Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an interstate agreement allowing school psychologists to practice in multiple states with a single license, aiming to improve access to mental health services in schools. Under the new rules, qualified professionals from one member state can obtain equivalent licensure in other states without facing redundant requirements, while still adhering to local safety and scope-of-practice laws. The legislation also creates a governing commission to oversee the program and includes specific provisions to support military members and their spouses who relocate frequently. By streamlining the licensing process, the bill seeks to address workforce shortages and ensure that students receive services from appropriately qualified experts across state lines.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Small Business Growth within the Michigan Strategic Fund to support businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The office will be led by a governor-appointed administrator who is responsible for coordinating state resources, providing technical assistance, and launching a one-stop website to help entrepreneurs navigate regulations and access funding. Key duties include facilitating job creation, streamlining business processes, and conducting outreach to inform small business owners about available programs and services. The office must also collect data on its activities and submit an annual report to the governor and the legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan high schools to mandate a one-semester civics course and eventually require students to pass the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test to earn graduation credit. It directs the state to update social studies curriculum standards and assessments to align with the current naturalization test questions by May 2018. The law applies to all public and nonpublic schools but includes exemptions for students with specific educational needs or those in military service.
Maddy summaryHB 6015 amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to require the fund to include small businesses in its allowable uses of money. The bill mandates that the fund submit detailed annual reports to state officials and the public, which must list recipients of financial assistance and provide specific data on jobs created, salaries, and project outcomes. Additionally, the legislation requires the fund to report on the status of all loans, bankruptcy notices for major recipients, and administrative costs, while also making annual audits publicly available.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's tax administration laws to update procedures following the repeal of the state real estate transfer tax. It primarily affects taxpayers and the Department of Treasury by establishing a formal, step-by-step process for resolving tax disputes before an assessment is finalized. Key provisions require the department to send a non-intimidating inquiry letter before assessing taxes, offer taxpayers an informal conference to discuss contested amounts, and allow for a written settlement negotiation between the taxpayer and the state treasurer. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all tax audits be conducted according to specific professional standards, including confidentiality, technical training, and independence.
Maddy summaryHB 5879 requires public utilities in Michigan to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before raising rates or changing rate schedules that would increase costs for customers. The bill mandates that utilities provide notice to affected areas and allow for a full hearing before any rate increase is approved, while also setting specific timelines for the commission to review and respond to rate applications. Additionally, it establishes a process for gas utilities with fewer than one million customers to seek immediate partial rate relief and outlines rules for refunding customers if proposed rates are later reduced after being temporarily implemented. This legislation directly impacts gas, electric, and steam utilities operating in the state and their residential and commercial customers by tightening oversight on rate-setting procedures.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's property tax rules to clarify how taxable values are calculated when property ownership transfers. It establishes that a property's taxable value resets to its current market value upon transfer, but then limits future annual increases to the lesser of 5% or the inflation rate until another transfer occurs. The legislation also defines specific scenarios where a transfer does not trigger a reset, such as when property is moved into a trust by a parent for their own children or grandchildren, provided the home remains residential. Additionally, it allows local tax officials to correct past valuation errors related to missed transfers for up to three years and clarifies rules for land contracts and certain bond-funded properties.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to update tax exemption rules for downtown development authorities in Michigan. It clarifies that these entities remain exempt from real estate transfer taxes even after the state real estate transfer tax act was repealed. The changes will only take effect if two other related bills are also enacted into law. Ultimately, the measure ensures these local economic development organizations do not face new transfer tax obligations on property instruments.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate code to clarify how property transfers are treated when a personal representative sells estate assets to themselves or others. It establishes that buyers or lenders who purchase these assets are considered to have paid value without needing to verify if the original distribution was legally proper or if the representative still had authority. Additionally, the bill creates a legal presumption that recorded transfers are made for value, which helps simplify tax assessments, though it does not alter existing rules regarding Michigan estate tax liens. The legislation directly affects personal representatives, estate buyers, lenders, and interested parties involved in property distribution, and it requires two other related bills to pass before it can take effect.
Maddy summaryHB 5878 eliminates the personal property tax in Michigan for all items that do not qualify for an existing specific exemption, effective for taxes levied after December 31, 2026. Owners of such property must annually file a statement with their local tax collector to claim this new exemption, while property that already has a designated exemption cannot be claimed under this new rule. The bill also requires local tax units to send summary data to the state Department of Treasury by April 1 each year to track the revenue impact of these new exemptions. This legislation directly affects business owners and individuals holding personal property by removing a tax burden on eligible assets, provided they complete the necessary filing requirements.