Rep. Timmy Beson

Maddy summaryHB 4007 amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act (2008 PA 295) by expanding the definition of "clean energy system" to include natural gas plants using carbon capture and storage (at least 90% effective) and certain existing natural gas facilities that can meet clean energy standards by 2030 through carbon capture and removal technologies. This change directly affects electric providers required to meet the state's clean energy standard, as it broadens the types of energy sources that qualify toward their compliance targets. The bill specifies that carbon capture must permanently store carbon dioxide (excluding enhanced oil recovery), and permits for new facilities may require higher capture rates if deemed necessary under federal standards. This definition update provides additional pathways for natural gas projects to count toward Michigan's clean energy goals.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 95 expresses the Michigan House of Representatives' commitment to strengthening and deepening ties between the state of Michigan and Taiwan. The resolution urges Michigan businesses to refer to the nation as "Taiwan" and supports Taiwan's increased participation in international trade agreements and organizations like the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4027 proposes to amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. The bill would remove a provision that requires local zoning ordinances to be subject to Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act. This change means that local zoning authorities would no longer be directly bound by this specific part of the state's clean energy law when creating or enforcing their zoning regulations. The bill aims to alter the relationship between local land use planning and state renewable energy mandates.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4028 proposes to eliminate specific state-level provisions regarding the zoning and siting of large-scale solar, wind, and energy storage facilities. The bill achieves this by repealing Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act (2008 PA 295). This action would remove state authority over the certification and regulation of such facilities, effectively returning primary zoning control to local governments. It also amends the title of the existing act to reflect these changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4288 prohibits Michigan state agencies from hiring for unclassified positions based on factors other than objective merit, such as education or work experience. It directly affects state agencies hiring for roles outside the classified civil service (e.g., certain executive branch positions). The bill requires hiring decisions to rely solely on merit-based criteria and imposes civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, with the attorney general authorized to collect penalties. This legislation creates new requirements for state hiring practices under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Michigan voters to verify U.S. citizenship before registering to vote or casting a ballot. It directly affects new voters registering after December 18, 2026, who must provide proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate) to election officials or have the Secretary of State verify it using federal records. The amendment mandates the Secretary of State to systematically check citizenship status annually, remove unverified non-citizens from voter files within 60 days of notice, and allow provisional ballots only if citizenship is verified within six days after an election. It also requires annual reports on verification results and removals. The bill does not affect current registered voters.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4255 modifies the penalties for crimes involving the manufacturing, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver certain controlled substances. It specifically amends sections of the Public Health Code to introduce new sentencing guidelines. The bill establishes distinct and often stricter penalties, including mandatory minimum prison sentences and higher maximum fines, for offenses involving heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, or their derivatives. These enhanced penalties differentiate these substances from other controlled substances within similar weight classifications.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4256 proposes to amend Michigan's criminal procedure code by revising sentencing guidelines for specific drug offenses. Specifically, it targets individuals convicted of delivering, manufacturing, or possessing with intent to deliver certain controlled substances. The bill modifies section 13m of Chapter XVII of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.13m), which dictates these sentencing guidelines. This change would directly affect how courts sentence individuals for these particular drug-related crimes. This bill is tied to HB 4255.

Maddy summaryHB 4034 amends Michigan's probate law to adjust rules governing trusts that could last indefinitely ("rule against perpetuities"). It specifically revises the time limit for certain trust interests from 90 years to 360 years when a second power of appointment is exercised, as defined in the 2008 Personal Property Trust Perpetuities Act. The bill affects trust creators, beneficiaries, and estate planners by clarifying when trust interests are considered created and modifying time limits for perpetuity violations. It does not change existing rules for most marital agreements, fiduciary powers, or trusts created before 1988.

Maddy summaryHB 4033 allows fiduciaries (like executors or trustees) managing certain trusts to convert between income trusts (where payments aren't tied to asset value) and unitrusts (where payments are a fixed percentage of trust value). It also permits changing how unitrust payments are calculated. Fiduciaries must obtain approval from an independent person before making these changes to prevent conflicts of interest. This bill directly affects trust beneficiaries and fiduciaries managing trusts governed by Michigan's probate laws.