Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Solar Energy Facilities Taxation Act to create a tax exemption for solar projects located in designated HOPE zones. Under the proposed changes, solar facilities in these areas would not be subject to the standard annual tax, which is normally $7,000 per megawatt of capacity. The exemption applies only to the specific tax portion of the fee and is tied to the duration of the HOPE zone designation. The bill also includes a tie-bar provision, meaning it will only become effective if two other related bills are passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions of wetlands and related terms within Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to improve clarity and consistency. It specifically expands the list of wetland types considered 'rare and imperiled' and establishes a schedule for the Department of Natural Resources to review and recommend changes to this list every five years. The legislation also refines technical definitions for concepts like 'exceptional wetland,' 'fill material,' and 'wetland functions and services' to better guide future conservation and restoration efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's property tax laws to ensure that businesses leasing tax-exempt real property are taxed as if they owned the property. It directly affects private individuals, associations, and corporations using such property for profit by removing their ability to claim tax exemptions on the lease value. The legislation maintains existing exceptions for various uses, including public airports, county fairs, and specific economic zones like Renaissance and HOPE zones, while explicitly excluding casinos from these protections. Because the bill is tied to two other related bills, it will only take effect if all three are passed into law together.

Maddy summaryHB 5855 amends Michigan's City Utility Users Tax Act to create exemptions for specific businesses and locations. The bill allows qualified start-up businesses to be exempt from utility taxes for up to five years if they first receive a tax credit and receive approval from their city council. Additionally, it extends tax exemptions to businesses operating within designated Renaissance zones and HOPE zones, while explicitly excluding casinos from these benefits. To claim the start-up exemption, businesses must file an affidavit by September 1 and provide proof of their prior tax credit eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 5858 amends Michigan law to clarify how specific taxes and administrative fees are collected from owners of industrial facilities that have received tax exemption certificates. The bill establishes rules for distributing these payments, directing funds to the state treasury to support school aid rather than local districts in most cases, while allowing certain districts to retain funds under specific conditions. It also outlines procedures for calculating tax shares and includes provisions for districts that may or may not receive state aid in future fiscal years. This legislation directly affects property owners of industrial facilities, local and intermediate school districts, and the state treasury.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act to clarify how property taxes are calculated and distributed for buildings that have been rehabilitated. It establishes a specific annual tax on owners of these properties, with the collected funds directed to the state school aid fund rather than local taxing units. The legislation also creates exemptions for facilities located in Renaissance or HOPE zones and allows local governments to grant temporary tax relief to qualified start-up businesses operating in rehabilitated buildings.

Maddy summaryHB 5865 establishes a new annual property tax specifically for properties that were previously owned by land banks and sold to clear title issues. This tax is designed to generate revenue for the state and the specific land bank authority that originally sold the property, with funds split evenly between general local taxes and the land bank for future cleanup efforts. The bill includes an exemption for properties located in designated HOPE zones or Renaissance zones, ensuring these areas remain financially supported. Additionally, the tax is treated as a lien on the property, subject to the same collection fees, interest, and foreclosure processes as standard delinquent property taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs a specific portion of Michigan's individual income tax revenue to the Workforce Development HOPE Zone Fund. The funds are designated for employees working within designated HOPE zones and are intended to be distributed to qualified workforce development organizations through formal agreements. The legislation defines key terms such as "HOPE zone" and "qualified workforce development organization" by referencing existing state laws. The bill will only take effect if it is passed alongside a companion bill, HB 5852.

Maddy summaryHB 5856 amends Michigan's property tax laws to establish tax exemptions for properties located in designated Renaissance and HOPE zones, aiming to encourage economic development in those areas. The bill allows real and personal property in these zones to be exempt from general property taxes, though it explicitly excludes special assessments, debt-related taxes, school taxes, and properties associated with casinos from these exemptions. Additionally, the legislation includes specific requirements for residential rental properties to be in compliance with local building and zoning codes to qualify for the tax break, while also creating a new exemption category for eligible data center properties in Renaissance zones approved in 2016.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Helping Opportunity Prosper Everywhere (HOPE) Zone Act to support economic development and neighborhood revitalization in impoverished areas of Michigan. It establishes a process for designating specific neighborhoods as HOPE zones based on income levels or poverty rates, which then qualify for tax deductions, credits, and exemptions for participating businesses. A key feature of the act is a "withholding tax capture" mechanism that allows businesses operating within these zones to contribute income tax withheld from employee wages to a dedicated fund, which is intended to support workforce development programs and local community initiatives. The legislation also defines the roles of various organizations, such as qualified neighborhood associations and workforce development groups, in managing these zones and distributing funds.