Rep. Matt Bierlein

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 2025 as Health Literacy Month in Michigan to raise public awareness about health literacy. It does not create new laws or funding; it is a symbolic declaration recognizing the importance of clear health information. The resolution cites statistics on limited health literacy affecting millions of Michiganders and aligns with federal health literacy goals. It directly affects state awareness efforts, not specific individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5147 establishes new rules for towing damaged or disabled vehicles in Michigan. It requires towing agencies to provide written disclosures before towing, including costs, storage location, and owner rights (Section 271), and to issue itemized final invoices detailing all charges and vehicle condition (Section 272). Towing companies must maintain records for five years and post disclosure information visibly (Sections 273-274). These rules directly affect towing businesses and vehicle owners, ensuring transparency before towing and during storage. Violations prevent agencies from charging fees or enforcing contracts (Section 271(6)).

Maddy summaryHB 5146 clarifies procedures for handling abandoned vehicles and towing services in Michigan. It defines "abandoned vehicle" more precisely (e.g., vehicles left on public property for 18+ hours with valid plates) and requires police to verify if a vehicle is stolen before towing. The bill mandates that owners receive written notice with details about the vehicle and their right to contest abandonment or towing fees within 20 days, including a $40 bond requirement for hearings. It also creates a public website listing abandoned vehicles for 1 year, affecting vehicle owners, towing agencies, and law enforcement.

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 5134 bans the use of physical and digital billboards to advertise marijuana products in Michigan. The bill amends the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act to prohibit such advertising by licensed marijuana businesses, including retailers, processors, and growers. It directly affects all entities operating under the state's cannabis regulatory agency by restricting a specific advertising method. The change applies to all licensed marijuana establishments and aligns with existing restrictions on cannabis advertising.

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 5135 prohibits medical marijuana businesses from using billboards - including digital billboards - to advertise their products or services in Michigan. The bill amends the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act to add a specific ban on billboard advertising, directly affecting licensed dispensaries, growers, and processors that previously used this advertising method. This prohibition applies to all billboards as defined by state law (including digital displays under the Highway Advertising Act of 1972). The change does not restrict other advertising methods, such as online or print media, and aligns with existing rules limiting marijuana promotion near schools or parks.

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 4431 creates a new $2,500 state income tax credit for qualified volunteer firefighters in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, individuals must serve at least 10 hours per month as unpaid volunteers (reimbursed only for expenses or standard benefits) with an organized fire department, verified by a written statement from the department head. The credit reduces tax liability, with any excess amount refunded to the taxpayer. This applies specifically to volunteer firefighters meeting the defined criteria, not paid staff or other volunteer roles.