Rep. Bill Schuette

Maddy summaryHB 4222 requires Michigan public school districts, intermediate school districts, public school academies, and nonpublic schools to develop and update emergency operations plans every three years (starting July 1, 2026) in collaboration with local law enforcement. These plans must address specific safety scenarios like violence, fire, intruders, weather emergencies, mental health training, building security, and crisis response protocols. Schools must adopt plans with public input and notify the state education department within 30 days of adoption or updates, with all plan details kept confidential under state law. The department will track compliance and notify non-compliant schools, ensuring consistent safety planning across all school buildings.

Maddy summaryHB 4118 amends Michigan's Drain Code to require that lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be assessed for drainage project costs based on the benefits they receive, similar to how townships, cities, counties, and state highways are assessed. The bill clarifies that drainage costs must be apportioned among these entities according to specific benefit-based formulas, including DNR lands as a distinct category. It also updates public notice requirements for bidding on drainage projects and reviews of cost allocations to ensure transparency. This change directly affects DNR lands and the entities responsible for funding drainage improvements, including local governments and state transportation authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 4227 requires every intermediate school district in Michigan to hire at least one emergency and safety manager and one mental health coordinator. The emergency manager coordinates with state and local agencies to prevent safety incidents, conduct risk assessments, and handle safety concerns across schools. The mental health coordinator manages state funding for student mental health services, integrates community resources, and oversees programs like Medicaid billing and behavioral health support. These roles aim to strengthen safety planning and mental health access for all public and nonpublic schools within each district's boundaries.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4240, titled the "Foreign Influence of Public Bodies Act," aims to regulate interactions between Michigan state and local government bodies and certain foreign entities. It prohibits public bodies from accepting gifts or grants, or entering agreements, with specified "foreign countries of concern" if those interactions compromise the public body's autonomy or pose a security risk. The bill mandates that public bodies disclose gifts or grants of $50,000 or more from any foreign source. Additionally, individuals or entities seeking state grants or contracts exceeding $100,000 must disclose their financial ties to these "foreign countries of concern." All disclosed information will be made publicly available to enhance transparency.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4155 requires the Department to publish a list of recommended curriculum companies and assessment companies for use by K-12 public schools. By April 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Department must make these lists available to school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies. Recommended curriculum companies must offer programs aligning with state academic standards, provide evidence of effectiveness, and include provisions for accessibility and professional development. Similarly, recommended assessment companies must provide various assessments meeting state and federal requirements. It is important to note that schools are not mandated to use any of the companies or curricula on these recommended lists.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4148 revises the process for political parties to nominate candidates for the State Board of Education in Michigan. It divides the state into four specific districts. Beginning in 2026, political parties will be required to nominate candidates for the State Board of Education who are residents of designated districts, following a rotating 8-year schedule. This changes the current system where candidates are nominated at large without district-specific residency requirements.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 101 declares May 2025 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution encourages Michigan citizens to participate in efforts to promote motorcycle safety among riders and to raise awareness for other drivers sharing the roadways.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 102 declares May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution aims to honor law enforcement officers who serve and those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryHB 4233 prohibits foreign entities (including foreign governments, corporations, or individuals) from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Michigan, with limited exceptions. Current foreign owners may retain existing farmland but cannot buy additional land, and all foreign-owned agricultural land must be registered with the Secretary of State within 60 days, including location, acreage, and ownership details. Exceptions allow land acquired through inheritance (if sold within two years), security interests, or legal processes like foreclosure (if sold within two years and not used for non-farming purposes). Violations trigger court action by the Attorney General, requiring foreign owners to divest the land within two years.

Maddy summaryHB 4152 requires Michigan teacher preparation programs (and alternative teaching programs) to include specific training content starting September 30, 2027, to gain or maintain state approval. The bill mandates instruction on dyslexia characteristics, consequences, instructional adjustments, and multi-tiered support systems (MTSS), with additional evidence-based reading methods required for programs preparing teachers in reading, language arts, or special education. Programs focused on math or science must develop curricula in consultation with subject-matter experts. These requirements apply directly to institutions training future educators, with waivers possible for non-relevant programs under specific conditions.