Rep. Angela Rigas

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 23, 2026, as Autism Acceptance Day throughout the state of Michigan. It directly affects state residents by encouraging them to promote understanding and inclusion for individuals with autism spectrum disorder on that specific date. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness and reduce stigma. By officially recognizing the day, the legislature aims to highlight the importance of supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property tax laws to clarify how disabled veterans and their surviving spouses qualify for tax exemptions on their homes. It establishes specific criteria for eligibility based on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ratings and outlines a streamlined process where exemptions granted after January 1, 2025, remain in effect without needing annual reapplication. The legislation also introduces an audit program to verify eligibility every three years and defines clear rules for prorating tax exemptions when property ownership changes during the year.

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 5302 creates a $5 million annual competitive grant program for recovery community organizations in Michigan to expand services for people seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders. The bill requires the state to fund at least 19 certified local recovery groups and qualifying nonprofit associations, with each grant capped at $250,000 (or 50% of an organization’s operating budget). Priority goes to groups offering specific services like recovery navigation, workplace education, and wellness activities (e.g., support groups, nutrition programs). Grantees must report annually on fund usage, participant metrics, and budget details starting in 2027, with the program set to expire on October 1, 2031.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4599) amends Michigan's criminal code to address gift card fraud by adding Section 3a to existing statutes (MCL 752.1081-752.1087). It directly affects individuals who commit gift card fraud, such as stealing or selling stolen gift card numbers. The bill creates specific criminal penalties for these offenses but does not provide details on the exact penalties or scope in the given context. The bill passed the House on September 9, 2025, with strong support, and was referred to the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. The context provided does not include the specific provisions or who is affected beyond the general fraud focus.

Maddy summaryHB 4598 expands Michigan's Organized Retail Crime Act to specifically address new tactics used in theft. It adds provisions criminalizing the acquisition, alteration, or use of stolen gift cards (subsections i(i)-(iii)), fraudulent wireless device purchases (subsections h), and manipulating fire exit alarms (subsections g) as organized retail crime. The bill makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, or both, and requires offenders to pay restitution to retailers and forfeit stolen merchandise. This directly affects retailers (through enhanced protections) and individuals committing these expanded theft methods, while clarifying that property representation as stolen is sufficient for prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 4678 allows equipment rental businesses to sell motor fuel directly to customers renting fuel-powered equipment (like generators or construction tools) using two clear methods: a flat fee in the rental contract or a per-gallon charge measured by a certified dispenser. It requires all fuel sales to use a "qualified dispenser" (a 110-gallon or smaller container with precise measurement, safety features, and U.S. DOT compliance) and defines key terms like "qualified equipment renter" (businesses renting fuel-powered tools for over 25% of revenue). The bill specifically targets small rental locations selling under 3,000 gallons annually and ties its implementation to another bill passing first. It updates Michigan's Weights and Measures Act to standardize fuel sales practices for this sector without changing tax rates or creating new fees.

Maddy summaryHB 4679 updates Michigan's Weights and Measures Act to align with current national standards. It revises references to incorporate the 2023 editions of NIST Handbook 130 (for packaging, labeling, and sales methods) and NIST Handbook 44 (for weight/measure device specifications). The bill specifically exempts cottage food operations from including their address on labels if they follow food law rules and are registered with MSU. It also clarifies that motor vehicle repair facilities are not subject to weight-measure oversight for oil sales unless referred by the Secretary of State. These changes primarily affect businesses selling goods by weight, measure, or count, including retailers, food producers, and repair facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4044 designates the wood duck (*Aix sponsa*) as Michigan's official state duck. This symbolic bill establishes a state symbol without changing laws, policies, or affecting any specific group or community. It simply adds the wood duck to Michigan's list of official state emblems, following standard procedural naming practices for state symbols.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants immunity from nuisance lawsuits to owners and operators of racing facilities and racetracks in Michigan if the facility was built before the plaintiff purchased their property or began construction nearby. It protects these racing venues from legal claims filed by neighbors within a 5-mile radius who acquired their land or started building after the racetrack was established. The law applies to all claims filed after the bill takes effect, regardless of when the alleged nuisance occurred, but does not exempt racetracks from complying with environmental or health and safety regulations.