Rep. Luke Meerman

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow Michigan residents to receive medical assistance coverage retroactively for up to one month before they apply, with an extension to two months for those eligible under the non-expansion Medicaid population. The changes would take effect on January 1, 2027, and apply to individuals who meet specific citizenship and eligibility requirements defined in the state's social welfare act. By modifying the Social Welfare Act, the legislation aims to provide a grace period for applicants to access healthcare services while their applications are being processed.

Maddy summaryHB 5081 requires Michigan school districts, intermediate districts, and public school academies to employ at least one teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach by the 2026-2027 school year to support students with dyslexia. This teacher must have completed training meeting International Dyslexia Association standards, which emphasizes multisensory reading instruction through phonemic awareness, phonics, and structured skill-building. Schools must also ensure these teachers receive at least 10 hours of annual professional development focused on dyslexia support. The bill directly affects all public school entities in Michigan and aims to improve specialized reading instruction for students with dyslexia.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 15 through June 21, 2026, as Responsible Fatherhood Week in Michigan to honor the role of fathers and father figures. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the positive impacts of involved parenting on children's emotional well-being, academic success, and community stability. By formally recognizing this period, the legislature encourages families and communities to focus on the importance of responsible fatherhood without imposing new laws or funding requirements.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 5169 creates a sales tax exemption in Michigan for materials and equipment used in qualifying large agricultural processing projects. It directly affects businesses investing $100 million or more in constructing, expanding, or retooling agricultural facilities that process livestock, crops, or plant products (excluding forest products). The exemption applies only to tangible property that becomes a permanent, structural part of the facility or its infrastructure. This change modifies Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to reduce costs for significant agricultural development projects meeting specific investment and scope criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a tax credit for Michigan homeowners who build or contract to build an accessory dwelling unit, such as a detached structure or converted garage, on their property. Starting in the 2026 tax year, eligible taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 20% of the construction costs, provided they submit reasonable proof of expenses to the tax department. If the credit amount is larger than the taxpayer's current tax liability, the unused portion can be carried forward to future years rather than being refunded. The legislation defines an accessory dwelling unit as a secondary living space on the same property as the main home and sets the credit effective date for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents local governments in Michigan from banning non-fire-rated windows in accessory dwelling units, provided the unit is located more than 12 feet away from any other structure. The legislation directly affects homeowners and local zoning authorities by clarifying that secondary dwellings on the same property do not need fire-rated windows if they meet the distance requirement. By adding a new section to the state's zoning enabling act, the bill removes the ability of municipalities to restrict this specific building feature under those conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents local zoning laws from stopping owners from connecting their accessory dwelling units to the same sewer system as their main home. It applies specifically to secondary living spaces that are owned by the same person and located on the same property as the primary residence. By adding a new section to the state's zoning enabling act, the legislation ensures municipalities cannot restrict this utility connection under these conditions. The change aims to simplify infrastructure setup for homeowners who build or rent out additional units on their land.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners converting existing buildings into accessory dwelling units to ensure their foundations meet current frost protection standards. To qualify for an exemption from this rule, applicants must provide a document showing the building is at least 10 years old and include a professional engineer's statement confirming there is no evidence of significant frost heaving that could threaten the structure's safety. The legislation directly impacts homeowners and developers seeking to add secondary living spaces to older properties without rebuilding their foundations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 15, 2026, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day throughout Michigan. It aims to raise public awareness about the issue of elder abuse and encourage residents to recognize warning signs and report incidents. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to highlight the importance of protecting older adults.