Rep. Joe Tate

Maddy summaryHB 5166 creates a new tax credit program to improve food security by allowing certain food businesses (like farms, processors, or distributors) to claim a 65% credit against their state income tax for donating food to certified organizations. Qualified organizations - such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, or regional food banks - must apply for certification annually and provide donors with written acknowledgments detailing the donation. The credit is capped at 50% of the business’s tax liability or $10,000 per year, whichever is lower, and must be claimed with annual tax returns. This directly affects food businesses making donations and certified food providers serving communities facing hunger.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 23, 2025, as Detroit-Windsor Tunnel Day in Michigan to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the tunnel's opening. It recognizes the tunnel as a vital cross-border infrastructure link between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, highlighting its role in moving over 3.7 million vehicles annually and supporting 325 jobs and $595 million in economic impact for Detroit. The resolution serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the tunnel's historical significance and ongoing economic contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 189) passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor the Detroit Red Wings hockey team on its 100th season. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply recognizes the team's historical significance to Michigan. The resolution cites the Red Wings' founding in 1926, 11 Stanley Cup championships, cultural impact as "Hockeytown," and community work through their foundation. The House formally resolved to commemorate the team and transmitted a copy to the Red Wings organization as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 4522 modifies Michigan's vehicle code to require heavy trucks (over 10,000 pounds gross weight) to drive in any lane on freeways with three or more lanes for travel in the same direction, rather than restricting them to the rightmost lanes. This directly affects commercial truck drivers and fleet operators on Michigan freeways. The law specifies exceptions allowing trucks to use the right lane only for left turns, safety reasons, or construction-related lane closures. It also prohibits local governments from creating conflicting lane-use ordinances for these situations.

Maddy summaryHB 5026 clarifies who must register as a sex offender under Michigan's Sex Offenders Registration Act. It amends the definition of "convicted" to include specific cases: individuals under 18 who received juvenile dispositions for Tier III offenses (open to the public), out-of-state juvenile adjudications meeting age/offense criteria, and certain juvenile dispositions under Michigan's probate code. These changes ensure individuals meeting these specific conditions are subject to registration requirements. The bill directly affects people with certain past juvenile or out-of-state offenses that would classify them as Tier III offenders. It does not change registration periods or penalties, only refines the eligibility criteria for registration.

Maddy summaryHB 4718 requires Michigan insurance companies to file reports with the state about suspected insurance fraud. This directly affects all licensed insurance companies operating in Michigan, mandating them to submit specific fraud reports to the state regulator. The key provision adds Section 4506 to the insurance code, creating a new reporting obligation for insurers. The bill does not change fraud penalties or definitions but establishes a formal process for reporting suspected fraud cases. This is a procedural policy change focused on improving fraud tracking, not on altering consumer protections or insurance rates.

Maddy summaryHB 4700 modifies the eligibility requirements for hotels seeking Class A or Class B liquor licenses in Michigan. It amends the specific statute (MCL 436.1107) governing these licenses, changing the rules hotels must meet to qualify. This directly affects hotel businesses applying for these licenses, as the updated requirements will determine their eligibility under state law. The bill passed unanimously in the House with immediate effect, making the changes effective as law.

Maddy summaryHB 4716 increases criminal penalties for insurance fraud in Michigan based on the amount of fraudulent claims or number of claims involved. It raises maximum prison terms from 4 years to 20 years and fines up to $50,000, with higher penalties for larger frauds (e.g., $100,000+ claims or 100+ claims) or repeat offenses. The law requires courts to order restitution to victims and allows aggregating claims made within any 12-month period to determine penalty levels. This directly affects individuals committing fraud, as well as insurers or practitioners found responsible for fraudulent acts under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Health Care False Claim Act to expand the definition of "health care insurer" to include automobile insurers providing personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage pays for medical expenses after car accidents, and this change brings auto insurers into the same legal framework as health insurers for false claim enforcement. Previously, the law applied only to health insurers and self-insured entities, but now false claims related to PIP benefits will be subject to the same standards. This directly affects auto insurance companies operating in Michigan that offer PIP coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 4714 updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for fraudulent insurance acts by amending Section 15a of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.15a). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of insurance fraud by establishing clearer sentencing standards for these offenses. It modifies existing sentencing structures to provide more defined parameters for judges when determining penalties in fraud cases involving insurance. The changes aim to standardize penalties for this specific crime category within Michigan's criminal justice system. The bill passed the Michigan House on September 16, 2025, with strong support.