Rep. Tim Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 5500 requires Michigan state agencies to cite the specific law they are using when making written decisions about licenses. This directly affects license applicants and businesses seeking state permits, as agencies must now clearly state the legal basis for rejections or approvals. The bill amends the Administrative Procedures Act to add this requirement, ensuring agency decisions include direct references to applicable statutes. It is a procedural change focused on transparency, not altering substantive licensing rules.

Maddy summaryHR 244 is a House resolution urging Congress to pass the SAVE Act (H.R. 22), which would require states to verify U.S. citizenship for federal election voter registration. The resolution references the SAVE Act’s key provision: requiring documentary proof of citizenship - such as a passport, birth certificate, or REAL ID-compliant ID - during registration, including through driver’s license offices or mail-in forms. It also mandates states to use DHS data to remove non-citizens from voter rolls and establish processes for resolving citizenship disputes. As a resolution, HR 244 itself does not change law but formally advocates for the SAVE Act’s adoption.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 242) designates February 6, 2026, as "Reagan Day" in Michigan to commemorate the birthday and legacy of former President Ronald Reagan. It is a symbolic observance with no binding legal effect, intended to honor Reagan's leadership, emphasis on liberty, and alignment with Michigan's values of innovation and hard work. The resolution encourages schools and communities to reflect on Reagan's contributions to American history and inspire civic engagement. It does not impose new requirements or affect any individuals, policies, or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5486 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to require healthcare providers to report adverse events from vaccines starting January 1, 2027, including specific details like symptoms, outcomes, and medical test results. It directly affects healthcare providers (doctors, clinics, hospitals) who administer vaccines and parents/guardians who may opt out of immunization reporting via written notice. The bill expands the Michigan Care Improvement Registry to include adverse event data while maintaining parental opt-out rights for immunization reporting. Crucially, it prohibits schools and school officials from accessing the registry, reinforcing privacy protections for health records. These changes update existing requirements established in 2023 and 2006, with new adverse event reporting mechanisms taking effect in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5491 requires that pat-down searches of visitors and strip searches of prisoners in Michigan state correctional facilities be conducted by staff of the same biological sex as the person being searched. This directly affects visitors to prisons and incarcerated individuals. The bill defines "biological sex" as sex characteristics present at birth (including chromosomes, hormones, and genitalia), excluding gender identity or self-identification. Visitors may opt out of the same-sex requirement by signing a waiver, but strip searches of prisoners must always follow the same-sex rule.

Maddy summaryHB 4418 updates Michigan's probate law to clarify how patients can designate a healthcare surrogate when they cannot make decisions themselves. It adds a new process for formally naming a surrogate (replacing the previous method) and removes an outdated section from older law. This directly affects patients without existing advance directives and their families by providing a clearer, more modern way to appoint someone to make medical decisions for them.

Maddy summaryHB 4419 adds legal protections to Michigan's health care decision-making framework. It shields health care providers and facilities from liability when following decisions made by a legally designated patient surrogate or advocate, as long as they act in good faith. The bill also protects surrogates and advocates from liability for good-faith health care decisions they make. Providers who intentionally violate these rules face minimum damages of $1,000, while those who falsify or tamper with a patient's health care directive designation face minimum damages of $2,500. This directly affects patients with advance directives, their designated surrogates, and medical providers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares January 25-31, 2026, as Catholic Schools Week in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes Catholic schools' role in the state, highlighting their enrollment (50,421 students across 207 schools), compliance with public school regulations, and contributions to community values. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change policies - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment supporting Catholic schools' educational and community impact.

Maddy summaryHB 4980 amends Michigan's concealed pistol licensing law to allow applicants to file their license applications with *any* county clerk in the state where they reside, rather than requiring filing only in their county of residence. This change directly affects Michigan residents seeking concealed carry permits, simplifying the initial application process. The bill modifies Section 5b of the state's firearms licensing act (MCL 28.425b) to remove the residency county restriction, while maintaining all other requirements like fingerprinting, background checks, fees ($100), and training documentation. It does not alter eligibility criteria, fees, or processing timelines - only the location where applications must be submitted. The bill is pending in the Judiciary Committee as introduced on September 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5459 clarifies how utility companies collect the 2% additional sales tax on residential electricity, gas, and heating fuels in Michigan. It directly affects utility companies serving residential customers, requiring them to calculate the tax based on specific rules depending on their customer size. Companies with 100,000+ Michigan customers must prorate the tax starting from May 1, 1994, based on days after April 30, 1994. Smaller companies (under 100,000 customers) can either use this proration method or apply the tax starting with the first bill after April 30, 1994. The bill amends existing tax collection rules to provide clear, practical guidelines for utilities.