Maddy summaryHB 4559 amends the Michigan Public Health Code to update sentencing guidelines for crimes involving the sale or manufacture of drugs with misleading labels that result in death or serious injury. The bill clarifies that individuals convicted of these offenses under specific intent to kill or cause harm face mandatory life sentences without parole, but it explicitly exempts those cases from mandatory sentencing if they are subject to resentencing proceedings. This legislative change ensures that existing resentencing mechanisms can still be applied to individuals whose cases fall under these new provisions. The bill also includes a provision stating that this section does not prevent individuals from being charged with or punished for other laws violated during the same incident.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Water Shutoff Protection Act to regulate how Michigan water utilities handle unpaid bills for residential customers. It mandates that providers must make at least three contact attempts using multiple methods, such as door notices, phone calls, or mail, before cutting off service for non-payment. The law specifically prohibits shutting off water for households with critical care needs, such as those using life-support systems, and defines eligibility for assistance based on income levels and participation in various state and federal aid programs. Additionally, the act requires utilities to inform customers about available payment plans and affordability programs before enforcing a shutoff.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Low-Income Water Residential Affordability Fund in Michigan to help pay for water assistance programs and reduce utility bills for low-income households. Water providers will collect a monthly fee of up to $2.00 per residential account, which is then sent to the state treasury to be distributed for bill discounts, arrears payments, and plumbing repairs. The law also protects these payments from being seized to collect other debts and requires providers to report their usage annually. Additionally, the funding amount can be adjusted every three years based on recommendations from a task force, but it cannot exceed $3.00 per month or increase total collections by more than 10% compared to the previous year.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new section to Michigan's civil procedure laws to allow the state and private citizens to sue firearm industry members for creating a public nuisance through the sale, manufacture, or marketing of firearms and related products. The legislation requires these companies to implement reasonable controls to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, stop product theft, and avoid promoting illegal use, while holding them liable for foreseeable harm caused by their products even if third parties acted unlawfully. If a violation occurs, the attorney general or an injured person can seek court orders to stop the conduct, force the company to pay for cleanup, and recover compensatory and punitive damages along with legal fees. The bill explicitly defines key terms such as "firearm industry member" and "firearm-related product" to include items like 3D printers and accessories that enhance a gun's firing capabilities, ensuring the law covers a broad range of items. Additionally, the statute clarifies that proving intent to harm is not necessary to win a case and does not limit existing legal rights under other state laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to create standardized parole guidelines that help the parole board make objective, evidence-based release decisions. The new rules mandate that these guidelines consider specific factors such as the nature of the offense, institutional behavior, prior criminal history, and statistical risk assessments while prohibiting decisions based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, the legislation strictly limits the circumstances under which the parole board can deny parole to individuals who otherwise qualify for release, requiring written justification for any such departures. The bill also establishes a structured review schedule for prisoners denied parole and ensures that those denied based on incomplete programming receive a chance to complete it before being reconsidered.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to improve Michigan's low-income water affordability program by bringing together representatives from various water providers, community agencies, and advocacy groups. The task force will develop new guidance, create educational materials, and explore ways to expand the program to help more households afford their water and sewer bills. Additionally, the bill outlines how state funds will be distributed to cover the difference between actual utility bills and discounted rates, as well as to assist with necessary plumbing repairs. The legislation will only take effect if three related Senate bills are also passed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines to reflect the decriminalization of certain acts related to tampering with utility shutoffs at residences. By amending specific sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it adjusts how courts determine penalties for these offenses under current law. The change ensures that sentencing recommendations align with recent legal shifts that removed criminal status from specific utility interference behaviors.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Crime Victim's Rights Act to ensure that victims of crime receive specific notices regarding their rights during the resentencing of prisoners. It requires prosecutors to inform victims about their ability to submit impact statements detailing physical, emotional, and economic harm, as well as their views on restitution and sentencing. The legislation also mandates that victims be notified about the availability of pre-sentence reports and the details of upcoming sentencing hearings. Additionally, these notification requirements apply to cases involving juveniles, ensuring consistent treatment of victims across different types of criminal proceedings.
Maddy summaryHB 6185 amends Michigan's firearm laws to require federally licensed dealers to sell guns with a trigger lock or a secure storage container, unless the buyer provides their own safety device or the firearm is an antique. The bill also mandates that dealers provide free safety brochures and warning notices to purchasers and retain records of these transactions for six years. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that firearm manufacturers and producers are generally immune from civil lawsuits by local governments, except in cases involving specific contract breaches or product defects that cause injury to government employees or property. This provision aims to limit liability for manufacturers while reserving the right for the state attorney general to bring certain legal actions.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan residents who invest in specific local businesses starting in 2025. To qualify, an investor must make a cash investment in a company that has its headquarters, employees, assets, and at least 80% of its revenue within the state. The Michigan Strategic Fund will review these investments and issue a certificate required to claim a credit equal to 50% of the investment amount, up to a maximum of $3,000 per year. If the credit is larger than the taxpayer's current tax bill, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to 10 years to reduce future taxes. The legislation also includes a provision to ensure the state receives enough funding to cover any revenue lost from this new tax incentive.