Rep. Greg VanWoerkom

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4028 proposes to eliminate specific state-level provisions regarding the zoning and siting of large-scale solar, wind, and energy storage facilities. The bill achieves this by repealing Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act (2008 PA 295). This action would remove state authority over the certification and regulation of such facilities, effectively returning primary zoning control to local governments. It also amends the title of the existing act to reflect these changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4193 modifies Michigan's groundwater discharge permit fee structure under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It sets annual fees based on facility type: $7,500 for large facilities (group 1), $1,800 for small campgrounds (under 1,000 sites) or municipalities with ≤1,000 residents, $300 for group 2a facilities, and $240 for group 3 facilities. The bill also requires the department to process permit applications within 180 days, imposing a 15% fee discount if they fail to meet this deadline. This bill directly affects businesses, campgrounds, and small municipalities discharging wastewater to groundwater, with fees applicable until October 1, 2027. The bill was introduced on March 11, 2025, and is pending in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4111 exempts certain hydrogen fuel pumps from Michigan property taxes after December 31, 2025. It directly affects businesses installing qualifying hydrogen fueling infrastructure, such as stations filling vehicles with hydrogen. The bill defines a "qualified hydrogen fuel pump" as equipment meeting H35 (35 MPa) or H70 (70 MPa) pressure standards for dispensing hydrogen into motor vehicles. This exemption applies to the pumps themselves (classified as personal property), not the land or buildings they occupy, and is added to Michigan’s property tax law under Section 9q. The change aims to support development of hydrogen fueling infrastructure by reducing operational costs for businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 4112 amends the Michigan Economic Growth Authority Act to adjust the definition of "authorized business" for tax credit eligibility. The bill allows businesses to count jobs created or maintained by related entities - such as subsidiaries, affiliated businesses, or employee leasing companies - as qualifying for tax credits, without requiring the business itself to directly create or retain those jobs. This change directly affects businesses applying for economic development tax credits under the program, particularly those using third-party employment arrangements. The amendment provides greater flexibility for businesses to meet job creation or retention requirements while maintaining eligibility for tax credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund by clarifying how money is collected, invested, and spent. It establishes that the fund will receive specific annual deposits from tobacco settlement revenues and other state sources, which must be kept separate from the general fund but can be invested in approved state and federal securities. The legislation also specifies that while the principal amount stays in the trust, any interest earned must be moved to the general fund. Additionally, it outlines that money from the trust can only be used to support specific programs under the Michigan Strategic Fund, such as those focused on innovation and economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan Innovation Fund Program to support economic development by allowing the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to issue grants and loans to businesses. A key provision requires that these financial awards include repayment terms if the recipient breaches their agreement or fails to meet specific measurable outcomes. The legislation also establishes new rules for vendor selection, mandating that applicants disclose conflicts of interest, criminal convictions, and any federal or state tax investigations. Additionally, it sets limits on how much money can be used for administrative costs and restricts the use of funds to acquire real property.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for Michigan early stage venture investment corporations, which are organizations that invest money to help small businesses grow. It requires these corporations to include specific language in their official documents stating they must return profits to the state and outlines exactly how much money must be sent to state funds based on when the corporation ends or when its special investment fund expires. Specifically, the law mandates that if these corporations have earned returns by June 30, 2024, they must send $60 million to a state jobs trust fund, while any remaining profits go to the general state fund. For years after 2024, all earned returns must be sent to the general fund, and upon the corporation's final dissolution, the first $140 million of remaining assets must go to the general fund before any leftover money is directed to the jobs trust. The bill also includes a condition that it will only become active if two other related bills are passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's income tax law to establish specific definitions for calculating research and development tax credits. It clarifies who qualifies as an "authorized business" for these credits, distinguishing between flow-through entities and general taxpayers based on their increase in qualifying research expenses. The legislation also defines key terms such as "base amount," which is calculated from the average of prior years' research spending, and "research university," which includes public institutions and independent nonprofits. By setting these clear definitions, the bill aims to streamline how businesses and universities claim tax incentives for conducting research within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts qualified hydrogen fuel pumps from Michigan property taxes starting in 2025. It defines these pumps as machines used to fill vehicles with hydrogen fuel that meet specific pressure standards of 35 or 70 megapascals. The law also updates the rules for calculating property values by including the cost of installing or replacing these pumps as a standard maintenance expense rather than a value increase. Additionally, it clarifies how assessors should handle sales data to ensure these specific items are not counted toward the overall property tax base.