Rep. Graham Filler

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's income tax law to establish specific definitions for calculating research and development tax credits. It clarifies who qualifies as an "authorized business" for these credits, distinguishing between flow-through entities and general taxpayers based on their increase in qualifying research expenses. The legislation also defines key terms such as "base amount," which is calculated from the average of prior years' research spending, and "research university," which includes public institutions and independent nonprofits. By setting these clear definitions, the bill aims to streamline how businesses and universities claim tax incentives for conducting research within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act to update definitions and regulations regarding retail installment sales of motor vehicles. It directly affects sellers, buyers, and financial institutions involved in financing car purchases by clarifying terms such as "cash price," "down payment," and "collateral security." The key provision redefines what constitutes a "motor vehicle" to explicitly include recreational vehicles with their own motive power while excluding certain equipment like tractors and road machinery. Additionally, the bill adjusts the legal description of various contract types, including loans and leases, to ensure they align with current market practices. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for enforcing payment obligations under vehicle installment contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Michigan school districts to use a design-build method for constructing or remodeling certain school buildings, where a single entity handles both design and construction services. It defines specific requirements for this process, such as the need for an independent licensed architect or engineer to help select the design-build team and ensure the project scope is clear. Additionally, the law mandates that rules be created to regulate the inspection and reuse of modular classrooms when they are relocated. The bill also establishes penalties for individuals who violate these new construction and supervision standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's law regarding how much money insurance companies must set aside from fire and storm damage claims for residential homes. It increases the maximum amount of withheld funds that local governments can hold in escrow to ensure repairs are made, raising the cap from $12,000 to $24,000 starting July 1, 2024. The legislation also clarifies the notification process, requiring insurers to inform homeowners, lenders, and local officials about these withheld funds and the option for municipalities to secure the money for public safety repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Michigan Attorney General to investigate claims that individuals or companies have violated the state's event online ticket sales laws. It establishes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each ticket sold in violation of the act and permits the Attorney General to seek court orders to stop ongoing violations or collect restitution. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the recovery of legal fees and costs incurred during enforcement actions. The bill does not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5661.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Event Online Ticket Sales Act, prohibits individuals and businesses from using automated software, or "bots," to buy tickets for public entertainment events like concerts and sports games in Michigan. The law specifically bans purchasing more tickets than the allowed limit by using multiple accounts or addresses, as well as bypassing security measures like waiting periods or presale codes. Because the bill is tied to a companion measure, it will only become active if that related legislation is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for distributors of returnable beverage containers in Michigan, starting in the 2024 tax year. Eligible companies can claim a credit of $0.005 for each returnable container they sell, with the credit amount increasing annually based on the national Consumer Price Index. To receive the credit, distributors must submit specific reports to the state and can get a refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. The legislation applies to various business structures, including partnerships and corporations, and defines key terms by referencing existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's environmental laws to clarify definitions and reporting requirements for anaerobic digesters and the materials they produce. It establishes specific criteria for what counts as "beneficial use" for various waste by-products, such as ash and digestate, when used in construction, agriculture, or other applications. Additionally, the legislation sets new benchmarks for curbside recycling access, requiring municipalities to provide services to at least 90% of urban single-family homes by 2026 and 2028. These changes aim to standardize how waste management facilities operate and ensure that recycled materials are used safely and effectively across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's environmental laws to clarify how materials like digestate from anaerobic digesters are classified, ensuring they are treated as beneficial by-products rather than solid waste. It achieves this by amending existing definitions to explicitly include digestate from registered digesters or those with submitted notifications, thereby streamlining compliance for waste management facilities. The legislation also refines the definitions of various waste types and beneficial uses, such as specifying conditions under which coal ash and other materials can be reused without being categorized as solid waste. These changes aim to provide clearer regulatory guidance for industries managing organic waste and recycling programs while maintaining the state's environmental protection standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies Michigan's sales tax rules for online platforms, requiring marketplace facilitators to collect and remit sales tax on all transactions made through their sites, even if the individual sellers do not have a physical presence in the state. The legislation defines a marketplace facilitator as any entity that lists items for sale, processes payments, and handles transactions for third-party sellers, while also establishing specific definitions for delivery services and couriers. To protect these platforms from excessive liability, the bill prevents class-action lawsuits regarding overpaid taxes and limits audits to the facilitator unless the seller fails to provide necessary information. Additionally, it explicitly states that the rules apply regardless of whether the platform has a physical location in Michigan and outlines how delivery fees may be treated for tax purposes.