Rep. Amos O'Neal

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sales tax law to change how a specific portion of sales tax revenue is distributed to the public safety and violence prevention fund. Starting in October 2023, the state will deposit 1.5% of the collections from the standard 4% sales tax into this new fund on a monthly basis. The legislation also outlines existing rules for distributing other sales tax revenues to schools, transportation projects, aviation, and health initiatives. By specifying these allocation percentages and timelines, the bill ensures that designated funds are collected and transferred to their intended programs without altering the overall tax rate.

Maddy summaryThis law updates the rules for who can serve on Michigan's state and county election canvassing boards. To be eligible, members must be registered voters who have taken an official oath of office and have never been convicted of specific election-related crimes. The bill defines these crimes to include various offenses such as perjury, voter intimidation, and certain felonies. Additionally, county board members cannot hold another elected public office while serving on the board. These changes take effect on April 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan State Housing Development Authority by removing the requirement for a resident member to have voting rights on the board. The resident member, who must be an adult living in federally assisted housing, can now attend meetings and provide input but cannot vote on any matters. This change ensures that while the perspective of a housing recipient is represented on the authority, all official decisions are made by the appointed officials. The amendment applies to the authority's governance structure and does not alter the funding or operational powers of the agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Drain Code to update how compensation and expenses are handled for members of a "board of determination," which is a group that reviews petitions to build new drainage systems. The legislation clarifies that these board members should receive the same daily pay and expense reimbursements as county commissioners, with the specific amounts set by the drain commissioner. Additionally, the bill outlines the process for appointing these board members, ensuring they are disinterested property owners from the county but not from the specific townships or cities affected by the proposed drain. By standardizing these financial arrangements, the bill aims to provide clear guidelines for the administrative costs associated with evaluating drainage projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan State Police retirement system to clarify definitions and rules for transferring retirement funds. It directly affects law enforcement officers by expanding the list of approved financial accounts where they can move their retirement money, including newer options like Roth IRAs. The legislation also changes how final average compensation is calculated for certain officers hired after June 10, 2012, by using the average salary from their last five years instead of two. Additionally, the bill provides clearer definitions for terms such as "banked leave time" and "direct rollover" to ensure consistency in how the retirement system operates.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5060 eliminates the Michigan Economic and Social Opportunity Act of 1981, which previously established a state bureau and commission focused on reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency for low-income individuals. By repealing the 1981 law, the bill removes the legal framework that designated community action agencies and defined the powers and duties of the department, bureau, and commission. This change effectively dissolves the specific administrative structure created by the 1981 act, altering how these entities operate within the state government. The legislation affects the state's organizational setup for economic and social services but does not create new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's drainage laws to increase the annual spending limits for inspecting and repairing county and intercounty drains. It allows officials to spend up to $10,000 per mile of drain each year without needing a special vote from local governments, with this amount automatically adjusted annually for inflation. If repair costs exceed this limit, the bill requires approval from the affected local townships or cities before additional funds can be used. The legislation also clarifies how surplus funds are managed and ensures that property owners are notified before assessments are levied for major repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework in Michigan to handle the division of "heirs property," which is real estate owned by multiple relatives who inherited it without a formal agreement. It establishes specific rules for courts to follow when these properties are contested, requiring judges to first determine if the land qualifies as heirs property before deciding how to split it. Under the new provisions, courts must order professional appraisals to set a fair market value unless all owners agree on a price or the cost of an appraisal is deemed too high. The legislation also mandates that plaintiffs post a sign on the property during legal proceedings to notify potential heirs and requires that any appointed evaluators be impartial and not involved in the case.

Maddy summaryHB 4900 updates Michigan laws regarding how courts collect money owed through legal judgments by clarifying definitions and adjusting collection procedures. The bill specifically affects creditors seeking to garnish wages or seize property, as well as individuals whose earnings are subject to such collection efforts. Key changes include refining the definition of "garnishable earnings" to account for specific insurance deductions and establishing a new $1 fee that plaintiffs must pay to the third party holding the debt when serving a garnishment order. Additionally, the legislation clarifies when garnishment proceedings can begin against government entities and individuals who owe money for labor performed.