Rep. Veronica Paiz

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new section to Michigan's civil procedure laws to allow owners or handlers of service animals to sue for damages if their animal is injured or killed by another person or animal. It establishes that liability applies regardless of whether the harm was caused intentionally, recklessly, or through negligence, though it excludes licensed veterinarians from this liability when they are performing veterinary duties. The law permits the recovery of various costs, including mental anguish, the value of the animal and its equipment, veterinary bills, retraining expenses, and the cost of replacing the animal. Additionally, the bill allows for punitive damages in cases of intentional or reckless conduct and covers attorney fees and court costs for the plaintiff.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to update the definitions of terms used in animal cruelty laws, such as "adequate care," "shelter," and "neglect." It specifically clarifies what constitutes proper shelter for dogs, detailing requirements for doghouses and prohibiting the use of inadequate spaces like crawl spaces or wire crates. The legislation also defines "animal control" and "animal protection" shelters to distinguish between government-run facilities and those operated by private organizations. By refining these legal definitions, the bill aims to provide clearer standards for what constitutes proper animal treatment and neglect.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines to reflect the decriminalization of certain acts related to tampering with utility shutoffs at residences. By amending specific sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it adjusts how courts determine penalties for these offenses under current law. The change ensures that sentencing recommendations align with recent legal shifts that removed criminal status from specific utility interference behaviors.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Revised Judicature Act to clarify how existing personal protection orders apply to animal abuse cases. It directly affects individuals seeking legal protection from domestic violence or stalking by explicitly adding provisions that allow courts to restrain a respondent from injuring, killing, or neglecting an animal owned by the petitioner. The key mechanism involves expanding the list of prohibited behaviors to include specific acts against pets intended to cause mental distress or exert control over the victim. Additionally, the bill ensures that courts cannot refuse to issue an order solely because there is no police or medical report, while prohibiting mutual orders unless both parties independently petition for them. These changes aim to strengthen legal recourse for victims by formally recognizing animal cruelty as a relevant factor in domestic safety restraining orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter within the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to establish a formal Center for Microenterprise Development. The legislation defines a microenterprise as a small business with 10 or fewer employees and outlines the role of nonprofit organizations that provide training, technical assistance, or loans to these businesses. By adding specific definitions for terms like "economic development project" and "green chemistry," the bill sets the framework for the fund to support small-scale industrial, commercial, and agricultural ventures. The changes amend existing state laws to ensure the fund can officially recognize and assist these smaller enterprises through structured development programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's corrections code to improve mental health care and HIV testing for incarcerated individuals. It requires facilities to create detailed discharge plans for people leaving prison who are receiving mental health services, including specific assessments, medication continuity, and connections to community care. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all incoming prisoners undergo HIV testing within 60 days of arrival, with positive results triggering specific housing protocols and counseling. The bill also establishes requirements for staff exposure to blood or body fluids and calls for ongoing education programs on HIV prevention and treatment within correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan schools to provide cultural competency training for all educators and staff who interact with students. By June 1, 2027, the state education department must create or adopt resources covering topics such as diversity, cultural identity, implicit bias, and the historical contributions of various ethnic and racial groups. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, school boards must ensure that all relevant personnel complete this training, which can be integrated into existing professional development programs. Additionally, the bill allows the department to distribute instructional materials related to the history of these communities that align with state social studies standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Water Trust Fund within the state treasury to manage and protect the state's water resources for current and future generations. The fund will be financed through royalties collected by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, with strict rules ensuring that at least $750 million in principal remains invested while allowing up to 70% of annual earnings to be used for specific purposes. A new board will oversee the distribution of grant money to support low-income households with water access, assist communities during water emergencies, replace lead service lines, test private wells, and fund broader water infrastructure and flood resilience projects. The legislation also defines the roles of the state department and the newly created board, which will consist of the department director and six members appointed by the governor to review and recommend grant recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to require courts to inform people considering guardianship about alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship, conservatorship, and supported decision-making. Supported decision-making is defined as a process where individuals with incapacities work with trusted friends, family, or professionals to understand their options and make their own decisions. The legislation also mandates that a guardian ad litem be appointed to represent the individual in incapacity hearings if they do not have their own legal counsel. These changes aim to ensure that individuals facing potential guardianship are fully informed about less restrictive options before a court order is issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Safe Drinking Water Act to establish a new permitting and licensing system for companies that produce bottled drinking water using large quantities of state water. It requires facilities withdrawing more than 200,000 gallons per day or transferring over 100,000 gallons daily to submit detailed applications assessing environmental and hydrological impacts, which must include public notice, community consultation, and a $5,000 fee through 2025. Starting in 2026, the bill mandates that all such bottling operations obtain a specific state license that includes a $6,000 fee, ensuring compliance with water quality standards and addressing potential effects on local water sources. The legislation also empowers the Department of Agriculture to withhold approval if out-of-state water sources lack adequate oversight or if proposed withdrawals threaten local water systems.