Rep. Greg Markkanen

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6287 modifies the state's public health code to streamline how new birth certificates are issued for individuals who have undergone adoptions, established parentage through assisted reproduction, or requested a change in their sex designation. The bill specifies that the state registrar must issue a new certificate when presented with specific legal documents, such as adoption reports or court orders, and restricts additional documentation requirements for sex designation changes to a signed form and any applicable name change order. It also updates procedures for handling name changes on birth records, distinguishing between cases where an addendum is sufficient versus those requiring a completely new certificate. Additionally, the legislation revises fee structures for vital record searches and corrections, introducing specific charges for various services while providing free copies to veterans seeking benefits, licensed child placing agencies, and individuals who can verify their homeless status through designated federal documentation.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6286 creates a new legal standard that allows injured parties to sue freight brokers and carriers for damages caused by commercial motor vehicles. The bill holds these companies liable if they hire, retain, supervise, or train an employee or independent contractor who has a specific unfitness that poses a danger to others. To be held responsible, the broker or carrier must have known or should have known about this particular unfitness at the time of hiring or supervision, and that unfitness must have directly caused the injury. The law defines "particular unfitness" as a specific trait or prior conduct indicating unsuitability for a task, explicitly excluding general incompetence from liability.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6270 creates a temporary sales tax exemption for the purchase of building materials used to construct new single-family homes or small multi-family dwellings with up to four units. This two-year benefit applies to both homeowners and construction companies, provided that a valid building permit is in place at the time of the material sale. The bill requires state officials to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how many new homes were built, jobs created, and the impact on state tax revenue due to this exemption.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6271 creates a new individual income tax credit for taxpayers who pay local building permit fees to construct a new single-family home. Starting with the 2027 tax year, eligible individuals can claim a credit equal to their actual permit costs, up to a maximum of $2,500 per year. The bill requires taxpayers to provide reasonable proof of these expenses to the state department if requested. If the total credit amount is greater than the taxpayer's annual income tax liability, the excess portion must be refunded to the taxpayer rather than being lost.

Maddy summaryHB 5940 allows electric utilities and other providers to install electronic transmission infrastructure, such as high-voltage power lines, within existing highway rights-of-way without needing separate consent from local governments. The bill establishes specific standards for underground placement to avoid increasing road maintenance costs and introduces a fee structure where utilities pay a one-time permit fee, with revenues dedicated to highway capital and maintenance. Additionally, the legislation creates a coordination process between the state transportation department and utilities to identify suitable routes and includes protections that prevent the state from relocating transmission lines for at least five years once a route is approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify definitions and procedures for commercial fishing in the state's Great Lakes waters. It directly affects licensed commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources by establishing precise meanings for terms like "abandoned gear," "quota," and various types of fishing nets. The legislation also adds new definitions to improve record-keeping requirements for fish production, storage, and sale, ensuring that all commercial activities are clearly regulated. By amending multiple existing sections and adding a new one, the bill aims to provide a more structured framework for managing allowable catch limits and enforcing fishing privileges.

Maddy summaryHB 5919 creates a new statewide school district called the Learner-First District to offer parents and students additional educational choices beyond traditional local school districts. The bill defines this new district as a public entity that covers the entire state and allows parents to hire independent contractors, such as teachers, directly to provide instruction to their children. Key provisions establish rules for mastery-based learning, where students progress based on demonstrating knowledge rather than time spent in class, and outline how the district will operate under the supervision of the state board of education.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill updates high school graduation requirements by allowing students to earn math credits through approved career and technical education programs in trades like welding, construction, and engineering. It adds a new section to the state school code that recognizes formal CTE programs as equivalent to traditional math courses when they cover the same content as state assessments. The legislation also clarifies how personal finance courses can count toward multiple subject requirements, including math, arts, and foreign language credits. These changes directly affect public school districts and academies in Michigan by providing more flexibility in how students meet graduation standards while maintaining core academic expectations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the powers and duties of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, which handles complaints from prisoners, their advocates, and legislators regarding conditions in state correctional facilities. Key changes require the ombudsman to notify complainants and affected prisoners when investigating or declining to investigate complaints, and mandate that the office consult with the Department of Corrections before issuing any report that criticizes the department or its staff. The legislation also establishes strict reporting requirements, forcing the ombudsman to publish detailed monthly and annual reports on complaint statistics and department responses, while adding protections to ensure that individuals cannot be penalized for filing complaints or cooperating with the ombudsman. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the ombudsman's authority operates alongside, rather than replacing, existing legal remedies and appeal processes for prisoners.

Maddy summaryHB 5920 expands the powers of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to better investigate issues within the Department of Corrections. The bill allows the ombudsman to launch investigations based on complaints from prisoners, legislators, or family members, as well as on their own initiative regarding safety and security concerns. Key provisions include granting the ombudsman access to medical and mortality records, the ability to hire qualified experts for inspections, and the authority to enter correctional facilities at any time, including during emergencies.