Rep. Matt Bierlein

Maddy summaryHB 4345 creates an exception allowing Michigan school districts to skip required instructional days without facing penalties when closing due to a declared state of emergency. This directly affects school districts and students by providing flexibility during emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises. The bill amends existing law to remove the penalty for missing minimum instructional days during such closures, ensuring districts aren't financially punished for following emergency protocols. The law took effect immediately upon the Governor's approval on June 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4343 exempts certain commercial trucks assisting in a declared state of emergency from Michigan's frost laws, which typically restrict truck operations during freezing conditions. This means trucks providing emergency response services (like transporting supplies or personnel) will not face traffic violations for operating during frost conditions when supporting emergency efforts. The bill amends Michigan's Vehicle Code (MCL 257.722) to create this specific exception for emergency assistance vehicles. It directly affects commercial truck operators and emergency management agencies during declared emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 4344 removes driving hour limits for commercial motor vehicle drivers during declared state emergencies. It specifically exempts drivers traveling to assist with or directly helping during disasters from federal hours-of-service rules (49 CFR part 395) under Michigan's Emergency Management Act. This change directly affects commercial drivers transporting goods or people in support of emergency response efforts when a state of emergency is active.

Maddy summaryHB 4380 updates Michigan's physical therapy licensing rules to allow therapists to practice across state lines through the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill amends existing licensing statutes and adds new provisions to align Michigan with this multi-state agreement, directly affecting licensed physical therapists seeking to work in participating states. Key changes include modifying requirements to accept licenses from other compact states, reducing barriers for therapists moving between jurisdictions. This creates a streamlined process for therapists to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses in each. The bill passed the Michigan House unanimously (103-2) in May 2025 and is now before the Health Policy Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4494 revises the Michigan penal code concerning redemption game machines. The bill modifies the conditions under which these games are exempt from general gaming prohibitions, allowing for games determined by a combination of skill and chance. It significantly increases the maximum prize value for redemption games, permitting awards up to $500, which can include stored value cards redeemable at retailers. The legislation also introduces new regulations, such as limiting establishments to eight machines that award stored value cards and establishing penalties for tampering with certified game software. These changes primarily affect businesses that offer redemption games and their players.

Maddy summaryHB 4495 proposes to amend Michigan's code of criminal procedure, specifically section 16o of chapter XVII (MCL 777.16o). The bill aims to revise the penal code to allow for redemption games. This change directly affects businesses that operate redemption games and individuals who participate in them by clarifying their legal status under criminal law.

Maddy summaryHB 4118 amends Michigan's Drain Code to require that lands owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) be assessed for drainage project costs based on the benefits they receive, similar to how townships, cities, counties, and state highways are assessed. The bill clarifies that drainage costs must be apportioned among these entities according to specific benefit-based formulas, including DNR lands as a distinct category. It also updates public notice requirements for bidding on drainage projects and reviews of cost allocations to ensure transparency. This change directly affects DNR lands and the entities responsible for funding drainage improvements, including local governments and state transportation authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 4076 prohibits labeling lab-grown meat substitutes as "meat" and requires sellers to use specific terms like "cell-cultured," "lab-grown," or "cultivated" on product labels. It directly affects manufacturers and retailers selling lab-grown meat alternatives, mandating clear labeling that distinguishes these products from traditional meat. The bill amends Michigan's Food Law to require these terms on sealed packages or bulk displays, ensuring consumers can accurately identify the product type. This policy change focuses on transparent labeling without altering existing requirements for traditional meat products.

Maddy summaryHB 4491 revises the application process for Michigan's critical industry program and other economic development initiatives managed by the Michigan Strategic Fund. It requires businesses seeking state funding to complete a form attesting, under penalty of perjury, that their hiring and promotion practices are based solely on merit, defined by objective criteria like experience and education. False attestations carry a $5,000 civil fine and potential perjury charges. Additionally, the bill outlines specific criteria the fund must consider when awarding investments and mandates detailed terms for agreements with businesses, including job creation targets, performance benchmarks, and clawback provisions for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 4489 modifies the rules for expenditures from the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund. The bill adds new conditions for recipients of these funds, requiring them to use hiring practices and internal promotion schemes based on employee merit. "Merit" is defined as a reasonable expectation, based on objective criteria like experience and education, that an individual can perform job duties. These changes directly affect businesses and entities receiving SOAR fund expenditures by requiring them to adopt these merit-based employment practices.