like training and acquisition, with grants awarded based on specific eligibility criteria. The fund is established in the state treasury and can only be used for program grants and administration, as outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 5276 extends eligibility for Michigan's Vietnam veteran era bonus to veterans who received the National Defense Service Medal between September 1, 1973, and May 7, 1975. It adds Section 6a to the existing law, creating a new eligibility path for veterans meeting the service period requirements and medal award criteria. The bill also extends the application deadline for these veterans to May 7, 2028, instead of the original 1980 cutoff. This change directly affects Michigan veterans who served during the Vietnam era and were awarded the specified medal during the extended timeframe.

Maddy summaryHB 5272 proposes to create a new property tax credit for disabled veterans and surviving spouses (widows/widowers) of disabled veterans who rent or lease a home in Michigan. It amends Michigan’s income tax law to add this credit and specifically exclude it from the state’s income tax cap. This would directly benefit qualifying renters who are disabled veterans or surviving spouses, providing them with a tax reduction they currently cannot access under existing rules. The bill does not change other tax credits or the overall tax structure.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the federal government not to extend two Department of Energy emergency orders (202-25-3 and 202-25-7) that are preventing the planned closure of Michigan's J.H. Campbell Power Plant. The orders, issued to address an alleged energy emergency, conflict with MISO's approval for the plant's suspension by 2028 and have already cost Consumers Energy ratepayers $29 million in 38 days. The resolution highlights that continuing operations imposes financial burdens, worsens air/water pollution (releasing millions of pounds of pollutants annually), and causes estimated $389-879 million in annual health impacts. It directly affects Michigan ratepayers, public health, and environmental quality in the plant's local area.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 2025 as Adoption Month in Michigan to recognize adoptive families and the children they welcome. It is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or funding changes, acknowledging the work of adoptive parents and the experiences of adopted children. The resolution cites adoption statistics from Michigan (including 1,610 foster care adoptions in 2023) but does not alter any laws or programs. It serves solely to honor adoption as part of Michigan's community values.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), declaring November 15, 2025, as "Hunting Heritage Day" in Michigan. It recognizes hunting's cultural significance, economic impact (supporting 135,000 jobs and contributing $8.9 billion annually), and role in wildlife management and community programs like Hunters Feeding Michigan. The resolution does not create new laws or affect regulations; it solely serves to honor hunting traditions and its contributions to Michigan. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 5266 creates Michigan's Office of Veteran Homelessness within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to coordinate support for homeless veterans. The office will identify, align, and connect veterans to existing state, federal, and local resources and programs addressing homelessness, including mental health, substance use, and housing services. It establishes a $1 million Veteran Homelessness Fund for the office's operations and requires annual reports detailing the scope of veteran homelessness, resource gaps, and recommendations for improvement. The bill directly affects homeless veterans in Michigan by streamlining access to services and improving coordination across government programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4276 modifies Michigan's liquor control law to allow certain licensees to own and operate motor fuel pumps on or near their licensed premises under specific conditions. It primarily affects liquor retailers (specially designated distributor and merchant license holders) in smaller communities, requiring them to maintain minimum inventory levels ($250,000 for most, $12,500 for rural areas) and ensure a 5-foot separation between fuel dispensing and alcohol service points. The bill also adds provisions for secondary locations (like satellite stores) and clarifies transfer rules for licenses involving existing fuel pump operations. These changes relax prior restrictions but impose clear, measurable requirements for compliance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 12-18, 2025, as "Community Foundation Week" in Michigan. It formally recognizes the work of Michigan’s 60+ community foundations, which support local communities through partnerships, crisis response, and addressing issues like poverty and disaster recovery. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of these organizations' role in strengthening communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas. It was introduced by multiple state representatives and adopted by the House on November 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 3 is a Michigan legislative resolution urging Congress to amend two federal laws (38 U.S.C. § 5304 and 10 U.S.C. § 12316) that currently prevent National Guard and reserve members from receiving both active duty pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously. Under current law, veterans must choose between these two payments, forcing them to waive disability benefits to maintain reserve pay or vice versa. If enacted, the amendment would allow service members to receive both payments concurrently, supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities who serve part-time in the reserves or National Guard. This resolution is a recommendation to Congress, not a law, and does not change existing policy.