Rep. Gina Johnsen

Maddy summaryHB 4647 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines for crimes against animals by revising Section 41 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.41). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses in Michigan, as it changes the sentencing rules applied to these cases. It updates the existing sentencing framework for animal-related crimes without specifying new penalties or procedures in the provided text. The bill was introduced on June 12, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee. This is a procedural amendment to the state's criminal sentencing structure.

Maddy summaryHB 4651 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically include crimes against animals as a distinct category. It adds offense variable 16 for violations of Michigan's animal cruelty law (MCL 750.110a), requiring judges to consider this factor when sentencing cases involving animal abuse. This change directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling animal cruelty cases by adding a standardized scoring element to sentencing calculations. The bill does not alter penalties but ensures animal cruelty offenses receive specific consideration within the existing sentencing framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4649 revises Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes against animals by amending MCL 777.31 in the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill directly affects judges who sentence individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses and the people convicted of those crimes. Its key provision updates the legal framework used to determine appropriate sentences for animal abuse cases, replacing outdated language with revised guidelines. This change aims to clarify sentencing standards for prosecutors and courts handling animal cruelty prosecutions. The bill does not alter penalties but refines the procedural guidelines governing how sentences are applied.

Maddy summaryHB 4646 clarifies that "companion animal" (as defined in Michigan's penal code) is explicitly included in sentencing guidelines for animal-related crimes. The bill amends Michigan's code of criminal procedure to formally define this term within sentencing context, ensuring courts use the existing definition from MCL 750.50b. This change directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling cases involving cruelty to companion animals. It does not create new penalties or alter sentencing ranges - only standardizes terminology for consistency in court proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 4650 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.39) specifically for crimes against animals. It revises the existing sentencing structure for animal cruelty offenses, affecting judges who impose sentences and defendants convicted of such crimes. The bill updates the legal framework used to determine appropriate penalties under current law. This is a procedural change to the sentencing guidelines, not a new criminal offense. The summary focuses solely on the policy adjustment to sentencing standards for animal-related crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 4645 revises Michigan's sentencing guidelines for crimes against animals by amending MCL 777.37 in the Code of Criminal Procedure. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of animal-related offenses by altering the sentencing structure applied to such cases. The key provision changes the specific sentencing guidelines referenced in the law, ensuring animal crime penalties are addressed under updated standards. The bill does not create new crimes but modifies how existing animal cruelty offenses are sentenced.

Maddy summaryHB 4648 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address crimes against animals by revising Section 33 of the 1927 Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.33). The bill directly affects judges, prosecutors, and individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses by establishing clearer sentencing parameters for these crimes. Key provisions would revise existing guidelines to create dedicated sentencing ranges for animal-related offenses, moving beyond general criminal sentencing categories. This change aims to provide more consistent legal consequences for harming animals while using plain language to describe the policy adjustment.

Maddy summaryHB 4434 repeals outdated sections of Michigan's 1927 criminal procedure code that permitted one-person grand juries. This removes archaic provisions (specifically sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a, and 6b of Chapter VII) from the law, eliminating historical rules about grand jury composition. The bill directly affects the legal framework governing grand jury procedures in Michigan by removing these obsolete provisions. It does not create new requirements or impact current court operations, as these rules were no longer in use.

Maddy summaryHB 4011 authorizes the transfer of two specific parcels of state-owned land in Arenac County (totaling ~118 acres) to local governments or land banks for public use. The bill requires that transfers occur at fair market value through competitive sales or direct agreements, with all proceeds (after costs) going to the state. It mandates that transferred land must be used for public purposes like parks, schools, or emergency services - not for-profit ventures - and prohibits charging different fees to the public. The transfer process requires approval from the state administrative board and includes specific deed restrictions to ensure ongoing public access.

Maddy summaryHB 4592 would create a new tax deduction for Michigan taxpayers aged 17 or younger, allowing them to subtract their earned income (such as wages from a part-time job) from their taxable income. This directly affects minor workers in Michigan who earn income through employment. The bill amends Michigan's tax code to add this deduction under existing provisions for other types of income, reducing the amount of income subject to state income tax. The change would lower tax bills for qualifying young workers but does not alter other tax rules or create new government programs. (Note: This bill is currently in committee and has not been enacted.)