Rep. Tim Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 5241 prohibits Michigan state departments and agencies from entering contracts with businesses that boycott certain entities. Starting October 1, 2017, contracts for state building projects require a representation that the business is not boycotting "strategic partners" (as defined in the law). A new provision, effective January 1, 2026, extends this to ban contracts with businesses boycotting entities in conventional energy, mining, agriculture, timber, or firearms industries. The law directly affects state contractors by requiring written assurances they are not engaging in these boycotts.

Maddy summaryHB 5238 prohibits banks in Michigan from denying, restricting, or canceling financial services to agriculture producers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizer use, or machinery type. It specifically targets banks with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments - like public statements or participation in green initiatives - by creating a presumption that such actions violate the law. Banks can rebut this presumption with clear evidence that the decision was based solely on ordinary business reasons unrelated to ESG goals. Violations could result in civil fines up to $10,000 per incident, covering services like loans, deposits, and financing. The bill directly affects Michigan farmers operating under the Right to Farm Act and aims to prevent financial discrimination tied to environmental practices.

Maddy summaryHB 5242 prohibits accrediting agencies from considering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, programs, or practices when making accreditation decisions for Michigan's public and private colleges and universities. The bill directly affects higher education institutions, accrediting agencies, and their students and employees by requiring accreditation decisions to focus solely on academic standards. Key provisions ban agencies from reviewing DEI-related information, collecting such data, or requiring diversity statements, with enforcement through lawsuits by students, employees, or the Attorney General. Violations could result in triple damages, attorney fees, and up to $1,000 per affected student in penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 5239 prohibits savings banks in Michigan from denying, restricting, or canceling financial services to agriculture producers based on their greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel fertilizer use, or fossil fuel-powered machinery. It directly affects savings banks (which must stop such restrictions) and agriculture producers (who gain protection from service denials tied to environmental factors). The bill creates a presumption of violation if a bank with an environmental/social commitment denies services, but allows banks to rebut this with evidence showing the decision was based solely on ordinary business reasons unrelated to environmental goals. Violations carry a civil fine of up to $10,000.

Maddy summaryHB 5243 would abolish the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), ending its role as the state agency managing economic development programs. The bill amends sections 4, 5, and 7 of the Michigan Strategic Fund Act, adds a new section 15, and repeals section 29e to effect this change. This directly affects MEDC and its current programs, which provide grants and loans to support businesses and communities across Michigan. The bill is currently in committee and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 5237 prohibits Michigan public employee retirement systems from investing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds unless those investments offer comparable financial returns to other options. The bill amends Section 13 of the Public Employee Retirement System Investment Act to require investment fiduciaries to consider *only* financial factors (like risk and return) when making decisions, explicitly excluding non-financial social, political, or ideological objectives. This directly affects retirement systems managing funds for state employees, including teachers and public workers, by restricting their ability to prioritize ESG criteria in investment choices. The key provision clarifies that ESG considerations cannot be used as a primary factor unless they demonstrably align with financial performance goals.

Maddy summaryHB 5230 requires drivers of animal-drawn vehicles (like horse-drawn carriages, buggies, or coaches) operating on public roadways to install specific lighting. It mandates at least two white front lights visible 500 feet ahead, two red rear lights visible 500 feet behind, and two amber flashing warning lights on both front and rear. These lights must be mounted 2.5-12 feet high and used during low visibility (rain, fog, poor light), work zones, or when visibility drops below 1,000 feet. Noncompliance results in a $200 civil fine, and the law does not apply to vehicles on state park lands where motor vehicles are prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 12-18, 2025, as "Community Foundation Week" in Michigan. It formally recognizes the work of Michigan’s 60+ community foundations, which support local communities through partnerships, crisis response, and addressing issues like poverty and disaster recovery. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of these organizations' role in strengthening communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas. It was introduced by multiple state representatives and adopted by the House on November 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4421 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) agents to obtain a warrant or the property owner's consent before entering private property for enforcement activities. It explicitly states that the "open fields doctrine" (which typically allows warrantless searches in open areas) does not apply to DEGLE searches. This change directly affects DEGLE enforcement officers and property owners/occupants by imposing standard warrant requirements for all searches on private land. The policy shift ensures DEGLE must follow similar procedural rules as law enforcement when conducting inspections or investigations on private property.

Maddy summaryHB 5221 would increase the required ratio of experienced plumbers to apprentices on construction sites in Michigan, changing it from 1 journey or master plumber per 2 apprentices to 1 per 5 apprentices. This directly affects plumbing contractors, who must comply with the new ratio on all jobsites. Violations would result in escalating fines ($5,000 for a first offense, $10,000 for a second, and a 90-day license suspension for a third), with fines paid to the enforcing agency. The bill also specifies that the state department can recover investigation costs and attorney fees for enforcement actions. (Note: This bill is pending review in the Government Operations Committee as of November 2025.)