Rep. Gina Johnsen

Maddy summaryHB 4160 prevents Michigan state agencies from creating rules stricter than federal standards, unless they prove a "clear and convincing need" for stricter rules. It directly affects all state agencies that create regulations, requiring them to justify any rule exceeding federal benchmarks. The bill mandates that agencies must either cite specific state law authorizing stricter rules or provide detailed justification for exceptional circumstances. This applies whether federal rules exist or not, though it excludes special education rules from this restriction. The law aims to align state regulations with federal standards unless compelling state-specific reasons exist.

Maddy summaryHB 5030 would require Michigan auto insurers to offer policyholders the option of adding deductibles to their personal protection insurance (PIP) benefits, which cover medical costs and lost wages after accidents. Insurers must provide deductibles in $1,000 increments (up to the average annual benefit amount for similar accidents in Michigan) and reduce premiums proportionally. This applies only to benefits paid to the policyholder, their spouse, or household relatives. The bill does not change existing PIP coverage but gives consumers a choice to lower premiums in exchange for paying more out-of-pocket for covered medical and injury expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4971 amends Michigan's Use Tax Act to clarify that promotional merchandise (including items like baby diapers) transferred to out-of-state customers via redemption offers qualifies for resale exemptions. It specifically updates Section 4(c)(i) to include promotional merchandise shipped outside Michigan as exempt from use tax, directly affecting retailers and businesses selling such items to out-of-state customers. The key mechanism expands existing resale exemptions to cover promotional goods sent to customers in other states, aligning with how businesses handle cross-state promotions. This change does not create new exemptions but clarifies existing rules for promotional sales. (Note: The bill title mentions "baby diapers," but the actual amendment applies broadly to all promotional merchandise, not specifically diapers.)

Maddy summaryHB 4972 adds baby diapers to Michigan's list of sales tax-exempt items under the General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.54a). The bill specifically exempts the sale of tangible personal property (like diapers) from sales tax when sold to consumers. This change directly affects retailers selling diapers and consumers purchasing them, as they will no longer pay state sales tax on these items. The exemption aligns with existing tax rules for certain essential goods but specifically targets diapers as a new category. The bill amends Section 4a(1)(a) of the General Sales Tax Act to include this provision.

Maddy summaryHB 4664 prohibits blocking state highways during assemblies of individuals, amending Michigan's existing traffic law (MCL 257.676b). It directly affects protesters or assembly participants who obstruct highway traffic, making such obstruction a misdemeanor offense. The key provision adds a specific penalty for blocking highways while engaging in group assemblies, moving beyond general traffic violations. This law clarifies that highway obstruction during protests is a criminal act, not merely a traffic infraction.

Maddy summaryHB 4012 allows ambulances in Michigan to transport injured police dogs or retired police dogs needing emergency veterinary care, provided no human emergencies require immediate transport. It requires a police officer to accompany the dog during transport and defines "retired police dog" as a dog retired due to age or disease after law enforcement service. The bill directly affects police departments, ambulance services, and veterinary facilities by clarifying ambulance protocols for these animals. It amends Michigan's Public Health Code to ensure such transport is permitted under specific conditions without prioritizing human emergencies. The bill passed the Michigan House with 61-43 support in September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4856 requires Michigan public school districts and intermediate school districts to allow homeschooled or nonpublic school students to participate in extracurricular activities like sports teams, theater, band, and debate. It prohibits school boards from blocking these students' participation and mandates that districts avoid joining athletic conferences or associations with exclusionary policies. The bill defines an "eligible child" as one residing within the district, homeschooled or attending a nonpublic school, and meeting standard eligibility requirements. This directly affects homeschooled and nonpublic school students seeking access to school-run activities. The law amends the Revised School Code (MCL 380.1 et seq.) by adding Section 1290.

Maddy summaryHB 4755 strengthens Michigan's consumer protection law by adding Section 3j to prohibit deceptive ticket sales practices. It directly affects ticket sellers (like event organizers and vendors) and protects consumers by banning false claims about ticket availability, hidden fees, and misleading pricing. Key provisions require clear disclosure of all costs upfront, prevent sellers from falsely claiming tickets are "sold out" to pressure purchases, and stop hidden fees from appearing only at checkout. The law applies to all ticket transactions and became effective immediately after its passage on September 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 169) designates September 11-17, 2025, as "Patriot Week" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages Michigan residents, schools, and government agencies to honor American history, founding documents, and symbols during this week. The resolution specifically urges participation in activities that promote studying the nation's history and values, including recognition of the September 11, 2001, attacks and key historical figures and events. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal or financial impact on individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryHB 4846 creates a new, faster process for property owners to remove squatters (unlawful occupants) from residential properties without a court hearing. Owners or their agents must submit a verified complaint to the sheriff detailing that the occupant is not a tenant, family member, or owner and has been asked to leave. The sheriff then serves an immediate notice to vacate, removes occupants (possibly arresting them for trespass), and allows owners to change locks with sheriff assistance (at owner cost). Wrongfully removed occupants can sue for triple the fair market rent of the dwelling, plus attorney fees, with courts prioritizing these cases. This procedure does not replace standard eviction processes for lease violations.