Rep. Tim Kelly

Maddy summaryHB 5536 updates Michigan's legal definition of "wetland" under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It expands the definition to include features that are contiguous to the Great Lakes, over 5 acres in size, contain endangered species, or are designated as rare wetland types (like Great Lakes marshes or coastal fens). This change directly affects landowners, developers, and conservation groups by altering which areas require environmental review or mitigation for development. The bill also clarifies terms like "altered wetland" and "voluntary restoration projects" to guide land management practices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares June 2026 as Fidelity Month throughout the state of Michigan. It encourages residents, families, and community organizations to reflect on and promote values such as faith, patriotism, and civic responsibility during that month. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic designation to highlight these principles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's natural resources laws to update regulations on commercial fishing, including allowable catch limits and quota percentages for various fish species. It establishes stricter record-keeping requirements for fish dealers and mandates that commercial fishers report their catch immediately after each fishing season ends. The legislation also introduces new financial penalties for illegal fishing, requiring offenders to pay fines based on the weight of the fish taken, and sets a rule that commercial licenses will be permanently revoked if a fisher commits five specific violations within a five-year period. Additionally, the bill rescinds several outdated administrative rules related to commercial fishing operations.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires the state attorney general to submit quarterly reports to both houses of the legislature whenever litigation costs exceed $250,000, with more detailed reporting required for cases exceeding $1,000,000. The reports must include financial accounts, explanations of the legal cases, and justifications for the expenditures, ensuring lawmakers can track how state funds are being used in legal proceedings. If the attorney general fails to submit these reports, legislators can seek court orders to compel compliance, and the auditor general must investigate and report on any violations of the new requirements. The bill establishes clear thresholds for transparency and creates enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability in state legal spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Revised School Code to allow students to use the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an alternative to the standard Michigan Merit Examination for college entrance requirements. It specifically permits 11th and 12th-grade students to take the CLT in place of the traditional assessment, which currently covers English language arts, mathematics, reading, science, and social studies. The legislation also introduces a waiver process for the workforce readiness portion of the exam, requiring parents to submit a signed request by late February of the school year. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts provide informational letters to students and families explaining the purpose and benefits of the workforce readiness test before it is administered.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's state school aid requirements by allowing students to use the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an option for the college entrance portion of the Michigan merit examination. Under the new provisions, districts must still administer a comprehensive exam that includes college entrance assessments, a workforce readiness test, and a social studies component, but students may now choose the CLT to satisfy the college entrance requirement. The legislation also establishes a waiver process for the workforce readiness test, permitting parents to opt their children out by submitting a signed form to their school district by February 28. Additionally, the bill mandates that all scaled scores from the exam be recorded on high school transcripts alongside attendance records.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Michigan state constitution to change how local governments can raise taxes. It requires that any new tax or increase to an existing tax rate must be approved by a majority of voters who cast ballots on the issue. Starting January 1, 2027, the law also mandates that at least 30% of all eligible voters in that local area must vote on the question for the tax measure to pass. The amendment includes specific rules to adjust tax rates if property values rise faster than inflation, ensuring tax revenue does not automatically increase without voter approval. Exceptions are made for taxes needed to pay off existing debt or bonds that were authorized before the change takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes declaring June 2026 as Nuclear Family Month in Michigan to highlight the importance of households consisting of a married couple and their children. The resolution does not create any new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage communities and families to reflect on strengthening marital bonds and supporting parents. By designating this month, the bill aims to raise awareness about the perceived benefits of traditional family structures for child well-being and societal stability.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2026 as Dairy Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant dairy industry. The measure highlights the sector's economic contributions, including its role in food production, job creation, and public health through nutritious dairy products. By adopting this symbolic declaration, the legislature aims to celebrate the achievements of local dairy farmers and processors while promoting awareness of the nutritional benefits of dairy consumption.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to establish the first official hunting and trapping seasons for gray wolves statewide. It authorizes the commission to create these seasons within 90 days of certain related laws becoming active, aiming to manage wolf populations and reduce conflicts with humans and livestock. The legislation directly affects hunters, trappers, and wildlife managers by setting the legal framework for future wolf harvests. However, the bill includes a condition that it will not take effect unless a separate companion bill regarding wolf management is also passed by the legislature.