Rep. Tyrone Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the American Freedmen reparations commission within the Michigan Department of Treasury to study and propose reparations for individuals with ancestors who were enslaved and denied rights due to the Dred Scott decision. The commission will consist of nine members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and grassroots organizations, tasked with gathering historical evidence of slavery and discrimination in the state. Its primary duties include analyzing the lasting effects of slavery, recommending data collection methods to track disparities, and submitting a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature within 18 months. The legislation defines reparations broadly to include monetary payments, programs to close the racial wealth gap, and the creation of educational institutions similar to land-grant colleges.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires state agencies and local governments to collect specific demographic data from individuals they already survey. Starting in 2027, these entities must break down responses for Black, African, and Caribbean populations into three categories: descendants of enslaved Americans, those without enslaved ancestors, and those with unknown or unreported status. The law defines these groups based on ancestry and direct immigration from Africa or the Caribbean, excluding anyone with a history of U.S. enslavement from the African and Caribbean labels. By mandating these subcategories, the legislation aims to provide more granular data on racial heritage within government records.

Maddy summaryHB 4026 exempts firearm safety devices from Michigan's sales and use tax through December 31, 2024, directly affecting gun owners purchasing these devices. The bill defines "firearm safety devices" as trigger locks, secure storage containers (like gun safes or lockboxes requiring keys/combinations), but excludes display cases. Retail sellers must provide written notices to buyers and post visible signage at points of sale explaining the tax exemption. This is a temporary measure with a sunset date, not a permanent policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4025 extends Michigan's sales tax exemption for firearm safety devices until December 31, 2024. It defines "firearm safety devices" as equipment (like gun safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks) designed to prevent unauthorized access or operation of firearms, but excludes display cabinets. Retail sellers must provide written notices to purchasers and post conspicuous signage at points of sale about the tax exemption. The bill also requires the state to annually compensate the school aid fund for any revenue lost due to this exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new regulatory framework for kratom products in the state. It establishes rules governing the distribution, sale, and manufacturing of kratom, though the specific provisions (like licensing requirements, labeling standards, or product restrictions) are not detailed in the provided context. The bill directly affects kratom manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers by subjecting these activities to new state regulations. As the bill is in early committee review (referred to Regulatory Reform after a substitute amendment), its final content and scope remain pending. The context does not provide details on the specific mechanisms or who is directly affected beyond the general regulatory intent.

Maddy summaryHB 6054 clarifies and updates Michigan's existing laws regarding returnable beverage containers, specifically defining terms like "returnable container" and "reverse vending machine" to ensure consistency in enforcement. The bill introduces new restrictions on manufacturers selling nonalcoholic beverages in 12-ounce metal and glass containers that are not designated for return, applying these rules based on sales volume and redemption rates tracked by the Department of Treasury. These sales restrictions are set to take effect 90 days and 450 days after the bill becomes law, with separate thresholds established for the Upper Peninsula. By amending existing sections and adding new ones, the legislation aims to streamline regulations on bottle deposits and recycling without changing the fundamental requirement for a 10-cent deposit on returnable containers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's existing bottle deposit law to clarify and expand the rules for dealers accepting and refunding deposits on returnable beverage containers. It requires dealers to provide a convenient method for anyone to return empty containers and receive cash refunds during specific operating hours, regardless of whether the person originally purchased the drink. The legislation also mandates that containers clearly display their refund value and the state name, while prohibiting the sale of certain metal containers that can be opened by detaching parts. Additionally, it allows for the creation of regional centers to handle container redemptions and sets a daily limit on the amount of empty containers a dealer must accept for refund.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Attorney General to send an annual written notice to all beverage dealers starting in January 2028. The notice will detail the dealers' responsibilities regarding container redemption and provide contact information for the consumer protection division. However, the bill does not take effect unless it is tied to and enacted alongside a companion bill, HB 6054.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes declaring June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month throughout the state of Michigan. It aims to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of LGBTQ+ residents while commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. The resolution encourages all Michiganders to acknowledge the value of diversity and the specific roles LGBTQ+ individuals play in the state's economy and communities.

Maddy summaryHB 5099 modifies how funds in Michigan's convention facility development fund are distributed. It directs specific annual payments to metropolitan authorities operating convention facilities (including $7 million for 2020-2021 due to COVID-19 impacts), establishes a formula for distributing liquor tax revenue to counties based on convention hotel presence, and allocates up to $4 million for one-time grants to publicly owned convention centers negatively affected by the pandemic. The bill also specifies funding for street railway operations and sets reporting requirements for grant recipients. These changes affect convention facilities, local governments, and tourism-related infrastructure funded through this dedicated tax revenue stream.