Rep. Tim Kelly

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan high schools to mandate a one-semester civics course and eventually require students to pass the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test to earn graduation credit. It directs the state to update social studies curriculum standards and assessments to align with the current naturalization test questions by May 2018. The law applies to all public and nonpublic schools but includes exemptions for students with specific educational needs or those in military service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's tax administration laws to update procedures following the repeal of the state real estate transfer tax. It primarily affects taxpayers and the Department of Treasury by establishing a formal, step-by-step process for resolving tax disputes before an assessment is finalized. Key provisions require the department to send a non-intimidating inquiry letter before assessing taxes, offer taxpayers an informal conference to discuss contested amounts, and allow for a written settlement negotiation between the taxpayer and the state treasurer. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all tax audits be conducted according to specific professional standards, including confidentiality, technical training, and independence.

Maddy summaryHB 5879 requires public utilities in Michigan to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before raising rates or changing rate schedules that would increase costs for customers. The bill mandates that utilities provide notice to affected areas and allow for a full hearing before any rate increase is approved, while also setting specific timelines for the commission to review and respond to rate applications. Additionally, it establishes a process for gas utilities with fewer than one million customers to seek immediate partial rate relief and outlines rules for refunding customers if proposed rates are later reduced after being temporarily implemented. This legislation directly impacts gas, electric, and steam utilities operating in the state and their residential and commercial customers by tightening oversight on rate-setting procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's property tax rules to clarify how taxable values are calculated when property ownership transfers. It establishes that a property's taxable value resets to its current market value upon transfer, but then limits future annual increases to the lesser of 5% or the inflation rate until another transfer occurs. The legislation also defines specific scenarios where a transfer does not trigger a reset, such as when property is moved into a trust by a parent for their own children or grandchildren, provided the home remains residential. Additionally, it allows local tax officials to correct past valuation errors related to missed transfers for up to three years and clarifies rules for land contracts and certain bond-funded properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to update tax exemption rules for downtown development authorities in Michigan. It clarifies that these entities remain exempt from real estate transfer taxes even after the state real estate transfer tax act was repealed. The changes will only take effect if two other related bills are also enacted into law. Ultimately, the measure ensures these local economic development organizations do not face new transfer tax obligations on property instruments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate code to clarify how property transfers are treated when a personal representative sells estate assets to themselves or others. It establishes that buyers or lenders who purchase these assets are considered to have paid value without needing to verify if the original distribution was legally proper or if the representative still had authority. Additionally, the bill creates a legal presumption that recorded transfers are made for value, which helps simplify tax assessments, though it does not alter existing rules regarding Michigan estate tax liens. The legislation directly affects personal representatives, estate buyers, lenders, and interested parties involved in property distribution, and it requires two other related bills to pass before it can take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5878 eliminates the personal property tax in Michigan for all items that do not qualify for an existing specific exemption, effective for taxes levied after December 31, 2026. Owners of such property must annually file a statement with their local tax collector to claim this new exemption, while property that already has a designated exemption cannot be claimed under this new rule. The bill also requires local tax units to send summary data to the state Department of Treasury by April 1 each year to track the revenue impact of these new exemptions. This legislation directly affects business owners and individuals holding personal property by removing a tax burden on eligible assets, provided they complete the necessary filing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Michigan's state real estate transfer tax, which previously applied to the sale of property. It includes a provision to ensure that any resulting loss in state revenue is compensated by transferring funds from the state general fund to the school aid fund. The law will only take effect if a separate companion bill, HB 5880, is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Michigan's 1993 State Education Tax Act, which previously imposed a tax on property owners to fund public schools. The legislation is contingent upon the simultaneous passage of a companion bill (HB 5880) that mandates the state to use general funds to fully replace any revenue lost from eliminating the tax. If enacted, the change would remove the specific tax requirement while ensuring that school funding levels remain unchanged through state appropriation. The law is scheduled to take effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryHB 5504 proposes creating a State Digital Service Office within Michigan's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. The office would review software projects costing $1 million or more, advise state agencies on modern development practices (like user-centered design and agile methods), and require annual reports on progress and cost savings. It directly affects state departments and agencies developing digital services, mandating collaboration with the new office for projects over $500,000 and requiring transparency through public reporting on outcomes like time saved and error reduction. The bill aims to improve digital service efficiency and user experience across state government.