Rep. Veronica Paiz

Maddy summaryHB 5523 requires Michigan auto insurers to offer a premium discount to drivers aged 50 and older who complete a state-approved traffic safety course. Insurers must provide a 3-year discount after successful completion of either an 8-hour initial course or a 4-hour refresher course. The courses must cover aging effects on driving, road signs, medication impacts, safe driving practices, and crash prevention, taught by certified instructors. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate to apply for the discount.

Maddy summaryHB 5526 requires Michigan electric utilities to create worker transition programs during ownership changes, including skills training, job placement, and guarantees of comparable wages/benefits for at least 30 months after a sale. It mandates that acquiring entities must first offer jobs to existing non-supervisory workers before hiring externally and establish dispute resolution for workplace issues. The bill also sets new service quality standards for utilities, covering outages, maintenance, and billing, requiring annual reports on compliance and performance. These changes directly affect electric utilities, their workers, and customers by protecting jobs during ownership transitions and ensuring reliable service.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), declaring February 11, 2026, as "2-1-1 Day" in Michigan. It recognizes the 2-1-1 helpline service, which connects Michiganders to free health and human services (like housing, food, and disaster assistance) without creating new policies or changing how the service operates. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the existing 2-1-1 resource, which handled over 400,000 contacts in fiscal year 2025. It has no binding effect on state programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Week in Michigan. It formally recognizes the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization, which supports agricultural education for students in grades 7-12 through local chapters, leadership development, and career preparation. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but encourages Michiganders to celebrate FFA’s role in fostering student leadership, agricultural skills, and community engagement. It directly affects Michigan residents by promoting awareness of FFA’s educational programs and achievements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 245) symbolically declares February 2026 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and February 10, 2026, as National Teen Dating Violence and Prevention Day in Michigan. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about teen dating violence. The resolution cites CDC data showing high rates of physical, sexual, and psychological violence among teens, including 44.3% experiencing at least one form of violence. It directs Michigan residents and communities to recognize these dates to support prevention efforts, though it has no binding policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 16-20, 2026, as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) Awareness Week in Michigan. It aims to increase public and medical awareness of SCAD - a rare, life-threatening heart condition that disproportionately affects women, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, and is often misdiagnosed. The resolution encourages healthcare providers, researchers, and community leaders to promote education about SCAD and its warning signs. (Note: This is a symbolic awareness resolution, not a law with new requirements.)

Maddy summaryHB 4527 increases penalties for violations of laws protecting blind persons using travel aids, such as canes or guide dogs. It directly affects individuals who obstruct or interfere with these aids, making the legal consequences stricter. The bill amends existing Michigan law (MCL 752.51a et seq.) to raise fines and penalties for offenses like blocking a blind person's path or damaging their travel device. This change aims to better safeguard mobility for blind residents by strengthening enforcement of existing protections. The bill is currently pending third reading in the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 4528 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to impose stiffer penalties for drivers who cause the death of a blind person or a guide dog while they are in a crosswalk. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of vehicular homicide in these specific scenarios. Its key provision increases sentencing severity under Michigan law (MCL 777.17b) for such incidents, requiring judges to consider the heightened risk faced by blind individuals and service animals. This policy change focuses on criminal sentencing outcomes without altering traffic laws or enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 5513 requires Michigan's insurance department to create a standardized application process for health insurers to verify healthcare providers' qualifications (credentialing). This directly affects health insurers operating in Michigan and the healthcare providers seeking to be listed on insurance provider networks. The bill establishes a uniform application form under Section 3406uu of the Insurance Code and clarifies that insurers aren't required to violate nationally recognized credentialing standards. The bill is tied to the enactment of related legislation (HB 5512) to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5512 sets clear timelines for health insurers to process applications from healthcare providers seeking to join their provider networks. Insurers must acknowledge receipt within 7 days, notify providers of incomplete applications within 30 days (giving them 30 days to fix issues), and complete the credentialing process within 60 days total. If approved, insurers must reimburse providers for covered services starting from when the completed application was received. This directly affects doctors, clinics, and other healthcare providers applying to be in insurer networks, ensuring faster access to network participation.