Rep. Matt Bierlein

Maddy summaryHB 5485 updates Michigan's dam safety regulations for inland lakes by revising definitions and adding new sections to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The bill directly affects dam owners, operators, and the state agency responsible for dam safety oversight. Key changes include updated terms like "spillway capacity" and "emergency action plan," alongside new regulatory sections (e.g., 31506a, 31509a) to modernize safety standards. These amendments clarify requirements for dam maintenance, flood management, and structural integrity without altering existing enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 4189 names a specific bridge on South Grand Avenue over I-96 in Fowlerville as the "LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge" to commemorate a fallen Marine. The bill requires the state transportation department and Livingston County road commission to install signs at both approaches of the bridge designating its new name. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or financial impact, directly affecting the bridge location and signage in Fowlerville. It amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act to add this designation without altering transportation policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 4103 adds a new section to Michigan's health occupations law to implement an occupational therapy licensure compact. This bill allows occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, and vice versa for therapists from other compact states. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines, reducing barriers to practice. The compact mechanism establishes standardized licensing requirements among participating states, streamlining the process for therapists to provide services in multiple jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4104 updates Michigan's occupational therapy licensing rules to join a multi-state licensure compact. This would allow occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill modifies existing law to align with the compact's standards and adds new sections for implementation. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines within the compact.

Maddy summaryHB 4750 requires Michigan's foster care department to use or save existing benefits (such as Medicaid or education funds) for children in foster care when it serves their best interests, directly affecting all children in the state's foster care system. The bill amends Michigan's foster care law to mandate this approach, ensuring benefits are prioritized for the child's well-being rather than other uses. Key provisions include adding a new section (8f) to the existing law, directing the department to make decisions based on each child's specific needs. This policy change clarifies how resources must be managed without specifying new funding or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4101 establishes Michigan's participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, enabling physical therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects physical therapists seeking to work across state lines, particularly those in states already part of the compact. The key mechanism is adopting a standardized licensing framework that allows reciprocal practice privileges among participating states. The bill amends Michigan's public health code to align with the compact's requirements, creating a streamlined process for interstate practice. It does not change existing licensure standards within Michigan but facilitates mobility for licensed physical therapists.

Maddy summaryHB 4350 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow individuals to feed wild birds and other wildlife under specific conditions. This bill permits such feeding if it occurs within 300 feet of a residence and the total amount of feed does not exceed two gallons. It clarifies that this allowance does not apply to activities like baiting for hunting, normal agricultural practices, or feeding conducted in a way that excludes deer and elk. This aims to create limited exceptions for recreational or preventative feeding of wildlife by residents.

Maddy summaryHB 4824 updates Michigan's legal definition of "brand" within liquor regulations. This change directly affects liquor producers and sellers who market products under specific brand names, clarifying how brands are recognized under state law. The bill modifies Section 105 of the 1998 Liquor Code (MCL 436.1105) and adds a new Section 604 to establish clearer rules for brand identification. These changes aim to streamline compliance for businesses without altering existing licensing or sales requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4187 modifies Michigan's corporate income tax law by adjusting how the tax base is calculated and clarifying revenue distribution. It requires corporations to add back certain taxes and expenses previously deducted for federal purposes (like state taxes or related-party royalties) and eliminates deductions for oil/gas and mineral-related income and expenses. For the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the bill directs $800 million of corporate tax revenue to the Michigan taxpayer rebate fund, while other years’ revenue flows to the general fund. This directly affects corporations operating in Michigan and the state’s budget allocation process.

Maddy summaryHB 4805 increases the percentage of Michigan's Children's Trust Fund available for disbursement to child welfare programs. It changes the disbursement rate from 4.25% (2015-2017) to up to 5% starting in 2018 (if the fund's 12-quarter average reaches $23.5 million), and then to up to 8% beginning in fiscal year 2025. The bill uses a rolling average of the fund's value (including investment gains or losses) to determine annual disbursement amounts. This directly affects state funding for child abuse prevention and related services under the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Act.