Rep. Joe Tate

Maddy summaryHB 4717 amends Michigan's criminal code by adding insurance fraud to the legal definition of racketeering under MCL 750.159g. This change directly affects cases involving insurance fraud, making it a specific type of racketeering offense rather than a separate crime. The key provision updates the statute to explicitly include insurance fraud within the broader racketeering definition used for prosecution. As a substantive policy change, this alters how such fraud cases are categorized and prosecuted under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 4715 protects individuals and entities that report suspected or confirmed insurance fraud from civil lawsuits, provided they act without malice and do not knowingly provide false information. It extends this immunity to insurers, their employees, private citizens cooperating with fraud investigations, and authorized agencies like the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill ensures those filing reports, sharing information, or testifying in fraud cases cannot be sued for libel, slander, or other civil claims related to their good-faith actions. This directly affects anyone involved in reporting or investigating insurance fraud within Michigan’s legal framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4719 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to adjust civil penalties for insurance violations. It increases the maximum fine for knowing violations from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation (capped at $50,000 total) and clarifies that violations include non-compliant filings under specific insurance chapters. The bill directly affects insurance professionals who breach the code, allowing the director to order fines, license suspensions, or cease-and-desist actions. It also specifies that fines under this section can be imposed alongside other penalties like restitution for certain violations.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a resolution passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to condemn all forms of political violence and reaffirm the body's commitment to civility, safety, and peaceful democratic engagement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement expressing the House's stance against violence targeting public officials and citizens. The resolution cites recent incidents of political violence across the U.S., including attacks on elected leaders and events like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. It will be transmitted to the President, Michigan Governor, and congressional leaders as a non-binding expression of the House's values.

Maddy summaryHB 4754 creates a tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate cash or food to qualifying nonprofits, such as homeless shelters, food banks, or kitchens that primarily serve people with household incomes below 140% of the federal poverty level. Taxpayers can claim a credit equal to the value of their donations, capped at $150 for individuals or $300 for joint filers, or 10% of tax liability (up to $7,500) for estates/trusts. To claim the credit, donors must receive written proof from the nonprofit confirming its eligibility, including compliance with anti-discrimination laws and IRS tax-deductibility rules. The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and excess credits are refundable.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the federal government to maintain funding and reinstate staff for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) while negotiating the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." It directly affects Michigan residents who rely on the state's Home Heating Credit Program, which provided assistance to 248,765 Michiganders in 2022 - including low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities - by helping cover heating costs. The resolution highlights that proposed federal budget cuts to LIHEAP and the recent firing of LIHEAP program staff threaten the program's continuation, potentially causing payment delays or termination. As a non-binding request, it asks federal leaders to prioritize LIHEAP funding to prevent disruption of this critical aid.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress to maintain funding for the Federal TRIO programs, which support low-income, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities. It highlights that TRIO provides academic tutoring, counseling, financial guidance, and other assistance through eight specific programs (like Upward Bound for high school students and the McNair Program for doctoral preparation). The resolution responds to a proposed budget cut that would eliminate all TRIO funding, potentially affecting over 880,000 participants annually, including 6,000 veterans. The measure has been introduced and referred to committee but does not create new law.

Maddy summaryHB 4741 modifies Michigan's property tax law by ending certain programs that reduced delinquent tax payments or prevented foreclosure. It adds a $175 fee for properties forfeited to county treasurers due to unpaid taxes (after 12+ months delinquent), changes interest calculations for residential properties under foreclosure avoidance agreements, and updates redemption rules. Homeowners with delinquent taxes, particularly those in residential properties covered by existing tax foreclosure avoidance agreements, will be directly affected by these changes. The bill sunsets specific programs that previously offered payment reductions, requiring property owners to pay full delinquent amounts plus fees to avoid losing their homes.

Maddy summaryHB 4725 removes an exclusion that previously prevented student athletes at public universities in Michigan from being considered "public employees" under the state's collective bargaining law. The bill directly affects student athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics at public universities, granting them eligibility for collective bargaining rights under the same framework as other public employees. It amends Section 1 of the 1947 Public Employee Relations Act by deleting the specific provision (currently subsection (g)) that barred student athletes from public employee status for bargaining purposes. This change allows student athletes to negotiate terms like wages, working conditions, and benefits through recognized labor organizations, aligning them with other public employee groups covered by the law. The bill does not create new rights but removes a legal barrier to existing collective bargaining protections.

Maddy summaryHB 4675 requires Michigan's education department to develop and share a list of optional cursive handwriting instruction programs for public schools by June 2027. Starting in the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 school year, school districts and public school academies are encouraged - but not required - to incorporate one of these model programs into their curriculum. The bill aims to support schools in meeting existing credit requirements under Michigan’s merit standards by offering cursive instruction as a voluntary option. It directly affects Michigan public schools by providing resources for optional handwriting education, without mandating changes to current standards.