Rep. Veronica Paiz

Maddy summaryThis bill urges Michigan's public universities and community colleges to create a consistent statewide policy for awarding college credit to students who complete International Baccalaureate coursework. It recommends that institutions grant credit for IB exam scores of four or higher, which can count toward elective degree requirements, while allowing schools to set higher standards for major-specific courses. The resolution aims to reduce uncertainty for students, improve college affordability, and help retain Michigan's IB graduates by providing clear, publicly available credit policies. Copies of the bill will be sent to state university leaders and higher education associations for their consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Kidney Month in Michigan to raise public awareness about chronic kidney disease. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic resolution to highlight the importance of kidney health. The measure aims to encourage early detection and screening for kidney disease, which often has no symptoms until advanced stages. By designating this month, the legislature supports ongoing efforts by health organizations to educate Michigan residents about kidney disease risks and prevention.

Maddy summaryHB 5592 creates a new licensure requirement for freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities in Michigan. It directly affects independent medical facilities that provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which uses high-oxygen environments to treat specific medical conditions like non-healing wounds. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to establish specific standards and oversight for these facilities, including facility requirements and operational guidelines. This change ensures these specialized treatment centers meet defined safety and quality standards under state regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 5591 updates Michigan's Public Health Code to establish licensing requirements for freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities (which treat conditions like non-healing wounds using pressurized oxygen). It directly affects these specialized facilities by requiring them to be accredited by approved organizations (like The Joint Commission), appoint a medical director licensed as a physician or nurse practitioner, and designate a safety coordinator. Key provisions include defining terms like "qualified health professional" and mandating compliance with NFPA 99 fire safety standards. The bill does not change patient access but sets new operational standards for facility operators. (Note: This bill is pending and requires companion bills HB 5590-5593 to take effect.)

Maddy summaryHB 5590 requires freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities (which use pressurized oxygen chambers for medical treatment) to obtain state licensure. It directly affects facility owners, operators, medical directors, and safety coordinators by mandating specific qualifications, safety protocols (like NFPA 99 compliance), and accreditation standards. Facilities must publicly display licenses, accreditation, FDA-approved treatment indications, and safety rules, and provide patients with written information about risks, benefits, and insurance coverage limitations. The bill also requires facilities to document compliance with safety standards and patient consent forms detailing FDA-approved uses.

Maddy summaryHB 5593 creates a dedicated "hyperbaric oxygen therapy inspection fund" in the state treasury to cover costs for inspecting freestanding specialized oxygen therapy facilities. The fund is financed solely by licensing fees paid by these facilities, and the state Department of Health administers it to ensure inspections occur. Money from the fund can only be used for inspecting such facilities under the Public Health Code, with no other purposes allowed. This bill directly affects facility operators (through fees) and state health inspectors (through funding), with no broader policy changes beyond this specific inspection mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 5586 creates a new "Office of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Services" within Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services. The office will administer grants to community-based nonprofits, track violence trends, set statewide goals to reduce shootings and homicides, and coordinate all state violence prevention efforts. It directly affects local governments, community organizations receiving grants, and state agencies managing the program. The bill establishes concrete requirements for data collection, technical assistance, and annual reporting to measure progress toward reducing community violence.

Maddy summaryHB 5580 prohibits Michigan insurers from considering a dog's breed when making decisions about home insurance. It bans using breed to deny coverage, cancel policies, increase premiums, or add exclusions for residential properties like houses, apartments, or condos. Insurers may still use other underwriting factors unrelated to breed. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to residential property liability insurance policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5579, the "Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees Act," prohibits most employers from using automated decisions tools (like AI for hiring) or electronic monitoring tools (like tracking software) for employment decisions affecting employees or job applicants. Employers may only use these tools for specific, limited purposes, such as screening large applicant volumes for job skills or monitoring essential work functions, safety, or compliance. The bill requires employers to obtain written consent from workers, provide clear notice of monitoring, ensure data accuracy, and use tools in the least invasive way possible. It directly affects all Michigan employers and their employees/applicants, creating new rules for technology use in the workplace.

Maddy summaryHB 5587 creates a state grant program to fund community-based violence prevention initiatives in areas with high homicide rates. It establishes a "community violence intervention and prevention fund" to award grants to eligible local governments (e.g., cities or counties with 35+ homicides in 2 of 3 years) or community nonprofits with proven experience addressing violence. Grants must support evidence-based strategies focused on trauma care, economic opportunities, and reducing violence without increasing incarceration, with at least 75% of funds directed to community organizations - not law enforcement. The program requires grantees to report on outcomes and coordinate with other violence prevention efforts, and mandates annual reports on best practices from the administering office.