Sen. Michele Hoitenga

Maddy summarySB 407 updates statutory references in Michigan's 1927 firearms law (MCL 28.422 et seq.) by amending specific sections (2, 2a, 5b, 5o, 12, and 15) to reflect current legal citations. It does not change firearm possession, licensing, or sales requirements but ensures the law accurately references existing statutes. This technical update aligns the 1927 law with current code sections amended by recent legislation (e.g., 2023 PA 37, 2023 PA 19). The bill affects no new groups or policies - it solely corrects outdated references in the existing legal framework.

Maddy summarySB 369 requires Michigan's Public Service Commission to create an online tool by December 31, 2026, that calculates the full lifetime cost of renewable energy projects for customers. The tool must include construction costs (like site prep, materials, grid connection) and end-of-life costs (decommissioning, disposal, site cleanup) for renewable energy systems. It directly affects utility customers by making these costs transparent over the system's operating lifetime. The bill mandates this calculation under Michigan's existing renewable energy framework without changing current energy policies.

Maddy summarySB 366 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow individuals with a valid fur harvester's license to hunt coyotes year-round. This directly affects licensed fur harvesters who previously faced seasonal restrictions on coyote hunting. The bill changes Section 43531 to explicitly permit year-round coyote hunting under the existing fur harvester license framework, without creating new license types or fees. The change applies only to those already holding a valid fur harvester's license, not to the general public.

Maddy summarySB 344 modifies Michigan's property tax credit for individual income tax filers by changing the percentage rates used to calculate the credit. It directly affects homeowners who claim this credit, particularly those with lower property values who benefit from the credit against their state income tax. The bill amends specific sections of Michigan's Income Tax Act to adjust the credit percentages, making the calculation more precise. This change alters how much property tax can be deducted from income tax liability for eligible residents.

Maddy summarySB 345 increases the property tax credit threshold for Michigan homeowners, raising the taxable value cap for homestead property tax credits from $135,000 to $160,700 for the 2024 tax year. Beginning in 2025, the cap will automatically adjust annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest $100. This change directly affects homeowners whose property value falls within the new threshold, allowing them to claim a larger credit against their state income tax for qualifying property taxes. The bill modifies Section 520 of Michigan’s Income Tax Act to implement this adjustment.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 5 is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of Darwin Booher, a former member of both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. The resolution offers tribute to his contributions and transmits copies to his family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 51 commemorates May 21, 2025, as Cherry Industry Day in Michigan. This resolution acknowledges the state's significant role as the top cherry producer in the nation and the economic and health benefits of the cherry industry.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 325 amends existing laws concerning how public utilities, including gas, electric, and steam providers, can adjust their rates for customers. It outlines the process for utilities to file rate increase requests with the Public Service Commission (PSC), requiring them to provide supporting evidence and allowing for public notice and hearings. The bill sets timelines for the PSC to review these applications and allows certain gas utilities to seek partial, immediate rate relief. A key change is the elimination of a provision that previously allowed utilities to implement proposed rate increases after 180 days if the PSC had not issued a final order, as this specific mechanism now only applies to applications filed before April 20, 2017.

Maddy summarySB 324 requires the Public Service Commission to establish a "shared savings mechanism" for electric utilities in Michigan. This mechanism aims to incentivize electric utilities to invest in programs that reduce energy waste, conserve energy, and manage demand. Utilities can earn financial incentives based on the annual electric energy savings they achieve. The incentive is calculated as a percentage of the net benefits from these programs, with higher savings leading to a greater percentage of shared savings, up to a specified cap related to program expenditures.

Maddy summarySB 326 proposes to repeal the "Community and worker economic transition act" (2023 PA 232). This act currently establishes a community and worker economic transition office. If enacted, SB 326 would eliminate this existing act and the office it created.