Rep. Jerry Neyer

Maddy summaryHB 4728 requires professional guardians and conservators to obtain a state license. This bill directly affects individuals and agencies that manage finances or personal care for vulnerable adults (like seniors or people with disabilities) who cannot make decisions for themselves. The key provision adds new licensing requirements through amendments to existing law, establishing standards for these professionals. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 4729 updates Michigan's rules for appointing guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities. It requires courts to prioritize licensed professional guardians (under Article 14A of the Occupational Code) when appointing guardians, and prohibits unlicensed employees of such guardians from making medical, financial, or housing decisions for these individuals. The law also mandates that courts consider the individual's preference for a guardian before making an appointment. These changes take effect two years after the bill's passage, aiming to ensure guardianship appointments meet professional standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all participants in Michigan driver education courses to complete a work zone safety education course starting January 1, 2027, before receiving a level 2 graduated driver license. The mandatory course, developed with the Department of Transportation, must cover at least 30 minutes of instruction on identifying construction zones, safety precautions for workers and drivers, traffic violation penalties, and safe driving strategies around construction equipment. The course can be delivered online or in-person, must be included at no additional cost to students, and the Department of State will create a standardized curriculum that can be updated through collaboration with transportation agencies and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Secretary of State to conduct criminal background checks using fingerprint-based systems before authorizing any individual to administer driver's license knowledge tests or driving skills tests. The legislation also mandates that applicants for commercial vehicle endorsements must complete these background checks, and it adds new requirements for examining officers to report their findings in writing. Additionally, the bill clarifies that driving skills tests must include behind-the-wheel road tests and ensures that commercial learner's permits are held for at least 14 days before testing. These changes apply to all individuals administering driving tests in Michigan and aim to enhance the integrity of the licensing process.

Maddy summaryHB 5358 modifies Michigan's teacher licensing requirements. It requires teachers seeking professional certification to complete a 3-credit course on diagnosing and supporting students with reading disabilities, including specific tools and strategies. The bill also creates streamlined pathways for out-of-state teachers to obtain Michigan certification if they've taught successfully for at least 3 years in their previous state, waiving some exam and reading course requirements. These changes directly affect teachers, school districts, and teacher preparation programs by altering certification standards and reciprocity processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 19 of each year as Patriots' Day in Michigan, aligning the state with other regions that observe this holiday. The legislation recognizes the historical significance of the American Revolutionary War battles at Lexington and Concord while also acknowledging Michigan's role through British settlements and forts like Detroit, Mackinac, and St. Joseph. It creates a new state holiday to commemorate these historical events and traditions, including reenactments and ceremonies honoring colonial militia. The bill does not establish a paid day off but formally recognizes the date for commemorative purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amendments to Michigan's Privately Owned Cervidae Producers Marketing Act, which regulates the sale and marketing of deer and elk by private producers. The legislation modifies several sections of the existing law to update definitions and requirements related to cervidae producers. These changes would affect individuals and businesses involved in the private production and marketing of deer and elk in Michigan. The bill aims to clarify terminology and operational standards within the current regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryHB 5081 requires Michigan school districts, intermediate districts, and public school academies to employ at least one teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach by the 2026-2027 school year to support students with dyslexia. This teacher must have completed training meeting International Dyslexia Association standards, which emphasizes multisensory reading instruction through phonemic awareness, phonics, and structured skill-building. Schools must also ensure these teachers receive at least 10 hours of annual professional development focused on dyslexia support. The bill directly affects all public school entities in Michigan and aims to improve specialized reading instruction for students with dyslexia.

Maddy summaryHB 5168 exempts use tax on tangible personal property (like equipment or materials) that becomes a structural or integral part of qualifying large agricultural processing facility projects in Michigan. It directly affects agricultural businesses and contractors working on projects requiring at least $100 million in capital investment for construction, expansion, or retooling of facilities that process livestock, crops, or plant products (excluding forest products). The exemption applies only to property permanently affixed to the facility or its infrastructure, not to general use. This amendment modifies Michigan’s Use Tax Act to provide tax relief for significant agricultural infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryHB 5169 creates a sales tax exemption in Michigan for materials and equipment used in qualifying large agricultural processing projects. It directly affects businesses investing $100 million or more in constructing, expanding, or retooling agricultural facilities that process livestock, crops, or plant products (excluding forest products). The exemption applies only to tangible property that becomes a permanent, structural part of the facility or its infrastructure. This change modifies Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to reduce costs for significant agricultural development projects meeting specific investment and scope criteria.