Rep. Matt Bierlein

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 summaryHB 4423 is an appropriations bill that allocates and adjusts funding for various state departments, agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. A specific provision of this bill provides supplemental funding for the county veteran service fund emergency relief program, directly affecting veterans who utilize these services. The bill outlines the conditions under which these state funds can be expended.

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 4245 amends the state's Food Law to change licensure requirements for certain maple syrup and honey producers. The bill exempts both the retail outlet and the processing facility of these producers from needing a license under the act. This exemption applies to producers whose annual gross sales of honey or maple syrup are $15,001.00 or less. However, products sold under this exemption must still carry labels similar to those required for cottage food products.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4377 proposes changes to the Michigan Reconnect Grant and the Reconnect Short-Term Training Program. It would allow the minimum age requirement for both programs to be reduced from 25 to 21 years old, specifically for individuals seeking associate degrees, industry-recognized certificates, or qualified occupational training. This age reduction is contingent on the appropriation of sufficient funds and would not apply after September 30, 2032. The bill is tie-barred with HB 4378, meaning both must be enacted for these changes to take effect.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4378 proposes to amend the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act, which provides last-dollar financial assistance for higher education. The bill modifies the eligibility requirements for the Michigan Reconnect program. Specifically, it lowers the minimum age for participants to receive this financial aid from 25 to 21 years old. This change would expand access to associate degrees or industry-recognized certificates for a broader range of adult learners in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4368 amends Michigan's Public Health Code regarding the reporting of infant deaths. It expands existing provisions to include the death of an infant who was born alive after an attempted abortion and then surrendered to an emergency service provider or a newborn safety device under the safe delivery of newborns law. For such cases, the bill mandates that the deceased infant be listed as "Baby Doe" and prohibits reporting any information that would directly identify the infant or their parents, such as names or addresses. It also reinforces the timelines for funeral directors and physicians to certify and file death records.

Maddy summaryHB 4336 amends Michigan's penal code to create new state crimes related to individuals who are not authorized to be in the United States. The bill establishes felony and misdemeanor offenses for knowingly bringing, transporting, harboring, or encouraging such persons to enter or remain in the U.S. It also creates a felony offense for knowingly hiring ten or more undocumented individuals for employment within a 12-month period. Penalties include fines and imprisonment, with higher penalties for offenses involving commercial gain, serious injury, or death. An exception is provided for religious organizations bringing in volunteer ministers or missionaries.

Maddy summaryHB 4335 aims to increase the penalties for drivers who commit moving violations that cause physical injury or death to a "vulnerable roadway user." This legislation amends a section of the state's code of criminal procedure. The bill seeks to enhance legal consequences for drivers involved in such incidents, thereby affecting individuals found responsible for these violations and aiming to provide greater protection for vulnerable individuals using roadways.