Rep. Phil Skaggs

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 21, 2026, as Abolitionist Day in Michigan to honor the historical abolitionist movement and its impact on ending slavery. The bill specifically recognizes Laura Smith Haviland, a Michigan-based abolitionist who assisted in freeing enslaved people through the Underground Railroad. It serves as a commemorative measure that does not alter laws or policies but instead acknowledges the historical significance of the abolitionist cause. The resolution is a symbolic gesture intended to highlight Michigan's role in the broader fight against slavery.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant food and agriculture industry. The resolution highlights the sector's economic contributions, including over 805,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue from various crops like cherries, apples, and soybeans. It serves as a commemorative measure with no operational changes, encouraging citizens to celebrate the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's vehicle code to require drivers to pass county road worker vehicles with the same caution and speed restrictions as they must when passing stationary emergency vehicles. It defines road work vehicles as those used for construction, maintenance, or utility work displaying flashing red or amber lights, and updates the legal definitions of authorized emergency vehicles to include these road service vehicles. Drivers must reduce their speed by at least 10 miles per hour and move at least one lane or two vehicle widths away from the stationary vehicle when possible, with penalties including civil fines for violations. The changes apply to all public roadways and align the treatment of road workers with that of police, firefighters, and other emergency responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of a work zone to include areas marked by temporary traffic control devices like cones, flares, or vehicles with rotating beacons, ensuring clearer boundaries for construction and road work areas. It strengthens penalties for moving violations in work zones by doubling fines for standard violations and introducing misdemeanor or felony charges when such violations cause injury or death to workers or other individuals. The bill applies these stricter penalties only when the violation involves three or more points and excludes cases where the injured or deceased person was negligent. Like related bills HB 5703 and HB 5704, this legislation requires all three to be enacted together to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's sentencing guidelines for crimes that result in injury or death within work zones. It directly affects prosecutors, judges, and defendants involved in such cases by modifying how sentences are calculated under existing criminal procedure law. The amendment to section 12e of the Code of Criminal Procedure would update the statutory framework governing these specific offenses. The bill is tied with related legislation HB 5702 and HB 5704, indicating coordinated legislative action on sentencing policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 8-14, 2026, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Michigan to raise public awareness about the disease. It directly affects Michigan residents and supporters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by encouraging citizens to learn more about MS and support those living with the condition. The resolution includes a formal declaration of the awareness week and a commendation for the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for its ongoing efforts. This is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or funding but serves to highlight the importance of MS research and patient support.

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Michigan's public universities and community colleges to create a consistent statewide policy for awarding college credit to students who complete International Baccalaureate coursework. It recommends that institutions grant credit for IB exam scores of four or higher, which can count toward elective degree requirements, while allowing schools to set higher standards for major-specific courses. The resolution aims to reduce uncertainty for students, improve college affordability, and help retain Michigan's IB graduates by providing clear, publicly available credit policies. Copies of the bill will be sent to state university leaders and higher education associations for their consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 5661 amends the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Act to clarify and expand the administrative powers of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) in managing the state's home loan and housing assistance programs. The bill does not create new funding or change eligibility requirements for existing programs but instead updates the legal authority under which MSHDA operates. Key provisions allow the authority to conduct housing studies, collect fees for loans and publications, salvage usable housing from demolition projects, and manage mortgage loans and foreclosures with specific flexibility for property acquisition and resale. The legislation also authorizes MSHDA to accept gifts and grants from various levels of government and to invest reserve funds in state or federal obligations. This bill is tied to HB 5660 and was introduced in March 2026, with no changes to the specific programs themselves, only to the operational framework governing the authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Kidney Month in Michigan to raise public awareness about chronic kidney disease. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic resolution to highlight the importance of kidney health. The measure aims to encourage early detection and screening for kidney disease, which often has no symptoms until advanced stages. By designating this month, the legislature supports ongoing efforts by health organizations to educate Michigan residents about kidney disease risks and prevention.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the MI Home Program Act to increase housing supply and affordability in Michigan by establishing new state funds and programs for grants, loans, and assistance. It defines specific categories of eligible applicants and developers, including local governments, nonprofits, and individuals, while allowing qualified zoning changes that reduce parking requirements, permit smaller homes, and encourage denser development near transit. The legislation empowers the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to administer these programs and distribute money to support the construction, rehabilitation, and rental of residential properties for income-qualified households.