Rep. Timmy Beson

Maddy summaryHB 5164 modifies Michigan law to regulate transporting firearms and certain air guns in moving vehicles. It prohibits carrying a firearm (other than a pistol) or a pneumatic gun expelling metal BBs/pellets over .177 caliber in a moving vehicle unless the weapon is unloaded and stored in one of four ways: disassembled, in a case, in the trunk, or inaccessible from inside the vehicle. Violating this would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $100 fine. The bill directly affects drivers transporting these items in vehicles while operating them, with no exception for pistols.

Maddy summaryHR 195 is a resolution opposing Michigan's proposed Health Education Standards Framework. It urges the Michigan Department of Education to redraft the standards or the Michigan State Board of Education to reject them, specifically requesting the exclusion of content related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation from health education standards. The resolution cites parental rights and existing law requiring local control and opt-out provisions for sex education as justification. It directly targets state education officials, not students or schools, and serves as a non-binding request for policy revision.

Maddy summaryHB 4254 prohibits public bodies (like state agencies, universities, or local governments) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It specifically bans methods that would cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or invasive procedures (such as surgery), with exceptions for veterinary training with owner consent and routine procedures like spaying/neutering. The bill establishes civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per violation for noncompliance, enforced by county prosecutors or the attorney general. Named "Queenie's Law," it amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add these protections for dogs used in experimental purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 4509 creates a licensure compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Michigan, allowing professionals licensed in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate Michigan licenses. This directly affects audiologists and speech-language pathologists seeking to work in multiple states, particularly those in states that have joined the compact. The bill amends Michigan law to establish reciprocal licensing agreements, adding new provisions (sections 16187, 16804, and 17603a) to facilitate this process. It does not change patient care standards but streamlines professional mobility for these healthcare providers. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House with immediate effect on October 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5117 removes population-based quotas for "specially designated merchant" liquor licenses in Michigan. It eliminates the requirement that only one such license may be issued per 1,000 residents (or fraction thereof) for certain applicants, including large grocery stores meeting size/sales criteria, pharmacies, and gas station retailers with motor fuel licenses. The bill also clarifies that licenses issued under these exemptions cannot be transferred to new locations. This change directly affects businesses seeking new licenses or renewing existing ones, particularly those operating large retail food establishments or combining alcohol sales with other services.

Maddy summaryHB 5118 would create a Michigan income tax credit for employers hiring residents from specific federal "targeted groups" (like veterans or long-term unemployed individuals). The credit equals 50% of the federal work opportunity tax credit amount, applied to qualified wages paid to Michigan residents certified by the state unemployment agency as part of these groups. It applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and cannot exceed an employer's total tax liability for that year. The bill directly affects Michigan employers (excluding tax-exempt organizations) who hire eligible employees meeting federal and state certification criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 5119 allows tax-exempt organizations in Michigan (like nonprofits) to claim a state tax credit equal to 50% of the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) they earn for hiring employees from specific targeted groups. The credit applies to wages paid to employees certified by Michigan’s unemployment agency as members of these groups, starting in tax years beginning January 1, 2026. Employers must claim this credit on their annual tax returns, and it can only offset state income tax withholding - any excess credit isn’t refunded. The bill directly affects tax-exempt employers hiring eligible employees, aligning Michigan’s credit with federal WOTC rules.

Maddy summaryHB 4432 creates a $2,500 refundable state income tax credit for qualified volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, volunteers must serve at least 10 hours monthly with a life support agency (like EMS organizations), receive no hourly wage or salary, and only be reimbursed for reasonable expenses or receive customary benefits. The credit requires a signed verification statement from the agency confirming the volunteer’s service hours, compliance with training standards, and non-salary compensation. This directly affects unpaid EMS volunteers who meet these criteria, reducing their state tax liability or providing a refund if the credit exceeds their tax bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4691 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to increase penalties for drivers who flee or elude police officers. It creates four tiers of felony sentencing based on the severity of the violation: fourth-degree (up to 2 years for basic evasion), third-degree (1-5 years if collision occurs or in low-speed zones), second-degree (2-10 years for serious injury or prior convictions), and first-degree (5-15 years if death results). The bill specifically defines "serious injury" to include loss of limbs, brain damage, or coma. This directly affects drivers who fail to stop for police in uniform with marked vehicles, with penalties escalating based on outcomes like collisions, injuries, or prior offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4690 mandates fixed prison sentences for certain violent or gun-related crimes by amending Michigan's sentencing law (MCL 750.479a). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific offenses, as judges must now impose predetermined terms instead of exercising discretion. The key provision requires minimum sentence lengths for these cases, removing judicial flexibility in sentencing. This policy change applies to new convictions under the amended law.