Rep. Greg VanWoerkom

Maddy summaryHB 5103 allows property owners along the Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and St. Clair) to install temporary erosion control barriers without a permit, using specific materials like biodegradable sandbags or approved synthetic textiles. It requires owners to file a notice with local authorities before installation and ensures barriers don’t block shoreline access or harm dunes. The bill exempts these temporary structures from standard permitting rules, while still requiring compliance with local ordinances and material restrictions. This directly affects homeowners and property owners managing erosion near Great Lakes shorelines.

Maddy summaryHB 4709 prohibits the construction of commercial wind turbines for electricity production in the Great Lakes or their connecting waters, and bans operating any such turbines built in violation of this rule. It directly affects commercial wind energy developers planning projects in these waters, preventing new installations. The bill also states that renewable energy credits cannot be issued for electricity generated by prohibited turbines, and allows the attorney general to seek court injunctions to stop violations. This amendment adds a specific environmental protection measure to Michigan's Clean Energy Act.

Maddy summaryHB 4968 updates reporting requirements for insurance companies under Michigan's existing insurance law (2018 PA 175). It specifically amends sections 7, 11, and 17 to change how insurers must submit certain financial or operational data. The bill directly affects licensed insurance companies operating in Michigan by modifying their administrative reporting obligations. This procedural change was approved by the Governor on October 7, 2025, and took effect immediately.

Maddy summaryHB 4998 amends Michigan's Strategic Fund Act to require detailed annual reporting on state economic development funding. It mandates that the fund publicly disclose specific data for all recipients - including jobs created (including salaries), project types, financial assistance amounts, and repayment details - via its website and to lawmakers. The bill also requires immediate public reporting of bankruptcies involving recipients of large incentives ($500,000+), along with expanded reporting on tourism promotions, business development campaigns, and community revitalization projects. These provisions aim to increase transparency and accountability for how state funds are used to support nonprofits and businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 4999 creates the Michigan Nonprofit Development Fund (ND Fund) within the state treasury to support nonprofit organizations. The fund receives state appropriations and other assets, which the treasurer invests, with earnings credited back to the fund. Money in the fund can be used for grants to statewide nonprofit organizations, interest-free micro bridge loans, or administrative costs (up to 10% of annual funding), with excess funds over $5 million annually transferred to the general fund. This bill directly affects qualifying nonprofits receiving grants or loans, providing a dedicated funding mechanism for their services.

Maddy summaryHB 4801 would exempt property used as a principal residence by licensed in-home childcare providers (family or group child care homes) from Michigan property taxes starting in 2026. To qualify, owners must file an application with their local tax office, proving the property is their primary home and hosts licensed childcare under Michigan law. The exemption applies only to properties where a household member operates a childcare business meeting specific licensing requirements. This change directly affects homeowners running licensed childcare services in their homes, reducing their property tax burden after 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 131 is a ceremonial resolution introduced by Rep. Bruck and adopted on June 12, 2025, to honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army's founding on June 14, 2025 (marking the 1775 establishment of the Continental Army). It recognizes the Army's historical role in the Revolutionary War, its mission, and its current status as a key military force. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic, expressing congressional admiration without impacting any laws, funding, or specific groups.

Maddy summaryHB 4562 allocates funding for Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides the necessary budget to cover the department's operating expenses during that period. This is a routine budget bill that directs state funds to a specific agency, not a policy change affecting residents or new programs. The bill was introduced on June 5, 2025, and referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 77 is a resolution urging Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to resume construction of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. This project, which involves federal, Illinois, and Michigan funding, is designed to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes. The resolution highlights concerns about the carp's potential impact on the Great Lakes' seven-billion-dollar fishing industry and native species.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4027 proposes to amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. The bill would remove a provision that requires local zoning ordinances to be subject to Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act. This change means that local zoning authorities would no longer be directly bound by this specific part of the state's clean energy law when creating or enforcing their zoning regulations. The bill aims to alter the relationship between local land use planning and state renewable energy mandates.