Rep. Phil Skaggs

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from possessing firearms at polling places, early voting sites, and within 100 feet of ballot drop boxes or clerk offices during election periods. The restrictions apply specifically while polls are open on election day and for 40 days before an election near drop boxes, though they do not apply to peace officers, licensed concealed carry holders, or people transporting firearms in vehicles. Violating these rules is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $100, or both.

Maddy summaryHB 6175 modifies Michigan's firearm storage laws to require individuals to secure their guns when minors are present or likely to be present. The bill mandates that firearms be stored in locked containers, kept unloaded, and locked with a device that renders them inoperable, with additional rules for vehicles requiring the container to be attached inside and out of sight. Owners who fail to follow these safety measures face misdemeanor charges if a minor accesses the gun and exhibits it improperly, or felony charges if the minor is injured or killed. The law includes specific exceptions for supervised activities like hunting, target practice, and employment, while also directing state agencies to educate the public about these new penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 6093 updates the Michigan Liquor Control Code by adding new definitions for terms such as "alcohol vapor device" and "alternating proprietorship" to clarify regulations for shared production spaces. The bill also modifies rules regarding ownership interests, allowing small distillers and brandy manufacturers to sell their products in restaurants they own or operate under commission approval. Additionally, it permits brewpubs to hold ownership stakes in up to five other brewpubs provided their combined annual beer production does not exceed 18,000 barrels. These changes directly affect liquor licensees, manufacturers, and suppliers by expanding specific operational allowances and refining the language used to describe various alcohol-related businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Climate Resiliency Corps program in Michigan to train and employ residents in projects that address climate change, such as creating green infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture. The program would be managed by the Michigan Community Service Commission in partnership with local governments, nonprofits, universities, and other organizations, with a goal of placing at least 40% of participants in environmental justice communities. Selected corps members, who must be state residents at least 17 years old, would receive wages or stipends, scholarships, and workforce development training while working on approved resiliency projects. The legislation also creates a dedicated state fund to finance grants, scholarships, and the administrative costs of running the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new cancer cluster investigation program within Michigan's public health code to help identify unusual patterns of cancer cases linked to environmental exposures. It requires the state health department to create a registry for recording cancer diagnoses and mandates the development of a public-facing map that visually displays geographic variations in cancer incidence alongside potential environmental risks. The program emphasizes community engagement throughout the investigation process and requires the department to use CDC best practices and advanced statistical tools to analyze data. Additionally, the bill sets a schedule for the department to evaluate collected reports and publish annual summary findings for public access.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's rules for appointing representatives to the Midwestern Higher Education Commission, a regional group that coordinates higher education policies across several states. It clarifies that the state's voting delegation includes the governor, one senator, one state representative, and two at-large members appointed by the governor. Additionally, the legislation designates the state board of education and the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to serve as nonvoting members, allowing them to participate in discussions without casting formal votes. The law also establishes that any vacancies in these positions must be filled using the same appointment process as the original roles to ensure the delegation remains complete.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's school code to require that sex education in public schools be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and objective. It mandates that teachers instructing on these topics receive specific training and that school boards approve curricula through a process involving public hearings. The legislation also requires school districts to establish advisory boards with significant parent representation to oversee sex education programs. Additionally, it clarifies that such classes must be elective, allow parents to review course materials in advance, and provide an option for students to be excused without penalty.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires soil products sold in Michigan to include at least 5% compost made from specific compostable materials starting in 2027. It directly affects businesses selling bulk soil, prepackaged soil, and potting soil by mandating a minimum compost content. Additionally, the law requires sellers to clearly label these products or their receipts with the exact percentage of compost included. The regulation aims to improve soil health and conservation while ensuring consumers are informed about the composition of the soil they purchase.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-time tax credit of up to $10,000 for Michigan residents who incur unreimbursed costs related to live organ donation. Starting in the 2025 tax year, eligible individuals can claim this credit for expenses such as travel, lodging, lost wages, and child care, provided they submit proof of the donation and related costs. The credit is not refundable, meaning it can only reduce the tax owed to zero but will not result in a cash payment if the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance companies in Michigan from covering any medical service if the patient's required copayment or coinsurance exceeds 50% of the total cost. It applies to new policies starting after the law is passed and to existing policies when they are next renewed or changed. If an insurer includes such a high-cost service in a plan, they would be violating this rule, and the state insurance director is authorized to investigate complaints about these violations. The measure aims to ensure that patients do not face excessive out-of-pocket costs for services included in their health insurance coverage.