Rep. Gina Johnsen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan Department of Corrections facilities to conduct strip searches and pat-down searches of visitors and prisoners based on biological sex. Under the new rules, only staff members of the same biological sex as the individual being searched may perform these procedures. The legislation defines biological sex strictly by physical characteristics such as chromosomes and genitalia, rather than gender identity. Visitors who are uncomfortable with a search by staff of a different biological sex can choose to waive this requirement by signing a form.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of M-3 in Macomb County as the "Senior Chief Petty Officer Jason P. May Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The change is made to the Michigan Highways Act and directly affects how that stretch of road is officially named and identified on maps and signage. By amending the relevant state statute, the legislation ensures the new name is permanently recorded in law. This action is a commemorative measure that does not alter traffic rules, funding, or road construction.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges the President to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the Remain in Mexico program, which was previously used to process migrants from Mexico. The bill asks the administration to return asylum seekers who do not meet immediate entry requirements to Mexico while their immigration cases are processed in U.S. courts. Supporters argue that this policy helps reduce the number of people crossing the southern border and eases the burden on immigration authorities. The resolution does not change any laws directly but serves as a formal request to the executive branch to restore a policy that ended in 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for distributors of returnable beverage containers in Michigan, starting in the 2024 tax year. Eligible companies can claim a credit of $0.005 for each returnable container they sell, with the credit amount increasing annually based on the national Consumer Price Index. To receive the credit, distributors must submit specific reports to the state and can get a refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. The legislation applies to various business structures, including partnerships and corporations, and defines key terms by referencing existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to eliminate Michigan's state real estate transfer tax by repealing the existing law that governs it. The legislation directly affects individuals and entities involved in property transactions, as it would remove the tax currently applied to the transfer of real estate. To offset the financial impact of this repeal, the bill includes a provision requiring the state to use general funds to fully compensate for any resulting loss in revenue to the state school aid fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan law to clarify that downtown development authorities remain exempt from real estate transfer taxes after the state repealed its general real estate transfer tax act. It directly affects local government entities responsible for managing downtown revitalization projects by ensuring their property transfers are not subject to these fees. The legislation does not create new taxes or spending but simply updates existing rules to reflect the current tax landscape. Because it is tied to another bill, this measure will only become active if that companion legislation is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan law to clarify how property transfers from estate distributions are treated when the state real estate transfer tax is repealed. It establishes that a buyer or lender who purchases property from an estate executor is presumed to have paid value for the property unless proven otherwise. This presumption helps protect buyers and lenders from potential claims by estate heirs, even if the executor's actions were improper or their authority had ended. The change relies on a companion bill to remove the old tax act that the new provision references.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's high school graduation requirements by mandating that students complete a half-credit course in personal finance to earn a diploma. Starting with the class entering eighth grade in 2023, schools must offer this course, which can count toward existing math, arts, or foreign language credits. The legislation allows the personal finance class to be fulfilled through traditional coursework or approved career and technical education programs. These changes directly affect public school districts and academies by updating the specific academic standards students must meet before graduating.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's tax administration laws to remove references to the repealed state real estate transfer tax. It primarily affects taxpayers and the Department of Treasury by modifying the procedures used to investigate tax disputes and assess unpaid liabilities. The legislation requires the department to follow specific steps, such as sending a courteous inquiry letter before issuing a formal notice of intent to assess, and it mandates that audits adhere to professional standards like confidentiality and independence. Additionally, the bill establishes a structured informal conference process where taxpayers can present their case and submit written settlement offers to resolve disputes before a final decision is made.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as Dairy Month in Michigan to honor the state's dairy industry and its economic and nutritional contributions. The measure highlights the sector's role in providing jobs, producing milk, and supporting public health through nutritious food products. By adopting this declaration, the legislative body aims to raise awareness about the importance of dairy in a balanced diet without proposing any changes to existing laws or regulations.