Rep. Timmy Beson

Maddy summaryHB 4081 allows counties and municipalities in Michigan to set higher limits than the current state cap on the number of separate land parcels created when dividing a single property. It amends state law (MCL 560.108) that previously limited most land divisions to 12 parcels. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and property owners by giving communities more flexibility to manage land use and development density. This change removes the state-imposed cap, enabling local authorities to establish their own parcel limits based on community needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts honorably discharged veterans (who are Michigan residents) from paying the state park recreation passport fee. Veterans can obtain a special sticker or hangtag by verifying their status through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This allows them to enter all state parks and recreation areas without paying the annual fee required for most resident vehicle owners. The exemption applies to all locations where the fee would normally be required, including designated boating access sites.

Maddy summaryHB 4367 creates Michigan's "Purple Star School Program" to support military-connected students in public schools. It requires schools to designate a military liaison, maintain an easily accessible website with relocation and support resources, implement transition programs for military-connected students, provide staff training, and offer at least one community initiative like monthly recognition or military partnerships. The program applies to all public schools serving military-connected pupils, defined as students whose families include active/reserve military members or those who lost a service member in action. Schools must meet all these requirements to earn the "Purple Star" designation by 2026. The law aims to improve support systems for military-connected students through concrete, school-level actions.

Maddy summaryHB 4426 amends Michigan's Motor Carrier Safety Act (MCL 480.12d) to set a minimum age of 21 for drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards under federal rules. It maintains the existing 18-year-old minimum for most commercial driving but specifically raises the age requirement for hazardous materials transport. The bill does not change medical waiver or grandfathered driver provisions. This change directly affects commercial drivers operating in Michigan who transport hazardous materials requiring placards.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the Michigan Governor to call a special election to fill the vacancy in the 35th Senate District, which has been unfilled since January 3, 2025. The vacancy occurred after Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned to take a U.S. Congressional seat, as required by Michigan law (MCL 168.178). The resolution cites the state constitution and election law, which mandate the Governor issue writs to fill legislative vacancies. It directly affects hundreds of thousands of residents in the 35th District who currently lack representation in the state Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 4669 requires Michigan correctional facilities to allow unannounced, immediate inspections by state legislators upon request. It directly affects all correctional facilities under the Department of Corrections and state legislators (senators and representatives). The key provision mandates that facility staff must grant legislators access to inspect any premises without prior notice. This bill enhances legislative oversight by providing direct, on-the-ground access to correctional facilities for lawmakers.

Maddy summaryHB 4652 requires Michigan's governor to announce a special election date to fill a vacant legislative seat within 30 days of the vacancy occurring, and to hold that election within 180 days. This bill directly affects state senators and representatives whose seats become vacant during their term, as it sets strict deadlines for filling those positions. The key mechanism establishes clear timeframes for the governor to act, replacing previous flexibility with fixed deadlines under Michigan's election law. It amends sections 178, 634, and 641 of the Michigan Election Code to enforce these timelines. The bill does not change how vacancies may be filled at the next general election if the governor chooses that option.

Maddy summaryHB 4653 sets specific timelines for holding special elections to fill vacant legislative seats in Michigan. It requires the governor to announce the special election date within 30 days of a vacancy occurring and mandates that the election be held no later than 180 days after the vacancy begins. The bill directly affects voters in districts with vacancies and the governor's office, establishing clear deadlines for the election process. This procedural bill amends Michigan's election law to standardize the timeline for filling legislative vacancies, ensuring elections occur within defined windows.

Maddy summaryHB 4257 defines key terms related to waste management, specifically for anaerobic digestion byproducts (digestate) and their "beneficial use" in agriculture or construction. It creates five distinct categories of beneficial use (e.g., soil application at agronomic rates, road base, or construction fill) with specific environmental safeguards like runoff prevention and groundwater protection. The bill directly affects waste management facilities, farmers, and construction entities handling digestate or ash by clarifying legal standards for its use. These definitions ensure consistent application under existing environmental rules, requiring materials to meet soil-nutrient balance and pollution prevention criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 4265 modifies reporting and compliance rules for facilities using anaerobic digesters, which process organic waste (like food scraps or manure) to create biogas. It updates existing requirements under Michigan's Solid Waste Act (specifically sections 11506 and 11568) to clarify what data these facilities must report to regulators. The bill directly affects waste processing facilities operating anaerobic digesters, requiring them to follow updated reporting standards. This change streamlines regulatory oversight without altering the core function of these systems.