Rep. Emily Dievendorf

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sales tax law to exempt the purchase of data center equipment from state sales tax, directly benefiting qualified data centers, colocated businesses, and construction contractors. The exemption applies to equipment used for building or operating these facilities, provided the buyer holds a valid certificate issued by the Michigan Strategic Fund. To maintain this tax break, the state must verify that data centers create a specific number of jobs, requiring the Strategic Fund to report progress to state leaders by 2022 and 2026. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for large-scale "enterprise data centers" to receive certificates based on projected job creation and investment, with tax exemptions lasting up to 2050 or 2065 depending on the facility type.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have changed the deadlines for filing petitions to place constitutional amendments, new laws, or laws to be repealed on the ballot. It requires petitioners to submit their signatures 160 days before an election for amendments and 200 days before an election for new laws, while also setting a filing limit for repeal petitions. Additionally, the bill would have required petitioners to sort signatures by congressional district and provide a written estimate of how many signatures come from each district. Because the bill was vetoed by the Governor, these changes were not enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new crime to Michigan law that makes it a felony to threaten someone with releasing or creating sexually explicit images in order to force them to do something against their will. The law specifically targets individuals who use these threats to obtain sexual videos or other items of value, with penalties ranging from up to five years in prison for a first offense to up to twenty years for a third or subsequent offense. The punishment increases to a maximum of twenty-five years if the victim is a minor or vulnerable adult, or if the threat causes serious physical or mental harm or death. The legislation also clarifies what counts as sexually explicit material and defines vulnerable adults, while allowing courts to order behavioral health counseling for minors who commit this offense.

Maddy summaryHB 5078 expands the ability of healthcare providers to prescribe and dispense opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, to a broader group of people beyond just patients at risk of overdose. The law now allows these medications to be given to family members, friends, or other individuals who might assist someone during an overdose emergency, as well as to specific agencies and their employees who act under a doctor's direction. To support this change, the bill grants legal immunity to prescribers and pharmacists from civil lawsuits if a properly stored and dispensed dose causes injury or death. Additionally, it clarifies that when issuing prescriptions to these non-patient recipients, the name of the agency or individual should be listed as the patient on the prescription. This legislation takes effect on April 2, 2025, and is contingent upon the passage of a companion bill.

Maddy summaryThis law requires every public high school in Michigan to offer at least one computer science course starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The courses must meet state educational standards and be listed on the school's catalog, with a preference for in-person instruction unless a school operates entirely virtually. The legislation defines computer science as a field focused on creating new technologies rather than just using them, ensuring the curriculum covers principles, design, and societal impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5060 eliminates the Michigan Economic and Social Opportunity Act of 1981, which previously established a state bureau and commission focused on reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency for low-income individuals. By repealing the 1981 law, the bill removes the legal framework that designated community action agencies and defined the powers and duties of the department, bureau, and commission. This change effectively dissolves the specific administrative structure created by the 1981 act, altering how these entities operate within the state government. The legislation affects the state's organizational setup for economic and social services but does not create new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new section to Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to provide specific legal remedies for individuals who face housing discrimination based on their source of income. It allows people who believe they have been discriminated against to file a civil lawsuit in circuit court to seek injunctive relief or financial damages. The potential damages are capped at either the actual injury and loss suffered or three times the monthly rent, whichever is lower, and also cover court costs and attorney fees. This legislation only takes effect if it is passed together with two related Senate bills, SB 0205 and SB 0206.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's birth record laws to allow for the creation of new birth certificates in specific situations, such as adoption, established paternity, and changes to sex designation. Under the new rules, a new certificate can be issued to show a sex designation other than the one assigned at birth if accompanied by a physician's certification of surgery and a signed form, without requiring additional documents. The legislation also clarifies procedures for updating records after a name change, specifying when a new certificate must be issued versus when an addendum is sufficient. These changes directly affect the state registrar, parents, adoptees, and individuals seeking to update their legal birth records.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's drainage laws to increase the annual spending limits for inspecting and repairing county and intercounty drains. It allows officials to spend up to $10,000 per mile of drain each year without needing a special vote from local governments, with this amount automatically adjusted annually for inflation. If repair costs exceed this limit, the bill requires approval from the affected local townships or cities before additional funds can be used. The legislation also clarifies how surplus funds are managed and ensures that property owners are notified before assessments are levied for major repairs.