Rep. Tim Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 5358 modifies Michigan's teacher licensing requirements. It requires teachers seeking professional certification to complete a 3-credit course on diagnosing and supporting students with reading disabilities, including specific tools and strategies. The bill also creates streamlined pathways for out-of-state teachers to obtain Michigan certification if they've taught successfully for at least 3 years in their previous state, waiving some exam and reading course requirements. These changes directly affect teachers, school districts, and teacher preparation programs by altering certification standards and reciprocity processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's high school graduation requirements by allowing students to earn mathematics credits through career and technical education programs instead of traditional classroom courses. Specifically, it permits pupils to satisfy the algebra II requirement by completing approved CTE curricula in fields such as engineering, construction, or computer science that cover the same mathematical content. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that students can partially or fully meet the foreign language requirement by completing CTE or visual and performing arts instruction. These changes aim to provide more flexible pathways for students to graduate while maintaining specific academic standards in math and language arts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow Michigan residents to receive medical assistance coverage retroactively for up to one month before they apply, with an extension to two months for those eligible under the non-expansion Medicaid population. The changes would take effect on January 1, 2027, and apply to individuals who meet specific citizenship and eligibility requirements defined in the state's social welfare act. By modifying the Social Welfare Act, the legislation aims to provide a grace period for applicants to access healthcare services while their applications are being processed.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 19 of each year as Patriots' Day in Michigan, aligning the state with other regions that observe this holiday. The legislation recognizes the historical significance of the American Revolutionary War battles at Lexington and Concord while also acknowledging Michigan's role through British settlements and forts like Detroit, Mackinac, and St. Joseph. It creates a new state holiday to commemorate these historical events and traditions, including reenactments and ceremonies honoring colonial militia. The bill does not establish a paid day off but formally recognizes the date for commemorative purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 5168 exempts use tax on tangible personal property (like equipment or materials) that becomes a structural or integral part of qualifying large agricultural processing facility projects in Michigan. It directly affects agricultural businesses and contractors working on projects requiring at least $100 million in capital investment for construction, expansion, or retooling of facilities that process livestock, crops, or plant products (excluding forest products). The exemption applies only to property permanently affixed to the facility or its infrastructure, not to general use. This amendment modifies Michigan’s Use Tax Act to provide tax relief for significant agricultural infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryHB 5169 creates a sales tax exemption in Michigan for materials and equipment used in qualifying large agricultural processing projects. It directly affects businesses investing $100 million or more in constructing, expanding, or retooling agricultural facilities that process livestock, crops, or plant products (excluding forest products). The exemption applies only to tangible property that becomes a permanent, structural part of the facility or its infrastructure. This change modifies Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to reduce costs for significant agricultural development projects meeting specific investment and scope criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 4119 exempts sales of large aircraft (over 6,000 pounds) and certain parts/materials attached to them from Michigan's sales tax when used by commercial airlines for passenger or cargo transport. It specifically applies to domestic air carriers operating under federal aviation rules, covering both new aircraft purchases and maintenance-related transactions. Key conditions include requiring aircraft to leave Michigan within 15 days of temporary use (e.g., for evaluation or repairs) and ensuring they were not based or registered in Michigan before or after the transaction. This policy change directly affects commercial airlines and aircraft sellers, reducing tax liability on qualifying equipment purchases and maintenance services.

Maddy summaryHB 4922 removes a requirement that school librarians in Michigan public schools must obtain additional certifications beyond a standard teaching certificate. The bill directly affects school librarians, school districts, and public school academies by prohibiting them from mandating extra endorsements or certificates for librarian positions. Key provision: Section 1531k of the Revised School Code explicitly states that no school entity may require such additional credentials. This change simplifies hiring for school libraries while maintaining the baseline teaching certificate requirement. The bill is currently pending second reading after committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 4120 exempts certain aircraft purchases and maintenance from Michigan's use tax. It applies to domestic air carriers using aircraft over 6,000 pounds for cargo, passenger, or combined transport, and to parts/materials affixed to such aircraft under specific conditions (e.g., aircraft not based in Michigan). The bill also exempts temporary aircraft in Michigan for maintenance or sales if they leave within 15 days, and extends tax exemptions to interstate trucking equipment used across state lines. These changes reduce tax burdens for airlines, aircraft maintenance providers, and interstate trucking companies operating in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's pupil transportation laws to clarify safety requirements for school vehicles. It mandates that all school buses used for student transport must meet or exceed federal safety standards for construction and seating. Additionally, the bill prohibits using any vehicle with 11 or more passengers, including the driver, to transport students unless it is specifically classified as a motor bus under separate regulations. These changes directly affect public and private schools, as well as private businesses and government units that operate vehicles for student transport.