Sen. Jonathan Lindsey

Maddy summarySB 986 amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to clarify how the 2% additional sales tax applies to residential utility bills for electricity, gas, and home heating fuels. The bill requires large utility providers with 100,000 or more customers to prorate usage calculations based on days after April 30, 1994, while smaller providers have the option to either prorate or apply the tax starting with the first bill covering usage after that date. This legislative change directly affects utility companies and their residential customers by standardizing the timing and calculation of sales tax on essential energy services. The amendment aims to ensure consistent application of the tax across different provider sizes while maintaining the exemption for residential use of these utilities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 987 amends Michigan's use tax law to maintain the exemption of electricity, natural gas, and home heating fuels from the additional 2% use tax for residential use. This change ensures that households continue to pay only the standard sales tax rate on these essential utilities rather than the higher rate. The bill directly affects Michigan residents by preserving the current tax treatment of residential energy consumption. Introduced by Senator Jonathan Lindsey on May 20, 2026, the legislation is currently under review by the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to set reasonable limits on election spending. The proposed change would permit lawmakers to distinguish between individual voters and artificial entities like corporations, unions, and artificial intelligence when regulating money in elections. By seeking a constitutional amendment, the bill aims to clarify that such spending restrictions are permissible under the U.S. Constitution. If passed, this measure would directly affect how election finance laws are written and enforced at both state and federal levels.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 998 modifies Michigan's use tax law to clarify how credit for trade-in vehicles is calculated when determining the taxable amount of a purchase. The bill updates the definition of 'purchase price' to ensure that the value of a trade-in vehicle used as part payment is properly excluded from the tax base, aligning the rules with existing provisions for watercraft. This change directly affects vehicle dealers and consumers who trade in their current vehicles to buy new ones, ensuring the tax is applied only to the net cost rather than the full purchase price.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to modify how sales tax is calculated on vehicle trade-ins. It updates the rules for determining the tax credit allowed when a customer uses an old vehicle to pay for a new one, ensuring the credit is based on the agreed-upon value of the trade-in rather than a fixed dollar limit. The changes apply to dealers selling new or used motor vehicles and recreational vehicles, requiring them to separately state the trade-in value on invoices to qualify for the tax credit. By clarifying these provisions, the legislation aims to standardize the process for calculating sales tax on vehicle purchases involving trade-ins.

Maddy summarySB 985 amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to temporarily prevent local governments from adopting or enforcing new residential zoning regulations for a two-year period. This restriction applies only to rules governing land development for residential use and does not affect other types of zoning or existing ordinances. The bill is designed to pause changes in residential zoning rules while allowing local units of government to continue managing other land uses and addressing non-residential issues.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 2026 as Agriculture Appreciation Month to recognize Michigan's significant agricultural contributions to the state's economy and workforce. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the industry's importance, noting that agriculture supports over 800,000 jobs and contributes more than $125 billion annually to Michigan. The resolution encourages citizens to celebrate the sector during March 2026, acknowledging the state's leadership in various agricultural products like tart cherries, blueberries, and hops.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan residents with qualified dependents starting in the 2026 tax year. The credit equals 50% of the state school aid target foundation allowance for each dependent who is between 5 and 18 years old, not enrolled in public school, and has demonstrated proficiency in reading and math. If the credit amount is larger than the taxpayer's tax liability, the excess will be refunded to the taxpayer. The Department of Treasury may require proof that a dependent meets the eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Bruce Patterson, a former Michigan state legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and Senate. It recognizes his public service career, which included leadership roles in committees on energy policy, environmental protection, and consumer rights, as well as his advocacy for nursing home care and water pollution control. The resolution expresses the Legislature's tribute to his memory and directs that copies be sent to his family.