Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for how the state of Michigan pays counties for taxes on state-owned lands used for recreation, forestry, or other natural resources. It updates the payment schedule to ensure that after December 2022, any unpaid special assessments for lake level controls receive priority before remaining funds are distributed. The legislation also clarifies how these payments are shared between county and township general funds, while exempting lands purchased specifically for natural resource purposes after 1933. Ultimately, the bill adjusts the administrative process for calculating and distributing these annual payments to local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires political candidates in Michigan to submit an affidavit of identity that explicitly discloses if they hold dual citizenship with any other country. The affidavit must list the name of each foreign country, how the candidate obtained that citizenship, and whether their status is active or inactive. Candidates who fail to provide this information or include false statements face disqualification from the ballot and potential criminal penalties for perjury. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State post the names of candidates with dual citizenship on the state website within two business days of receiving the affidavit.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's Essential Health Provider Repayment Program to include licensed pharmacists alongside other healthcare professionals. By amending the Public Health Code, it allows the state to repay student loan debt or training expenses for pharmacists who agree to work full-time in designated health resource shortage areas. The program maintains a maximum annual repayment of $40,000 and a total cap of $300,000 over a period of at least 10 years, contingent on the pharmacist fulfilling their service obligation.

Maddy summaryHB 5307 amends Michigan's hunting regulations to modify penalties for failing to report a deer harvest or retain a required confirmation number. The bill targets hunters who do not comply with reporting requirements for deer, which is a specific violation under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. Key mechanisms include adding or adjusting penalties for this reporting failure, potentially affecting hunters who miss these requirements. The bill does not change penalties for other hunting violations (like taking deer without a permit), which remain detailed in the existing section. (Note: The provided bill text shows existing penalty structures but does not specify the exact amendment language for the reporting requirement change.)

Maddy summaryHB 5214 creates a new tax credit for Michigan family caregivers, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim up to $2,000 (30% of qualified expenses, whichever is less) against their state income tax for care provided to qualifying family members. It directly affects Michigan residents who provide unpaid care for family members living at home (not in facilities) with specific health needs, such as inability to perform two or more daily activities or requiring supervision due to cognitive impairment. Qualified expenses include respite care, assistive devices, home modifications, and transportation, but exclude general household maintenance. To claim the credit, caregivers must document expenses, provide family member details, and meet income limits ($50,000 single / $100,000 joint). The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to change how state agencies create and review new rules. It requires agencies to submit detailed requests for rule-making electronically to the Office of Regulatory Reinvention, which must approve these requests before agencies can proceed. The bill also updates the process for the Legislative Service Bureau to formally certify proposed rules, including stricter timelines and requirements for correcting errors in rule formatting or impact analyses.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to clarify how courts should review administrative rules. It establishes that publishing a rule in the official register creates a legal presumption that the rule was properly adopted and filed, and it requires courts to take judicial notice of rules that have become effective. Additionally, the bill instructs judges to exercise independent judgment when determining if an agency acted within its legal authority, specifically prohibiting deference to an agency's interpretation of ambiguous laws. These changes directly affect state agencies that create regulations and the courts that adjudicate challenges to those regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5818 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to update definitions and establish a new Joint Committee on Regulatory Oversight and Administrative Review. The bill clarifies terms like 'agency' and 'major rule' while creating a formal process for the new committee to review proposed rules and issue objections. It also modifies requirements for how agencies publish rules, handle contested cases, and manage public comment periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to track how often recipients use their food assistance cards in other states. If a card is used outside of Michigan for more than 90 consecutive days, the department must suspend the card unless the recipient contacts them to prove they still live in the state or qualify for benefits. The rule applies to all individuals receiving aid through the Michigan Bridge Card program and aims to ensure funds are used by residents within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's guardianship and conservatorship laws to strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals under court supervision. It primarily affects professional guardians and conservators, requiring them to file financial bonds or restricted accounts, disclose any outside compensation received, and maintain regular visitation schedules with the individuals they serve. The legislation also mandates that guardians consult with legally incapacitated individuals before making major decisions and clarifies the specific powers guardians have regarding medical consent, property management, and care arrangements. Additionally, it authorizes certain nonbanking corporations to serve as professional fiduciaries while limiting their authority to the specific cases in which they are appointed.