Rep. Bill Schuette

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a strict 10-business-day deadline for Michigan building departments to review and decide on construction permit applications, extending that limit to 15 days only for unusually complicated projects. If a department fails to make a decision within these timeframes, the law treats the silence as a denial, allowing the applicant to immediately appeal to a board. Additionally, the bill prevents departments from requesting new or additional changes to an application after the initial review period has expired, ensuring applicants are not subjected to endless delays. These rules apply to all types of building permits, including those for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's construction code to clarify the procedures for modifying building permits after they have been issued. It allows building permit holders to request changes while ensuring that the department can only require additional modifications directly related to those specific requests. The legislation includes a ten-day deadline for the department to notify permit holders of any required changes and prevents the need to restart the entire application process. Because the bill is tied to another piece of legislation, it will only take effect if that companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's construction code to set strict deadlines for state and local agencies reviewing building permit applications. Agencies must now decide on permit requests within 10 business days, or 15 days for unusually complex projects, with failure to meet these deadlines automatically treating the application as denied. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to explain the reasons for any denial and mandates that incomplete applications be addressed within seven days or treated as complete.

Maddy summaryHB 5214 creates a new tax credit for Michigan family caregivers, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim up to $2,000 (30% of qualified expenses, whichever is less) against their state income tax for care provided to qualifying family members. It directly affects Michigan residents who provide unpaid care for family members living at home (not in facilities) with specific health needs, such as inability to perform two or more daily activities or requiring supervision due to cognitive impairment. Qualified expenses include respite care, assistive devices, home modifications, and transportation, but exclude general household maintenance. To claim the credit, caregivers must document expenses, provide family member details, and meet income limits ($50,000 single / $100,000 joint). The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5818 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to update definitions and establish a new Joint Committee on Regulatory Oversight and Administrative Review. The bill clarifies terms like 'agency' and 'major rule' while creating a formal process for the new committee to review proposed rules and issue objections. It also modifies requirements for how agencies publish rules, handle contested cases, and manage public comment periods.

Maddy summaryHB 5498 requires Michigan state agencies that issue permits (including licenses, approvals, or registrations) to categorize permits by industry sector and assign dedicated employees to manage each category. It directly affects state agencies like those handling construction permits, environmental approvals, or business licenses. The bill mandates that each employee managing permits must focus exclusively on one industry category, preventing them from handling multiple types of permits. This aims to streamline permit processing by creating specialized staff roles for specific regulatory areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's guardianship and conservatorship laws to strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals under court supervision. It primarily affects professional guardians and conservators, requiring them to file financial bonds or restricted accounts, disclose any outside compensation received, and maintain regular visitation schedules with the individuals they serve. The legislation also mandates that guardians consult with legally incapacitated individuals before making major decisions and clarifies the specific powers guardians have regarding medical consent, property management, and care arrangements. Additionally, it authorizes certain nonbanking corporations to serve as professional fiduciaries while limiting their authority to the specific cases in which they are appointed.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan laws governing the powers and duties of conservators, who manage the financial affairs of individuals unable to do so themselves. It primarily affects courts, conservators, and the families of protected individuals by clarifying when conservators must post a financial bond and expanding their authority to manage estate assets. Under the new provisions, courts must require a bond unless specific exceptions apply, such as when the estate lacks cash or the conservator has already been granted trust powers. The bill also updates the list of actions conservators can take without court approval, including managing businesses, investing assets, entering leases, and employing professional advisors, while maintaining oversight requirements to protect the interests of the protected individual.

Maddy summaryHB 5501 allows developers to relocate wetlands within the same development project instead of creating new wetlands or restoring existing ones, directly affecting construction and land development permit applicants. The bill establishes a 1:1 wetland replacement ratio for in-parcel relocations when ecological functions are maintained or improved, while reducing the preference for on-site mitigation. It also introduces flexibility in mitigation ratios when using wetland bank credits and requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop guidelines for on-site mitigation planning. These changes aim to streamline permitting while maintaining wetland resource protection under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

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.