Rep. Stephen Wooden

Maddy summaryHB 5140 expands local governments' authority to impose hotel and short-term rental taxes. It allows cities in counties with 600,000-775,000 residents to levy up to 3% on accommodations (previously capped at 2%), while counties under 600,000 residents can tax up to 8% but require voter approval for rates above 5%. The bill directly affects hotels, vacation rentals, and online booking platforms that collect these taxes. Local governments must follow specific voter approval processes and administration rules under the amended law.

Maddy summaryHB 5138 clarifies that Michigan's Department of Treasury will administer and collect certain local taxes when cities or counties enter agreements with the state. It updates procedures for city income tax collection (under the City Income Tax Act) and county accommodation taxes (like hotel taxes under the Essential Services Tax Act). The bill transfers administrative responsibilities from previous entities to the Treasury Department, ensuring consistent collection processes for these taxes. This affects local governments that choose to contract with the state for tax administration, without changing tax rates or who pays them.

Maddy summaryHB 5147 establishes new rules for towing damaged or disabled vehicles in Michigan. It requires towing agencies to provide written disclosures before towing, including costs, storage location, and owner rights (Section 271), and to issue itemized final invoices detailing all charges and vehicle condition (Section 272). Towing companies must maintain records for five years and post disclosure information visibly (Sections 273-274). These rules directly affect towing businesses and vehicle owners, ensuring transparency before towing and during storage. Violations prevent agencies from charging fees or enforcing contracts (Section 271(6)).

Maddy summaryHB 5142 modifies Michigan's licensing requirements for interior designers by amending sections of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.303a and 339.601) and adding a new Article 20A. The bill directly affects interior designers seeking or holding a license in Michigan, changing how they meet qualification standards. Key provisions include updating educational and experience requirements for licensure under the amended sections. This is a procedural bill focused on regulatory updates to the licensing process, not new financial or operational mandates.

Maddy summaryHB 5141 amends Section 2 of Michigan's 1939 Labor Relations Act (MCL 423.2) by removing specific exclusions from the definition of "employee." This change would extend labor protections to workers previously excluded, including domestic workers, agricultural laborers, and certain supervisors. The bill directly affects these workers by ensuring they fall under the act's coverage for organizing, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution. It makes a concrete policy change to the legal definition without altering other provisions of the law.

Maddy summaryHB 5146 clarifies procedures for handling abandoned vehicles and towing services in Michigan. It defines "abandoned vehicle" more precisely (e.g., vehicles left on public property for 18+ hours with valid plates) and requires police to verify if a vehicle is stolen before towing. The bill mandates that owners receive written notice with details about the vehicle and their right to contest abandonment or towing fees within 20 days, including a $40 bond requirement for hearings. It also creates a public website listing abandoned vehicles for 1 year, affecting vehicle owners, towing agencies, and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 5144 amends Michigan's building permit process to allow qualified interior designers to submit applications for residential construction projects. Specifically, it adds interior designers (licensed under Michigan's occupational code) to the list of professionals permitted to file building permit applications, alongside architects and engineers. The bill requires these interior designers to include their license number and expiration date on all residential permit applications. This change directly affects interior designers working on residential buildings, streamlining their ability to initiate construction projects without requiring an architect or engineer's involvement. The amendment updates Section 10 of the 1972 Construction Code Act to reflect this expanded eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 5143 would establish new fee requirements for interior design license applicants and holders in Michigan. It sets a $175 application processing fee and a $125 annual license fee under the State License Fee Act (MCL 338.2201-338.2277). The bill directly affects individuals seeking or maintaining an interior design license in the state, as defined under Michigan's occupational code. This amendment requires the fees to be paid to the licensing authority for each license cycle. The bill is currently pending in the Regulatory Reform Committee after its introduction on October 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5136 requires Michigan's Medicaid program (medical assistance) to cover preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment for children with PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with strep) and PANS (pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome). It mandates no higher copays or deductibles than other Medicaid services, requires timely coverage for urgent cases, and prohibits denials based on prior treatments or different diagnoses. The bill also bans lifetime limits on covered treatments like antibiotics, behavioral therapy, or IVIG therapy. This directly affects Medicaid-enrolled children diagnosed with these specific conditions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 15, 2025, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in Michigan. It directly honors families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss - impacting all Michiganders who experience these losses or support affected individuals. The bill aims to raise public awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, encouraging communities and professionals (like healthcare workers and educators) to provide more compassionate support. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge these experiences.