Rep. Matt Bierlein

Maddy summaryThis bill declares October 2024 as Disability Employment Awareness Month within the state of Michigan. It aims to raise awareness about employment issues affecting people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to the workforce. The resolution specifically commends various local organizations, such as Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Disability Network Michigan, for their efforts in improving job access. It encourages all citizens to learn more about these issues and to support individuals with disabilities and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by clarifying definitions for political terms and expanding reporting requirements for specific nonprofit groups. It formally defines "501(c)(4) organizations" and "527 organizations" as entities that are controlled, directed, or staffed by candidates, elected officials, their appointees, or their family members. Additionally, the legislation provides new definitions for concepts like "election cycle," "honorarium," and "fund raising event" to ensure consistent application of campaign finance rules. These changes directly affect political candidates, public officials, and the nonprofit organizations that interact with them by establishing clearer boundaries for what must be disclosed to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's recreational trespassing law to clarify when property owners can legally restrict access for activities like hiking, hunting, and trapping. It establishes that entry is prohibited on fenced, enclosed, or posted properties, while maintaining that farm properties and connected wooded areas are always restricted regardless of signage. The legislation also preserves specific exceptions, such as allowing fishermen to cross banks to avoid hazards and permitting individuals to enter to retrieve a lost hunting dog. By defining these rules and the requirements for posting signs, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance on the responsibilities of property owners and the rights of recreational users.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain political nonprofits, specifically 527 and 501(c)(4) organizations, to electronically register with the Michigan Secretary of State within 10 days of forming. The registration must include the organization's name, the names of its key leaders, and the elected officials or candidates they support. The Secretary of State will make this information publicly available on their website, while political party committees are exempt from these requirements. Organizations that fail to register face civil fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on their financial balance, and individual officials associated with non-compliant groups may also be fined up to $1,000.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls on Heidi Washington, the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections, to resign due to alleged failures in addressing dangerous working conditions within state prisons. The bill cites severe staffing shortages that have forced officers to work excessive overtime, leading to fatigue, safety risks, and a high rate of vacant positions across multiple facilities. It further alleges that the administration has ignored union concerns, blocked legislative funding for retention and training, and fostered a culture of retaliation against employees who report issues. Ultimately, the measure seeks to hold the director accountable for these conditions without proposing specific policy changes or new laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's ethics rules to restrict former state legislators and top executive officials from lobbying on behalf of private interests for a set period after leaving office. Specifically, it prohibits former lawmakers from lobbying for one year after their term ends and extends this one-year ban to the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. The law allows these individuals to continue lobbying for the state government or their former offices during this time but sets a financial threshold that, if exceeded, requires them to register as lobbyists. Violating these restrictions is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by fines, jail time, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's civil procedure laws to allow courts to award legal costs and fees to the prevailing party in lawsuits involving the state, provided the state's position was not substantially justifiable. It defines "costs and fees" to include reasonable expenses for expert witnesses, studies, and attorney fees, while setting a standard cap of $75 per hour for legal services unless special circumstances justify a higher rate. The legislation also establishes specific eligibility criteria, excluding wealthy individuals and large organizations from receiving these awards, and requires the state to demonstrate that its actions caused the plaintiff to incur the expenses. Additionally, the bill outlines conditions under which a court may deny an award if the state's legal stance was frivolous or if the plaintiff engaged in conduct that unnecessarily prolonged the legal process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to clarify rules for contested cases and remove certain restrictions on how hearings are conducted. It ensures that all parties receive clear notice of hearings and have the right to present evidence and arguments, while also allowing presiding officers to order rehearings if the initial record is insufficient. A significant provision exempts parole hearings from these administrative procedures, meaning parole decisions will no longer follow the standard contested case rules. Additionally, the bill includes specific instructions for handling hearings involving state legislators, requiring that their testimony or participation be postponed to days when they are not attending legislative sessions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for special "disabled veteran" license plates in Michigan to include partially disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 50%, in addition to those with total disabilities. The law allows these eligible veterans to obtain plates marked with "DV" and "disabled veteran" without paying the standard service fee, while also permitting their surviving spouses to use the plates after the veteran's death. Furthermore, the legislation authorizes the Secretary of State to issue free adhesive disability tabs to these veterans and their spouses, provided the applicant also meets the state's criteria for a permanent windshield placard. These changes aim to increase recognition and support for a broader range of veterans by simplifying the application process and reducing associated costs.

Maddy summaryHB 5953 limits the late fees or penalties that privately owned toll bridge operators can charge for unpaid tolls to no more than five times the original toll amount. This restriction applies only to privately owned bridges and does not affect international crossings or publicly owned bridges. The bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to establish this cap, ensuring that fees for overdue tolls remain proportional to the initial cost.