Rep. Timmy Beson

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to clarify which transactions and activities are excluded from its coverage. It maintains existing exemptions for regulated industries like banking, insurance, and motor carriers, while also preserving protections for media publishers who do not knowingly spread false advertisements. The legislation places the burden of proof on businesses claiming exemptions from the act's requirements. These changes ensure that specific industries and media operations remain outside the scope of consumer protection claims unless they violate specific state or federal regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant food and agriculture industry. The resolution highlights the sector's economic contributions, including over 805,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue from various crops like cherries, apples, and soybeans. It serves as a commemorative measure with no operational changes, encouraging citizens to celebrate the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy.

Maddy summaryHB 4584 would require school districts in Michigan to hold millage elections (for property tax increases or bond measures) only on November regular election dates starting January 1, 2026. This applies to school districts seeking voter approval for borrowing money, increasing millage rates, or establishing bonds, limiting their options to November elections instead of other dates. The bill amends election law sections to enforce this scheduling rule, with exceptions for special circumstances like vacancies or constitutional amendments. It directly affects school districts and voters in communities holding such elections, ensuring these votes align with the November statewide election cycle. The change takes effect after a 2025 legislative session and is tied to broader property tax law provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4583 amends Michigan's property tax law to clarify ballot requirements for millage elections and limit election timing. It requires clear disclosure on ballots about millage rates, estimated revenue, duration, purpose, and whether it's a renewal or new tax (Section 24f). After December 31, 2025, local governments must hold all millage proposals (new taxes or increases) exclusively during November elections, with limited exceptions for school districts (Section 24f(4)). This bill directly affects cities, counties, school districts, and other local taxing units that seek voter approval for property tax levies, ensuring voters receive standardized information before voting.

Maddy summaryHB 4582, the "Commercial Premises Liability Act," establishes new rules for property owners regarding injuries to customers (invitees) on their premises. It creates a defense for property owners against liability claims when a hazard is "open and obvious" (e.g., a clearly visible spill), meaning they generally don’t need to warn customers about such conditions. However, owners must take reasonable precautions if an obvious hazard has "special features" making it unavoidable or posing severe risk (like a steep, unmarked step). The bill clarifies it doesn’t override existing laws or change comparative fault rules, focusing solely on defining when property owners must act to prevent injuries.

Maddy summaryHB 5450 amends Michigan's Food Law to prohibit local governments (counties, cities, villages, or townships) from charging fees, taxes, or assessments for the operation of mobile food establishments, such as food trucks. This directly affects food truck operators by eliminating an additional cost imposed by local jurisdictions. The bill achieves this by modifying Section 3113 of the Food Law to explicitly ban such fees, while still requiring compliance with state-mandated fire inspections and licensing under existing regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5451 requires food trucks (mobile food establishments) to undergo annual fire inspections and additional inspections after significant modifications to fire safety systems, such as kitchen equipment or fuel piping. It creates a public database tracking these inspections and mandates that operators notify fire inspectors within 30 days of license applications or modifications. The bill specifies that inspections must comply with the International Fire Code, with results valid for one year (limiting inspections to once annually unless safety concerns arise). This directly affects food truck operators, who must pay a $200 maximum fee for annual inspections but receive no charge for additional safety-related checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new corporate income tax credit for Michigan employers who train apprentices and employ students in career and technical education programs. Starting in 2026, eligible businesses can receive tax credits covering up to 50% of certain training expenses or $2,000 per apprentice or student, with small businesses under 50 employees receiving an additional 10% bonus credit. The credit applies to qualified expenses such as wages, benefits, and classroom instruction costs, and any unused portion can be refunded to the taxpayer. Additionally, the bill requires the state Department of Labor to annually report on program participation, employment outcomes, and the fiscal impact of the credits to legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHB 4347 modifies how funds from horse racing operations are allocated to the Michigan Agriculture and Equine Industry Development Fund. It changes specific sections of the 1995 horse racing law to adjust the reallocation process, directly affecting horse racing operations that contribute to the fund. The bill’s key provision is altering the mechanism for directing these funds toward supporting Michigan’s agricultural and equine industries, without specifying new funding levels or programs. This is a procedural change to existing fund allocation rules, not a new program.

Maddy summaryHB 4346 redirects revenue from Michigan's lawful internet gaming programs to the Michigan Agriculture Equine Industry Development Fund and removes the existing spending limit on these funds. This bill directly affects the state's horse and agricultural industries by providing them with potentially increased funding for development initiatives. The key provision changes a 2019 law (MCL 432.315) to allow all allocated gaming revenue - previously subject to a cap - to flow into the equine fund without restriction. The bill is currently pending in the House Rules Committee after being reported with a substitute amendment.