Rep. Brad Slagh

Maddy summaryHB 4598 expands Michigan's Organized Retail Crime Act to specifically address new tactics used in theft. It adds provisions criminalizing the acquisition, alteration, or use of stolen gift cards (subsections i(i)-(iii)), fraudulent wireless device purchases (subsections h), and manipulating fire exit alarms (subsections g) as organized retail crime. The bill makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, or both, and requires offenders to pay restitution to retailers and forfeit stolen merchandise. This directly affects retailers (through enhanced protections) and individuals committing these expanded theft methods, while clarifying that property representation as stolen is sufficient for prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Michigan customers to install small, portable solar power systems on their property without needing approval from their electric provider or paying installation fees. It defines these systems as plug-in photovoltaic devices that produce up to 1,200 watts and connect through standard electrical outlets, while protecting providers from liability for any damage caused by customer installations. The law requires customers to notify their electric provider within 30 days of installation using a form developed by the state commission, which must include details like the system's capacity and address. Electric providers cannot require additional equipment or charge fees for these systems, and providers must not approve or reject their use. The bill amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act to formalize these rules for small-scale solar generation.

Maddy summaryHB 5537 prohibits the production, sale, or offering for sale of kratom (including all parts of the Mitragyna speciose plant and synthetic variants like 7-hydroxymitragynine) in Michigan. It directly affects businesses and individuals selling kratom products, imposing misdemeanor penalties that escalate based on severity: up to 90 days in jail and $5,000 fines for first offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat violations or sales to minors. Sales to anyone under 18 carry enhanced penalties, including up to one year in jail and $10,000 fines for first offenses. The law defines "kratom" broadly to cover all plant parts, extracts, and synthetic forms, making these activities illegal under Michigan's penal code.

Maddy summaryHB 5340 requires all Michigan state agencies to accept cash payments alongside other payment methods (like credit cards or online payments) without charging extra fees. It directly affects state agencies that collect payments (such as tax offices or license bureaus) and people who pay them, particularly those without access to digital payment options. The bill amends Michigan's Management and Budget Act to mandate cash acceptance as a standard practice, ensuring no additional cost for using cash. This is a procedural change focused on payment accessibility, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant food and agriculture industry. The resolution highlights the sector's economic contributions, including over 805,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue from various crops like cherries, apples, and soybeans. It serves as a commemorative measure with no operational changes, encouraging citizens to celebrate the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy.

Maddy summaryHB 4582, the "Commercial Premises Liability Act," establishes new rules for property owners regarding injuries to customers (invitees) on their premises. It creates a defense for property owners against liability claims when a hazard is "open and obvious" (e.g., a clearly visible spill), meaning they generally don’t need to warn customers about such conditions. However, owners must take reasonable precautions if an obvious hazard has "special features" making it unavoidable or posing severe risk (like a steep, unmarked step). The bill clarifies it doesn’t override existing laws or change comparative fault rules, focusing solely on defining when property owners must act to prevent injuries.

Maddy summaryHB 4347 modifies how funds from horse racing operations are allocated to the Michigan Agriculture and Equine Industry Development Fund. It changes specific sections of the 1995 horse racing law to adjust the reallocation process, directly affecting horse racing operations that contribute to the fund. The bill’s key provision is altering the mechanism for directing these funds toward supporting Michigan’s agricultural and equine industries, without specifying new funding levels or programs. This is a procedural change to existing fund allocation rules, not a new program.

Maddy summaryHB 4346 redirects revenue from Michigan's lawful internet gaming programs to the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund and removes the existing spending limit on these funds. This bill directly affects the state's horse and agricultural industries by providing them with potentially increased funding for development initiatives. The key provision changes a 2019 law (MCL 432.315) to allow all allocated gaming revenue - previously subject to a cap - to flow into the equine fund without restriction. The bill is currently pending in the House Rules Committee after being reported with a substitute amendment.

Maddy summaryHB 5608 allocates funding for Michigan's judiciary for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, providing the necessary budget for court operations. It directly affects the state's court system by ensuring financial resources for salaries, facilities, case processing, and other judicial functions. This appropriations bill creates the formal budget structure required for the judiciary to operate during the upcoming fiscal year. As a procedural funding measure, it does not change laws or policies but enables existing judicial services to continue.

Maddy summaryHB 5599 is a funding bill that provides the Michigan Department of Corrections with budget authority for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It creates the official appropriation act to authorize the department's spending within the state budget framework. This procedural bill does not change policies or directly affect specific programs - it simply establishes the legal mechanism for allocating state funds to the corrections department for that fiscal period. The bill is currently under review by the Appropriations Committee.