Rep. John Fitzgerald

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill establishes the Data Center Water Regulation Act, which requires new and existing data centers to either use a closed-loop cooling system that recirculates water or source all water exclusively from municipal systems. Facilities that currently rely on groundwater or surface water must immediately stop operations once the law takes effect, while those violating the rules face civil fines of up to $1 million per day. The legislation also grants the Michigan Public Service Commission the authority to create specific rules for implementation and mandates that collected fines be deposited into the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Public Service Commission to create a specific rate structure for data centers that requires a 15-year contract with the utility provider. Under the new rules, data centers would face a minimum monthly charge based on 60% of their contracted power demand, regardless of how much electricity they actually use, and must pay a penalty fee if they break their contract early. The legislation also mandates that data centers provide collateral equal to 24 months of billing charges and ensures they cover all costs associated with generating, transmitting, or distributing their power without passing those expenses to other customers. This proposal applies only to facilities in Michigan designed to store and process data and is part of a larger package of related bills that must all pass together to take effect.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to limit the co-pay or coinsurance for insulin to no more than $35 per 30-day supply. The rule applies to at least one product within each major type of insulin, including rapid-acting, long-acting, and premixed varieties, and prevents insurers from bypassing this limit by raising costs elsewhere or changing benefit categories. While the $35 cap is set as a maximum, insurers are allowed to charge less, and the limit only applies to insulin products; other medical costs can remain higher. The amount will be automatically adjusted each July starting in 2027 based on changes in the local Consumer Price Index.

Maddy summaryHB 5168 exempts use tax on tangible personal property (like equipment or materials) that becomes a structural or integral part of qualifying large agricultural processing facility projects in Michigan. It directly affects agricultural businesses and contractors working on projects requiring at least $100 million in capital investment for construction, expansion, or retooling of facilities that process livestock, crops, or plant products (excluding forest products). The exemption applies only to property permanently affixed to the facility or its infrastructure, not to general use. This amendment modifies Michigan’s Use Tax Act to provide tax relief for significant agricultural infrastructure investments.