Sen. Michele Hoitenga

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 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 712 updates qualifications for district court magistrates in Michigan by replacing the requirement that magistrates must be "registered electors" in their district with a new rule requiring them to either reside in or be employed by the appointing county (or an adjoining district under specific plans). This change applies to all magistrates except those in the thirty-sixth district, which maintains its existing limits. The bill does not alter appointment procedures (still requiring judge appointment and county approval) or magistrate duties, only the eligibility criteria. It focuses on ensuring magistrates have a local connection to the county they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for credit unions in Michigan to change how they must notify members about potential mergers. It allows credit unions to merge with each other or with foreign credit unions while ensuring that member votes and board approvals are properly documented and submitted to the state director. The legislation also clarifies the process for converting member shares during a merger and permits the state director to waive the requirement for a member vote in specific cases, such as when a credit union is insolvent.

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 summaryThis bill updates Michigan's tax increment financing laws to explicitly include dam repairs and maintenance as eligible projects for funding. By amending the definition of "water resource improvement," the legislation allows local authorities to use captured property tax growth to pay for fixing or maintaining dams within their districts. The change directly affects local governments and development authorities that manage waterways and seek to utilize tax increment financing for infrastructure work. No new taxes are created; instead, the bill clarifies which existing maintenance activities qualify for this specific financial tool.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-funded infrastructure projects in Michigan to purchase cement, concrete, and steel that are produced in the United States. To qualify, at least 95% of the total cost of these materials must come from components manufactured domestically. State agencies can grant waivers if the materials are unavailable, would raise project costs by more than 25%, or if an emergency demands immediate procurement. The legislation also directs the state to update procurement policies to offer a bid preference for products made within Michigan and takes effect on January 1, 2030.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 897 amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to clarify and expand exemptions for specific entities and agricultural activities. The bill directly affects nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, schools, and agricultural businesses by defining which sales of tangible personal property are not subject to sales tax. Key provisions include explicit exemptions for parent cooperative preschools, expanded definitions for agricultural machinery and equipment used in farming, and specific rules for newspapers and periodicals. The legislation also clarifies that certain structures like greenhouses and portable grain bins are not considered real estate for tax purposes if they can be disassembled without affecting their functionality.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 896 amends Michigan's Use Tax Act to clarify and update the list of property and services exempt from the tax. The bill directly affects various businesses and organizations, including vehicle dealers, agricultural enterprises, schools, and religious institutions, by specifying conditions under which they do not owe the tax. Key provisions include maintaining exemptions for items purchased for resale, property used in farming and livestock operations, and goods brought into the state by nonresidents for temporary use. Additionally, the bill sets specific limits on the number of demonstration vehicles new car dealers can purchase tax-free based on their annual sales volume.