Sen. Roger Hauck

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ban the governor, lieutenant governor, and department directors from using autopen devices to sign specific official documents. The key provision explicitly prohibits the use of autopens for bills, executive orders, and clemency documents such as reprieves, commutations, and pardons. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this change would require these officials to sign these documents by hand rather than electronically or via stamp. The measure aims to ensure personal authentication of critical legal and executive actions by removing automated signing options.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan state law to require the Department of Treasury to pay interest on tax refunds that are delayed beyond specific timeframes. It directly affects taxpayers who have filed complete and timely income tax returns and are awaiting refunds. Under the new rules, refunds for Michigan income taxes will automatically earn interest if they are not processed within 30 or 60 days of the department receiving the return, depending on when the return was filed. The bill also establishes a penalty of $100 for refunds delayed more than 90 days and sets a fixed 3% annual interest rate for a temporary period before switching to a variable rate tied to the prime rate. These provisions apply only to straightforward refunds without errors, audits, or suspected fraud, ensuring the state compensates citizens for administrative delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of R. Robert Geake, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The text details his extensive career, including his legislative work on committees focused on education, mental health, and children's welfare, as well as his later roles as an investigator and chair of the Office of the Children's Ombudsman and the Legislative Retirement System Board. The resolution formally expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication and instructs that copies of the document be sent to his family.

Maddy summarySB 728 allows passengers to consume alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed vendors anywhere within airport terminal complexes (not just designated areas), directly affecting travelers at Michigan airports served by commercial airlines. The bill amends Michigan's liquor code to permit consumption throughout the terminal complex, subject to approval by the airport's governing body. Key provisions include expanding where alcohol can be consumed without restriction to specific licensed areas, while maintaining that airport licenses for alcohol sales are non-transferable. This policy change applies specifically to publicly owned airports with scheduled commercial flights.

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 939 amends the State Housing Development Authority Act to clarify and expand the powers of the State Housing Development Authority in Michigan. The bill grants the authority the ability to conduct housing studies, manage loans and mortgages, set construction standards for mobile homes, and acquire or dispose of real property to support housing initiatives. Additionally, it allows the authority to use accumulated fees and interest income for corporate purposes and to encourage community organizations in housing projects. This legislation directly affects the State Housing Development Authority and its capacity to administer housing programs and financial assistance across the state.

Maddy summarySB 934 updates Michigan's Mobile Home Commission Act to modernize regulations for manufactured housing, mobile home parks, and dealers. The bill clarifies definitions for terms like 'mobile home,' 'infraction,' and 'material deficiency' to distinguish between minor violations and those threatening health or safety. It also establishes new sections to guide local government roles and streamline licensing processes by specifying when an application is considered complete. These changes aim to provide clearer standards for the licensure, operation, and management of mobile home facilities across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding mobile home park tenancies by clarifying the specific reasons, known as 'just cause,' under which a landlord can legally evict a tenant. It directly affects tenants in mobile home parks and park operators by defining valid grounds for eviction, such as lease violations, nonpayment of rent after three occurrences in a year, property damage, or public safety issues. The legislation also introduces a new requirement for an in-person conference between the tenant and park operator within 20 days of an eviction demand, while ensuring tenants must continue paying rent until the legal process concludes. Additionally, the bill mandates that eviction judgments explicitly inform tenants of their right to sell their mobile home on the site within 15 days of losing their lease.

Maddy summarySB 935 amends the Mobile Home Commission Act to update how mobile home parks are regulated in Michigan. The bill requires the state department to conduct annual inspections of these parks and share results with local governments and lenders if problems are found. It also clarifies rules for granting variances to construction standards, sets limits on reinspection fees, and defines the training requirements for mobile home installers. Additionally, the legislation reinforces prohibitions against unfair practices, such as charging exit fees or forcing residents to buy homes as a condition of renting a space.