Rep. Stephen Wooden

Maddy summaryHB 5530 limits local zoning ordinances from requiring single-family home lots larger than 1,500 square feet in areas with public water and sewer service. It directly affects local governments that set zoning rules for residential neighborhoods, preventing them from imposing larger minimum lot sizes under these conditions. The bill adds a new provision (Sec. 205f) to Michigan's zoning law, ensuring that such ordinances cannot restrict lot size beyond 1,500 square feet when public utilities are available. This change applies specifically to detached single-family residences zoned for residential use. The policy aims to allow more compact housing development in utility-served areas.

Maddy summaryHB 5529 modifies Michigan's Land Division Act to set clearer standards for subdividing land. It requires that new residential parcels (with public water/sewer) must be at least 1,500 square feet, limits parcel depth to four times its width (with exceptions for topography), and mandates tax verification for divisions. The bill also adds disclosure requirements for property sales, including whether the right to further divide the land is transferred. These changes directly affect property owners seeking to subdivide land, developers, and local municipalities reviewing subdivision applications.

Maddy summaryHB 5532 revises protest petition requirements for cities or villages amending zoning ordinances. For most changes, a protest petition must be signed by owners of at least 20% of the affected land area (or 20% within 300 feet of the boundary), but if the amendment increases dwelling units, it requires signatures from owners of at least 60% of the affected land area. The bill specifies detailed petition formatting, including land ownership verification by the clerk and warnings about false signatures, with penalties for fraud. This directly affects local governments proposing zoning changes and landowners who may protest such changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5589 prohibits Michigan public schools from requiring students to use social media platforms for school-related activities, such as class assignments or club events. It directly affects students and school personnel by mandating that school boards adopt policies banning this practice. The bill defines "social media platform" broadly but explicitly excludes educational tools like learning management systems, teleconferencing services, and school-sanctioned digital learning platforms. This creates a clear policy requiring schools to avoid using commercial social media for educational purposes while allowing necessary academic technology.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 28, 2026, as Rare Disease Day in Michigan to recognize the impact of rare diseases on thousands of Michiganders. It symbolically acknowledges that rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 Americans each and often involve challenges like delayed diagnoses and limited treatment access. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it simply encourages public awareness through the state's participation in the National Organization for Rare Disorders' nationwide observance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 253) is a ceremonial statement by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor the religious observances of Ramadan (for Muslims) and Lent (for Christians). It does not create new laws or affect any group legally; it simply recognizes these traditions and their shared values of compassion and service. The resolution specifically highlights the 2026 overlap of Ramadan and Lent as a unique opportunity for interfaith unity in Michigan. It formally commends Michigan's Muslim and Christian communities for their contributions to the state's civic and cultural life.

Maddy summaryHB 5586 creates a new "Office of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Services" within Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services. The office will administer grants to community-based nonprofits, track violence trends, set statewide goals to reduce shootings and homicides, and coordinate all state violence prevention efforts. It directly affects local governments, community organizations receiving grants, and state agencies managing the program. The bill establishes concrete requirements for data collection, technical assistance, and annual reporting to measure progress toward reducing community violence.

Maddy summaryHB 5580 prohibits Michigan insurers from considering a dog's breed when making decisions about home insurance. It bans using breed to deny coverage, cancel policies, increase premiums, or add exclusions for residential properties like houses, apartments, or condos. Insurers may still use other underwriting factors unrelated to breed. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to residential property liability insurance policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5579, the "Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees Act," prohibits most employers from using automated decisions tools (like AI for hiring) or electronic monitoring tools (like tracking software) for employment decisions affecting employees or job applicants. Employers may only use these tools for specific, limited purposes, such as screening large applicant volumes for job skills or monitoring essential work functions, safety, or compliance. The bill requires employers to obtain written consent from workers, provide clear notice of monitoring, ensure data accuracy, and use tools in the least invasive way possible. It directly affects all Michigan employers and their employees/applicants, creating new rules for technology use in the workplace.

Maddy summaryHB 5587 creates a state grant program to fund community-based violence prevention initiatives in areas with high homicide rates. It establishes a "community violence intervention and prevention fund" to award grants to eligible local governments (e.g., cities or counties with 35+ homicides in 2 of 3 years) or community nonprofits with proven experience addressing violence. Grants must support evidence-based strategies focused on trauma care, economic opportunities, and reducing violence without increasing incarceration, with at least 75% of funds directed to community organizations - not law enforcement. The program requires grantees to report on outcomes and coordinate with other violence prevention efforts, and mandates annual reports on best practices from the administering office.