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 summaryHB 6247 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework in Michigan for the geologic storage of carbon dioxide, requiring operators to obtain permits from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy that align with federal standards. The bill authorizes the leasing of state-owned lands and pore space for these projects, while permitting specific surface activities on commercial forestland and wilderness areas under strict conditions to protect natural resources. It creates a unitization process to manage shared subsurface interests among multiple property owners and mandates long-term monitoring of storage sites for at least 50 years after injection ceases. Upon successful completion and verification of site safety, the state assumes ownership and liability for the stored carbon dioxide, releasing the original operator from future regulatory responsibilities.
Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6249 establishes that ownership of subsurface pore space, which can be used for storing carbon dioxide or other substances, is vested in the owner of the surface land unless it has been previously separated. The bill allows this pore space to be sold, leased, or otherwise transferred independently from the surface estate, provided that any such separation clearly describes the specific geological formation, depth, and scope of surface use rights involved. It clarifies that selling mineral rights does not automatically transfer pore space ownership, which must be explicitly stated in the agreement. This legislation takes effect only if two related companion bills are also enacted into law.
Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6248 updates the definitions in the state's crude oil and petroleum act to explicitly include carbon dioxide substances used for storage or enhanced recovery operations. The bill clarifies that individuals and companies do not have an inherent right to transport, store, or deal in these substances via pipelines without authorization from the Michigan Public Service Commission. It also specifies that this regulatory framework does not apply to rights that existed before 1929 or to carbon sequestration wells operating under separate environmental laws. This legislation is tied to two other bills and will only take effect if all three are enacted into law by the current legislature.
Maddy summaryHB 5803 amends Michigan's child care licensing law to update the definitions of various facilities and staff members, such as clarifying who counts as a "child care staff member" or what constitutes a "children's camp." The bill directly affects child care centers, group homes, and other organizations that provide care for minors by refining the rules used to classify them under state regulations. By revising these specific terms in the statute, the legislation aims to ensure that licensing standards apply consistently to different types of care settings. This change does not alter existing licensing requirements but rather clarifies the language used to describe the entities and individuals covered by the law.
Maddy summaryHB 5356 amends Michigan's Vehicle Code to update requirements for dealers transferring vehicle titles. It modifies multiple existing sections (including 217, 233, 234, 248, and 250) and adds a new section 9b governing dealer title transfers. The bill directly affects vehicle dealers and buyers by changing how title transfers must be processed. It focuses on procedural updates to the existing title transfer framework without introducing new fees or eligibility rules. The bill is currently in committee referral after its introduction on December 11, 2025.
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.
Maddy summaryHB 5485 updates Michigan's dam safety regulations for inland lakes by revising definitions and adding new sections to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The bill directly affects dam owners, operators, and the state agency responsible for dam safety oversight. Key changes include updated terms like "spillway capacity" and "emergency action plan," alongside new regulatory sections (e.g., 31506a, 31509a) to modernize safety standards. These amendments clarify requirements for dam maintenance, flood management, and structural integrity without altering existing enforcement procedures.
Maddy summaryHB 4189 names a specific bridge on South Grand Avenue over I-96 in Fowlerville as the "LCpl Michael W. Hanks Memorial Bridge" to commemorate a fallen Marine. The bill requires the state transportation department and Livingston County road commission to install signs at both approaches of the bridge designating its new name. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or financial impact, directly affecting the bridge location and signage in Fowlerville. It amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act to add this designation without altering transportation policies or funding.
