Rep. Joe Tate

Maddy summaryHB 4288 prohibits Michigan state agencies from hiring for unclassified positions based on factors other than objective merit, such as education or work experience. It directly affects state agencies hiring for roles outside the classified civil service (e.g., certain executive branch positions). The bill requires hiring decisions to rely solely on merit-based criteria and imposes civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, with the attorney general authorized to collect penalties. This legislation creates new requirements for state hiring practices under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHB 4423 is an appropriations bill that allocates and adjusts funding for various state departments, agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. A specific provision of this bill provides supplemental funding for the county veteran service fund emergency relief program, directly affecting veterans who utilize these services. The bill outlines the conditions under which these state funds can be expended.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 83 declares April 30-May 6, 2025, as Junior Achievement Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution recognizes Junior Achievement's contributions to financial literacy education for youth across the state.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4405 aims to allow low-wage school employees to collect unemployment benefits during the summer months. It amends Section 27 of the Michigan employment security act to adjust how weekly unemployment benefits are calculated. The bill increases the maximum weekly benefit rate and the monetary allowance for each dependent. These adjustments are scheduled to be phased in annually, beginning in January 2025 and continuing through January 2028, affecting individuals eligible for unemployment benefits.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4406 amends the Michigan employment security act, primarily by eliminating specific provisions related to seasonal workers. The bill also modifies how unemployment benefits are calculated for claimants. It incrementally increases the maximum weekly benefit rates for unemployed individuals, with these changes taking effect annually from January 1, 2025, through 2028. Additionally, the bill updates the definitions for eligible dependents, such as changing "husband or wife" to "spouse," which affects the calculation of additional benefits. This legislation directly impacts unemployed individuals seeking benefits in Michigan, as well as seasonal workers previously covered by specific employment security provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4260 redirects $115 million annually from Michigan's 4% general sales tax revenue into the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund starting with the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This change affects state budget allocations, shifting funds previously going to the general fund toward public safety and violence prevention programs. The bill amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.75) to establish this specific annual transfer, with the amount adjusted based on actual tax collections. It does not create new taxes but reallocates existing revenue streams.

Maddy summaryHB 4261 creates the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund within Michigan's trust fund system. It establishes the fund using money from the general sales tax (Section 25 of 1933 PA 167), donations, and investment earnings, with funds permanently staying in the account instead of lapsing to the general fund. Starting September 30, 2026, the state treasurer will distribute the fund’s revenues: 2% to health services for community violence intervention grants, 2% to crime victim funds, and the remainder based on each city/village/township’s violent crime rate (with a 5% reduction for areas not meeting crime reduction targets). This directly affects local governments receiving funds, the Department of Health and Human Services (administering grants), and crime victim programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 73 declares April 2025 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution encourages Michigan citizens to recognize the importance of this month and learn about issues affecting people living with limb loss and limb difference.

Maddy summaryHB 4278 designates the state of Michigan as the "Purple Heart State" to symbolically honor military service members wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals through concrete action - it is purely a symbolic gesture expressing gratitude. The bill’s sole mechanism is renaming the state for this purpose, as stated in its text: "This state is designated as a purple heart state to express gratitude and respect." The bill was introduced on March 20, 2025, and referred to committee, with no further action taken.

Maddy summaryHB 4195 would remove the requirement that Michigan driver's license applicants prove U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. It amends key sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (specifically 257.50a, 257.51a, and others) to eliminate this eligibility barrier. The bill would directly affect residents seeking to obtain or renew a driver's license in Michigan, allowing anyone legally residing in the state to apply without verifying immigration status. This change would update the state's licensing process to remove the previous citizenship or legal presence requirement.