Rep. Tim Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 5502 amends Michigan's wetland regulation law (MCL 324.30305) to clarify which activities in wetlands do not require state permits. It specifically allows farming, ranching, and agricultural drainage activities without permits, but only if they are part of an "established ongoing operation" (not new conversion of wetlands to farmland). The bill also adds detailed rules for minor drainage, farm roads, and utility line installation (e.g., directional drilling must keep lines at least 4 feet below soil). These changes directly affect farmers, landowners, and developers working in wetlands across Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 4703 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover group prenatal care services for policyholders. This directly affects health insurers offering coverage in the state and pregnant individuals seeking prenatal care. The bill defines "group prenatal care services" as evidence-based, group-based visits that include health assessments, social support, education, and peer interaction in a family-centered setting. Insurers must now provide this coverage for group prenatal care under their health insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement officers and state agency employees in Michigan from using the "open fields doctrine" during searches. The open fields doctrine is a legal rule that currently allows police to search open areas without a warrant, but this legislation would remove that exception for state-level searches. As a result, any search conducted by these officials in open fields would require a warrant or another valid legal justification. The law directly affects state departments, boards, and commissions, as well as the officers and agents who work for them.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for the state of Michigan to issue certificates of acceptability for premanufactured building units, such as modular homes, at their place of manufacture. It requires manufacturers to submit detailed plans and specifications for review and approval, with the state department required to respond within 30 days, after which the application is automatically approved if no decision is made. The bill also sets up inspection procedures to verify that manufactured units comply with submitted plans, allows local agencies to inspect units at the manufacturing site, and creates a hearing process to resolve disputes when local enforcing agencies object to the use of a premanufactured unit.

Maddy summaryHB 5033 raises the cost threshold for exempting school building projects from certain safety and construction requirements from $15,000 to $5,000,000. This means school districts and contractors working on projects costing less than $5 million no longer need to hire a registered architect or engineer, though they must still submit plans for review to the bureau of fire services and the superintendent of public instruction. The bill applies to all school building construction, reconstruction, and remodeling projects under $5 million, including one-story buildings and additions. It directly affects local school districts and contractors by reducing regulatory requirements for smaller-scale projects.

Maddy summaryHB 4704 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (like Medicaid) to cover group prenatal care services starting from its effective date. This directly affects pregnant individuals enrolled in Michigan's medical assistance program by making evidence-based group prenatal care available at no extra cost. The bill defines "group prenatal care" as a series of visits in a group setting that includes health assessments, social support, education, and peer interaction in a family-centered environment. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services must add this coverage to the program under Section 109t of the Social Welfare Act.

Maddy summaryHB 5145 changes documentation requirements for Michigan's public assistance programs, including food assistance. It replaces self-attestation with verifiable documents for applicants to prove identity (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate), income (e.g., pay stub, tax return), and Michigan residency (e.g., utility bill, lease). The bill requires applicants to upload these documents via the MI Bridges online portal before eligibility is determined. It also mandates that the department use alternative verification methods if documents are missing, rather than automatically denying benefits. This bill directly affects individuals applying for or renewing public assistance benefits in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to expand Michigan's medical assistance program to cover transportation services for individuals with behavioral health needs. It requires the state department to pay for these transport costs for eligible people and mandates that transport providers follow existing mental health code regulations. The legislation defines behavioral health transport as travel to and from treatment facilities and specifies that only approved agencies can provide this service. Importantly, the bill will not become law unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5943.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing framework in Michigan for agencies that provide specialized transportation services for individuals experiencing mental health crises. It creates specific definitions for these services, which are designed to move medically stable people who do not require physical or chemical restraints to the nearest facility capable of meeting their needs. The legislation mandates that licensed agencies operate under medical supervision, maintain detailed logs of every trip, and implement strict safety and hygiene protocols for their vehicles and staff. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of transports, police interventions, and any investigations into staff misconduct.