Rep. Amos O'Neal

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a specific section of Michigan's Management and Budget Act that previously required state agencies to use particular racial and ethnic classifications in their official documents. The legislation is tied to a companion bill, meaning it will only become law if both measures are passed together. By removing this requirement, the bill allows state agencies to stop using those specific categories in their writings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new special license plate in Michigan to raise money for sickle cell anemia research and treatment. The Secretary of State will work with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter, to design the plate, and all proceeds from its sale will go into a dedicated state fund. That fund will be managed by the State Treasurer, who is required to invest the money and distribute the earnings to the association every quarter. Additionally, the bill removes an outdated section from the state's vehicle code that is no longer needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan 4-H Foundation fund within the state treasury to hold money and assets contributed from various sources. It authorizes the state treasurer to manage investments for the fund, ensure earnings stay within the account, and distribute the money to the Michigan 4-H Foundation on a quarterly basis. The legislation includes a provision stating that it will not take effect unless a related bill, HB 5058, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's criminal procedure code to establish specific sentencing guidelines for violating maritime traffic rules in the Straits of Mackinac. It directly affects boaters and captains operating watercraft in that area by clarifying the penalties for failing to use a required maritime pilot or for anchoring in prohibited zones. The legislation does not create new rules but instead updates the legal framework to ensure consistent punishment when these existing safety requirements are broken.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Strategic Fund to submit an annual report detailing its economic development activities to state officials and the public by April 10 each year. The report must include specific data such as lists of recipients, project types, financial amounts, job creation and retention statistics, salary information, and the status of loans and bankruptcies. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the fund's annual audit be made available online and specifies that bankruptcy notices for major recipients must be shared with specific legislative committees. These changes aim to increase transparency and accountability for the fund's use of taxpayer money in supporting businesses and investments across Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new regulations for large watercraft, defined as vessels over 700 feet long, navigating the Straits of Mackinac. It mandates that these vessels must be guided by a licensed maritime pilot and strictly prohibits the use of anchors or any equipment that could touch the lake bottom within the designated area. Additionally, the legislation requires the state to install buoys to mark navigation hazards and designates specific emergency anchorage zones. Owners of obstructions in the straits are also required to mark their property with buoys within 90 days to ensure safe passage. Violations of these rules are classified as felonies, carrying potential prison sentences, fines, and mandatory reimbursement for environmental cleanup costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state department and the Michigan Strategic Fund to submit an annual report on the research and development tax credits by July 1 each year. The report must detail the overall effectiveness of these credits, the number of businesses filing claims, and specific names and amounts of credits for both standard claims and those involving university collaboration. This change directly affects the state's financial reporting process and provides legislators and the governor with data on how these tax incentives are being utilized by businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Michigan cities with specific population thresholds to create administrative hearings bureaus to handle violations related to blight, such as property maintenance issues, illegal dumping, and zoning problems. These local bureaus can issue violation notices, accept admissions of guilt, and impose civil fines up to $10,000, with the operating costs covered by the city itself. The law includes protections for landlords by requiring them to receive correction notices and a chance to fix issues before facing penalties during inspections, unless there is an immediate safety emergency. Additionally, the new bureaus are limited to civil matters and cannot impose jail time or handle criminal offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's law regarding how much money insurance companies must set aside from fire and storm damage claims for residential homes. It increases the maximum amount of withheld funds that local governments can hold in escrow to ensure repairs are made, raising the cap from $12,000 to $24,000 starting July 1, 2024. The legislation also clarifies the notification process, requiring insurers to inform homeowners, lenders, and local officials about these withheld funds and the option for municipalities to secure the money for public safety repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish specific sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of committing fraudulent acts against insurance companies. It directly affects prosecutors, judges, and defendants involved in insurance fraud cases by providing a structured framework for determining appropriate prison terms and fines. The legislation updates existing laws to ensure consistent and standardized penalties for these financial crimes, replacing previous vague directives with clearer statutory requirements.