Rep. Tim Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 4021 modifies Michigan's eviction process by allowing district court magistrates to conduct both pretrial hearings and trials in eviction cases, expanding their authority beyond current limits. It sets specific timeframes: summons must be served 10 days before trial for most evictions (30 days for certain cases under Section 5726), and trials must occur within 7 days of the defendant's appearance unless parties stipulate otherwise. The bill requires magistrates to verbally inform parties of their rights at pretrial hearings as outlined in Michigan court rules. This directly affects tenants and landlords involved in eviction proceedings by changing who handles the case (magistrates instead of only judges) and accelerating the timeline for resolution.

Maddy summaryHB 4206 modifies Michigan's deer hunting regulations by allowing hunters with a valid base license to obtain two antlerless deer permits annually at no cost, effective March 1, 2014. The bill also establishes a $5 nonrefundable application fee for additional antlerless permits and requires kill tags (with license numbers) to be issued with each permit. It permits residents to purchase a second deer license (without senior discounts) and nonresidents to buy additional licenses for $170, with department-designated hunting zones. This directly affects Michigan hunters holding base licenses, reducing their cost for antlerless permits while maintaining standard licensing fees for regular licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4188 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to clarify that operating a vehicle "in a careless or negligent manner likely to endanger any person or property, but without wantonness or recklessness" would be classified as a civil infraction. This change directly affects drivers whose behavior meets this specific standard - non-reckless, careless driving - by treating it as a civil matter rather than a criminal offense. The bill modifies Section 626b of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.626b) to explicitly exclude cases involving "wantonness or recklessness," which would remain subject to more severe penalties. The amendment is procedural and aims to refine the legal definition of the infraction. The bill was introduced on March 6, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4190 prohibits physicians in Michigan from performing gender reassignment surgery on minors or prescribing cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs with the intent of assisting gender transition. The bill directly affects minors under 18 seeking gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy or puberty suppression. Exceptions apply only to minors already receiving such treatment before the law's effective date, if the physician documented that stopping treatment would cause harm. The law defines key terms like "gender reassignment surgery" (including genital and non-genital procedures) and "puberty-blocking drugs" to clarify the scope of the prohibition.

Maddy summaryHB 4164 adds new definitions to Michigan's military law to clarify when the Michigan National Guard can be deployed into active combat. It defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflict, hazardous service related to conflict abroad, or war-related duties, and specifies that an "official declaration of war" requires a formal act by the U.S. Congress under the Constitution. This bill directly affects Michigan National Guard deployments by requiring state officials to confirm Congress has declared war before sending troops into combat roles. The definitions would guide state officials in determining whether a deployment complies with the law, preventing unilateral state decisions for combat missions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares March 2025 as Agriculture Appreciation Month in Michigan. It encourages all citizens to recognize the state's agricultural sector, which contributes over $125 billion annually to Michigan's economy and supports 805,000 jobs. The resolution is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress to freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A agricultural workers at the 2023 level ($15.10/hour) through 2025. It directly affects Michigan farmers who rely on the H-2A program, as the current 2025 AEWR in Michigan is $18.15/hour - a 34% increase since 2019. The resolution seeks to prevent further wage hikes for temporary farm workers, aiming to reduce rising labor costs amid broader farm expense increases. It does not change existing law but calls on Congress to pass legislation implementing this freeze.

Maddy summaryHB 4053 creates the "nondisclosure agreement definitions act" by defining a "nondisclosure agreement" as a contract that prohibits a party from disclosing, discussing, describing, or commenting on the agreement or its terms. This bill does not directly prohibit such agreements but establishes definitions for a future law that would address them. It requires the enactment of another bill (HB 4052 or SB 558) to take effect and passed the Michigan House of Representatives on February 25, 2025, with 91 votes in favor.

Maddy summaryHB 4052 prohibits Michigan legislators and their legislative staff from signing confidentiality agreements related to their official legislative work. Any such agreement entered into after the law takes effect would be void. The bill applies to all agreements made, amended, extended, or renewed on or after the effective date, specifically covering work performed in a legislative capacity. It does not affect personal or non-legislative matters.

Maddy summaryHB 4123 amends Michigan's Reconnect Grant Act to expand support for adult learners pursuing industry-recognized credentials. It requires eligible community colleges and career-training programs to implement corequisite academic support (taking college-level courses while receiving targeted help) instead of traditional remedial classes, and to report on student success strategies like credit for prior learning. The bill directly affects adult students enrolled in these programs and institutions receiving Reconnect Grants, including career-tech centers and apprenticeships offering stackable credentials. Key changes include expanding grant funding eligibility to cover non-degree certificate programs and mandating institutions to provide free academic support for students needing remediation. If passed, these changes would reshape how Michigan's community colleges and career programs support adult learners seeking job-ready skills.