This bill updates Michigan's insurance laws by increasing penalties for individuals who commit fraudulent insurance acts, such as filing false claims. It establishes a tiered system where punishments range from misdemeanors to felonies based on the total amount of fraud involved, the number of false claims made, and whether the offender has prior convictions. Under the new rules, fines can be up to three times the amount of the fraudulent claim, and sentences can extend up to 20 years in prison for the most serious cases. Additionally, the legislation requires courts to notify licensing authorities when a practitioner or insurer is found guilty of fraud and mandates that restitution be paid to victims.
This bill requires insurance companies in Michigan to file a report with the state director whenever they reasonably suspect fraud involving a policyholder or a claim. The law mandates that these reports include specific details about the alleged fraudulent act and the parties involved, allowing the director to investigate and refer cases to prosecutors if necessary. However, insurers are not required to submit these forms if their initial investigation finds no fraud or if they lack reasonable grounds to believe a crime occurred. Additionally, the bill ensures that authorized agencies must cooperate with the director by providing any relevant documents or evidence upon request.
This bill requires Michigan's medical assistance program to cover specific prenatal screening tests for all pregnant individuals without restrictions. The law mandates that coverage for noninvasive prenatal testing cannot be limited by the patient's age or baseline risk, while expanded carrier screening must be available to everyone regardless of family history or ethnic background. Additionally, the state must set coverage guidelines based on professional medical standards and consult with healthcare providers to ensure these services are accessible to all patients.
This bill eliminates the Environmental Permit Review Commission and repeals the specific sections of law that created it. It directly affects the Department of Environmental Quality and the various state agencies that issue environmental permits, such as those for mining, waste disposal, and water use. The legislation removes the requirement for the state to appoint panels or hold public hearings to review certain permit applications, thereby streamlining the administrative process. While it retains existing definitions for terms like "permit" and "processing period," it effectively ends the oversight role previously held by the commission.
SB 393 proposes to eliminate Part 26 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which currently establishes the Environmental Science Advisory Board. This legislative change would effectively dissolve the board by removing the specific sections of law that created it and defined its functions. The bill directly impacts the state's administrative structure by ending the formal advisory role this board plays in environmental matters. If passed, the repeal would leave the existing framework for environmental science advice without this specific statutory entity.
This bill, known as the Event Online Ticket Sales Act, prohibits individuals and businesses from using automated software, or "bots," to buy tickets for public entertainment events like concerts and sports games in Michigan. The law specifically bans purchasing more tickets than the allowed limit by using multiple accounts or addresses, as well as bypassing security measures like waiting periods or presale codes. Because the bill is tied to a companion measure, it will only become active if that related legislation is also passed.
This bill creates a new Michigan High-Speed Internet Office within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to oversee broadband development in the state. The office will be led by a director appointed by the department head and has the authority to award grants and provide technical support for digital infrastructure projects. Its main duties include coordinating with other agencies, collecting data on internet availability, and promoting policies that use broadband to support economic growth and community revitalization. Additionally, the office will act as a central contact point for the public and internet service providers to improve transparency and adoption of high-speed internet.
This bill directs the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to create a buddy-to-buddy mentorship program for active-duty service members and veterans living in the state. The initiative pairs individuals with volunteer mentors who provide guidance on practical matters like education, employment, and healthcare, as well as connect them with advocates for mental health and substance use support. While non-veterans can serve as mentors, the program prioritizes recruiting veterans to lead these efforts. Additionally, the bill establishes that private information shared within the program remains confidential and is exempt from public disclosure under the state's freedom of information laws. This legislation will only take effect if several other related bills are also passed into law.
This bill designates the month of May each year as "Chaldean American Month" to honor Chaldean, Assyrian, and Syriac Americans for their contributions to Michigan and the United States. The legislation creates a new state act that officially names this time period, replacing any previous designations for April. By establishing this commemorative month, the bill aims to recognize the cultural heritage and significant roles played by these communities within the state.
This bill establishes a new Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to better support service members and veterans. The office will be led by a manager appointed based on experience in veteran mental health and will have the authority to collect data on mental health conditions, administer grants to local and nonprofit groups, and publish a free wellness resource guide with treatment listings and a self-assessment tool. Additionally, the legislation ensures that any personal data collected remains confidential and is exempt from public disclosure under state freedom of information laws.
This bill establishes a new Office of Mental Health within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency to better support service members, veterans, and their families. It requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to partner with the agency on statewide outreach, create educational materials for families, and develop a program to help navigate mental health and substance use disorder resources. The legislation also allows for the use of mobile or electronic platforms to connect individuals with these services and protects specific personal records from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. This office will only become operational if several other related bills are also passed into law.
This bill requires the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide free access to a mental health and wellness resource guide for Michigan National Guard members and other military servicemembers living in the state. The department must make this guide available both in print at accessible locations and electronically on its website. The legislation does not take effect until four other related bills are also passed into law.
