Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to voluntarily release documents and information regarding her past work with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), specifically concerning the organization's alleged payments to extremist groups. The bill is based on a federal indictment that accuses the SPLC of fraudulently diverting donor money to fund individuals associated with hate groups while claiming to fight them. It highlights Benson's previous roles as an undercover investigator and board member at the SPLC during the period of the alleged misconduct, suggesting she may possess unique knowledge of these operations. The resolution calls for her to publicly address her involvement to ensure transparency and avoid any appearance of impropriety, citing her prior refusal to comply with a separate subpoena as a reason for this request.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5939 updates Michigan's Business Corporation Act to formally authorize the creation of benefit corporations and clarify the roles and duties of their officers and directors. The bill defines key terms such as 'benefit corporation' and 'independent director,' establishing specific experience and conflict-of-interest requirements for independent directors to ensure unbiased governance. By amending existing sections and adding new chapters, the legislation provides a clear legal framework for businesses seeking to operate with a focus on social and environmental goals alongside profit.
Maddy summaryHB 5913 strengthens Michigan's existing laws against contraband in prisons by establishing mandatory minimum sentences for specific violations. The bill directly affects anyone who sells, gives, or furnishes weapons, drugs, or wireless communication devices to prisoners, as well as prisoners who possess these items. Under the new provisions, bringing weapons or drugs into a correctional facility carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year, while possessing weapons inside a facility mandates a minimum of 15 years in prison. Additionally, the bill requires that confiscated but functional cell phones be donated to charities supporting military personnel rather than being destroyed. These changes aim to increase penalties for individuals who facilitate the entry of prohibited items into correctional facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for bringing weapons, drugs, alcohol, and cell phones into Michigan jails. It mandates minimum prison sentences of five to fifteen years for individuals who smuggle in or provide these items to inmates, while also imposing a one-to-five-year sentence for unauthorized possession of communication devices by prisoners. The law requires that confiscated cell phones be donated to charities supporting military personnel rather than being destroyed or sold. These changes directly affect jail administrators, visitors, and anyone attempting to introduce contraband into correctional facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan National Guard to pay all servicemembers their compensation through direct deposit or electronic transfer starting with their first eligible pay period. The legislation amends existing state wage payment laws to mandate this specific payment method for National Guard members, who must provide the necessary banking information to enable the transfers. While the bill maintains existing protections for other employees regarding payroll debit cards and direct deposit consent, it creates a special provision that applies exclusively to the National Guard without requiring individual opt-in consent from each servicemember. This change ensures consistent electronic payment processing for military compensation while preserving the broader legal framework governing wage payments for other Michigan employees.
Maddy summaryHB 5843 is a supplemental appropriations bill that allocates state funds for various departments and agencies in Michigan for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The legislation specifically includes funding to support a state veterans cemetery located in the Upper Peninsula. This bill works in conjunction with HB 5844 to establish the necessary financial resources for these operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Michigan veterans affairs agency to establish a state veterans cemetery in the Upper Peninsula. It requires the agency to conduct a feasibility study to identify a suitable location and ensure the site qualifies for federal funding grants. The legislation allows the agency to purchase or designate state-owned land for the cemetery and creates a dedicated fund to manage money for the project's design, land preparation, and ongoing operation. Additionally, the bill cannot take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5843.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Michigan state constitution to permanently extend a property tax relief measure for homeowners who sell their primary residences. Currently, selling a home triggers a full reassessment of its value, which often leads to a significant spike in property taxes for the new owner; this change would allow the new owner to keep the lower taxable value established under the existing cap rules. The relief applies only to homes that are continuously owned and used as a principal residence, meaning the tax advantage ends if the property is sold for investment purposes or converted to a non-residential use. By removing the automatic reset of taxable value upon transfer, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on families moving between primary homes.
Maddy summaryHB 5775 amends Michigan's individual income tax law to create a new tax exemption for post-graduation scholarship grants. This change directly affects individuals who receive these specific scholarship awards, allowing them to exclude that income from their state taxable income. The bill modifies Section 30 of the Income Tax Act by adding a new provision that treats post-graduation scholarship grants similarly to other educational benefits currently exempt from taxation. By removing these grants from taxable income, the legislation reduces the amount of state tax residents must pay on this specific source of funding.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month for the state of Michigan. It aims to raise public awareness about child safety and encourages residents to learn the signs of abuse and engage in community support. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to honor advocates and promote a collective commitment to protecting children.