Maddy summaryThis bill designates euchre as the official game of the state of Michigan. It creates a new act to formally establish this title in state law. The legislation does not impose any regulations or restrictions on how the game is played, but rather serves as a symbolic designation for the state.
Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6260 amends the state penal code to modify the legal definition of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and establish stricter sentencing guidelines for offenders. The bill expands the list of aggravating circumstances that elevate a crime to this most serious level, specifically including acts committed by school employees, volunteers, or child care providers who use their professional status to gain access to victims aged 13 to 15. It also broadens the definition of force and coercion to include situations where an actor uses medical treatment unethically or overcomes a victim through concealment or surprise. Regarding penalties, the bill mandates that anyone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct must receive lifetime electronic monitoring in addition to their prison sentence. It increases the minimum prison term for adults who commit these acts against children under 13 and imposes a mandatory life sentence without parole for repeat offenders who have previously been convicted of similar crimes against young children.
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 6259 proposes to amend the state's criminal procedure code by updating the sentencing guidelines for specific felonies, including various degrees of criminal sexual conduct and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these offenses by establishing or modifying the statutory maximum sentences and offense categories used by judges to determine punishment. It is a procedural measure that takes effect 90 days after enactment, provided that two related bills, HB 6261 and HB 6262, are also passed into law during the same legislative session.
Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6261 amends the state penal code to modify penalties for criminal sexual conduct in the second degree. The bill reduces the minimum mandatory prison sentence from 15 years to 10 years, while still allowing for life imprisonment or any term of years up to that limit. It also mandates lifetime electronic monitoring for offenders who are at least 17 years old and commit sexual contact against a victim under 13 years of age. These changes apply to individuals convicted of various specific circumstances involving sexual contact with minors or vulnerable adults, such as those in positions of authority or within correctional facilities.
Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6262 amends the state penal code to expand the definition of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which applies to individuals who engage in sexual penetration under specific circumstances such as involving a minor, using force, or exploiting a position of trust. The bill adds new provisions that criminalize such acts when the victim is a student aged 16 to 17 with a school employee, a person receiving special education services up to age 25, or a resident of a child care or foster home who is at least 16 years old. It also introduces an affirmative defense for victims in incest cases where they were coerced by an authority figure and excludes married couples from certain incest charges. The legislation increases the minimum prison sentence for this felony from five to 15 years, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6263 amends the state penal code to expand the definition of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, which is classified as a misdemeanor felony. The bill specifically targets individuals who engage in sexual contact with minors aged 16 to 17 who are students, or young adults aged 16 to 25 receiving special education services, when the perpetrator is a teacher, school employee, volunteer, or other authority figure using their position to gain access to the victim. It also includes provisions for sexual contact involving foster care residents and mental health patients, while maintaining existing penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of $500.
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 summaryHouse Bill 4471 proposes to allow retired county employees to be employed in a county sheriff's office. The key provision is that these individuals would be able to work in such a role without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance or pension benefits. This bill directly affects county retirees who may wish to return to employment within a sheriff's department. It amends section 12a of 1851 PA 156, which concerns the powers and duties of county boards of commissioners regarding employee benefits.
