Rep. Stephen Wooden

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state treasurer to create a monthly report tracking whether the federal government owes Michigan money due to ignored court orders and calculating any future payments Michigan must make to the federal government. The report will detail specific financial items such as federal taxes owed by state employers, debt offsets, and grant repayments, and it must be prepared in consultation with the state budget director. Additionally, the bill mandates that the state treasurer withhold federal payments if the amounts owed by the federal government exceed the amounts Michigan is required to pay. This legislation is currently tied to a companion bill, meaning it will not take effect unless both are passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state treasurer to calculate and report specific monthly funds to various legislative committees and state budget offices. The funds in question are those designated for withholding from payments made to the federal government, as previously outlined in the state's management and budget act. The legislation does not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 6122, which addresses the actual withholding of those federal payments. Essentially, this measure establishes a reporting process to ensure that the legislature is informed about the amounts the state intends to withhold from federal transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 5120 eliminates fees for serving documents in personal protection order (PPO) cases. It amends Michigan's civil procedure law to prohibit charging fees for serving process under the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act or for any order issued in a PPO case, including petitions, orders, and related documents. This directly affects PPO petitioners (who no longer pay service fees) and process servers (who cannot charge for these specific services). The bill also clarifies that law enforcement may charge a $50 flat fee from a dedicated fund for multiple PPO-related documents served at once, but not per document. The change aims to remove financial barriers for individuals seeking protection orders.

Maddy summaryHB 5121 eliminates the cost for serving personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking PPOs to protect against harassment, stalking, or sexual assault by removing the requirement that petitioners pay for service of the order on the respondent. The bill amends Michigan’s court procedures to eliminate this fee, making it easier for petitioners - especially those with limited resources - to obtain and enforce PPOs without upfront costs. This change applies to all PPOs filed under the specified sections of Michigan law, streamlining the process for victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal cause of action in Michigan allowing individuals to sue anyone who deprives them of rights protected by the U.S. Constitution while acting under the authority of the law. It establishes that victims of such civil rights violations can seek redress in court, while also defining specific rules for when judges can be held personally liable and limiting the types of relief available against them. The legislation sets a two-year time limit for filing these lawsuits and permits courts to award reasonable attorney fees to successful plaintiffs, though it preserves existing defenses like sovereign immunity and qualified immunity.

Maddy summaryHB 6016 modifies Michigan's interim teaching certification process to establish stricter requirements for individuals seeking temporary teaching credentials. The bill mandates that all applicants must hold a degree from an accredited institution, pass subject exams, and complete an intensive training program equivalent to at least 12 college credit hours. A key provision eliminates the ability to grant new interim certificates for special education teaching beginning July 21, 2027, while allowing those currently holding such certificates to continue teaching. Additionally, the law requires school districts to provide intensive observation and coaching to anyone teaching under an interim certificate while they work toward full certification.

Maddy summaryHB 4358 modifies Michigan's Home Rule City Act to standardize when city officials' terms begin. It requires that all elected city officers (like mayors and council members) serving terms starting after December 31, 2024, must begin their terms at 12 noon on the first day of the month following their election - replacing any existing charter provisions allowing earlier start dates. The bill also mandates that individuals filling vacant positions cannot take the oath of office until election results are certified by the board of canvassers. This applies to all Michigan cities with home rule charters and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 4359 modifies Michigan village election rules by changing the start date for elected officials' terms from November 20 to December 1. It clarifies that villages electing six trustees (instead of three) must serve two-year terms, rather than four-year terms, and updates vacancy procedures to require a petition signed by 10% of voters within 10 days to trigger a special election when the council falls below quorum. These changes directly affect village officials and voters in all Michigan villages operating under the General Law Village Act (MCL 62.4 et seq.), streamlining term start dates and vacancy resolution. The bill passed with immediate effect in September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4026 exempts firearm safety devices from Michigan's sales and use tax through December 31, 2024, directly affecting gun owners purchasing these devices. The bill defines "firearm safety devices" as trigger locks, secure storage containers (like gun safes or lockboxes requiring keys/combinations), but excludes display cases. Retail sellers must provide written notices to buyers and post visible signage at points of sale explaining the tax exemption. This is a temporary measure with a sunset date, not a permanent policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4025 extends Michigan's sales tax exemption for firearm safety devices until December 31, 2024. It defines "firearm safety devices" as equipment (like gun safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks) designed to prevent unauthorized access or operation of firearms, but excludes display cabinets. Retail sellers must provide written notices to purchasers and post conspicuous signage at points of sale about the tax exemption. The bill also requires the state to annually compensate the school aid fund for any revenue lost due to this exemption.