Rep. Veronica Paiz

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Education Trust Act to update definitions and rules for advance tuition payment contracts, directly affecting individuals who purchase these contracts to fund future college education. The legislation clarifies who qualifies as a beneficiary and purchaser while establishing specific conditions under which a contract can be terminated, such as when a student dies, is not admitted to a state school, or chooses to attend a different type of institution. It also outlines how refunds are calculated upon termination, specifying that payments may be reduced based on the number of credit hours completed and allowing for the transfer of funds to other eligible colleges if the student changes schools. By amending existing sections of the law, the bill aims to ensure the trust operates with updated terminology and clearer procedures for handling contract cancellations and refunds.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's veterinary laws to formally require a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before a veterinarian can treat an animal. To establish this relationship, a veterinarian must assume responsibility for clinical judgments, obtain the owner's agreement to follow instructions, and have current knowledge of the animal through an in-person exam, a specific telehealth visit, or a visit to the animal's location. The legislation explicitly allows veterinarians to conduct telehealth exams for companion animals using real-time audio and video, provided they have the necessary equipment and are available for emergencies. However, it restricts telehealth by prohibiting remote exams for non-companion animals, forbidding the issuance of interstate health certificates remotely, and limiting remote prescriptions to a 14-day supply without refills. Additionally, the bill mandates that controlled substances can only be prescribed after an in-person examination or a visit to the animal's premises.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Climate Resiliency Corps program in Michigan to train and employ residents in projects that address climate change, such as creating green infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture. The program would be managed by the Michigan Community Service Commission in partnership with local governments, nonprofits, universities, and other organizations, with a goal of placing at least 40% of participants in environmental justice communities. Selected corps members, who must be state residents at least 17 years old, would receive wages or stipends, scholarships, and workforce development training while working on approved resiliency projects. The legislation also creates a dedicated state fund to finance grants, scholarships, and the administrative costs of running the program.

Maddy summaryHB 6069 amends Michigan's existing use tax law to clarify how the tax applies when people buy goods or services outside the state but use them here. The bill introduces new rules for taxing vehicles, recreational vehicles, aircraft, and other large items, requiring the tax to be paid before these items are registered or titled. It also updates exemptions for family gifts and estate transfers while establishing specific revenue targets for local community stabilization funds. Ultimately, the legislation aims to ensure that individuals who bring taxable items into Michigan for personal use pay the appropriate 6% tax, regardless of where the purchase originated.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new cancer cluster investigation program within Michigan's public health code to help identify unusual patterns of cancer cases linked to environmental exposures. It requires the state health department to create a registry for recording cancer diagnoses and mandates the development of a public-facing map that visually displays geographic variations in cancer incidence alongside potential environmental risks. The program emphasizes community engagement throughout the investigation process and requires the department to use CDC best practices and advanced statistical tools to analyze data. Additionally, the bill sets a schedule for the department to evaluate collected reports and publish annual summary findings for public access.

Maddy summaryHB 6071 establishes the legal framework for issuing and managing bonds to fund the Clean Michigan 2 initiative, which aims to protect the environment and natural resources across the state. The bill authorizes the State Administrative Board to issue negotiable, tax-exempt bonds and creates a dedicated fund in the state treasury to hold the proceeds. These funds are specifically allocated for projects such as cleaning up brownfields, upgrading water infrastructure, and remediating contaminated sediments in lakes and rivers. By adding a new section to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, the legislation provides the necessary tools to finance these environmental improvements while defining key terms and administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Energy Stability Fund within the state treasury to help cover energy costs for specific groups of people. The fund can receive money from any source, and the state treasurer will manage its investments while the Department of Health and Human Services oversees its use. Money in the fund will not be returned to the general budget at the end of the year and can only be spent to provide energy assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with qualified disabilities, and veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's school code to require that sex education in public schools be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and objective. It mandates that teachers instructing on these topics receive specific training and that school boards approve curricula through a process involving public hearings. The legislation also requires school districts to establish advisory boards with significant parent representation to oversee sex education programs. Additionally, it clarifies that such classes must be elective, allow parents to review course materials in advance, and provide an option for students to be excused without penalty.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires soil products sold in Michigan to include at least 5% compost made from specific compostable materials starting in 2027. It directly affects businesses selling bulk soil, prepackaged soil, and potting soil by mandating a minimum compost content. Additionally, the law requires sellers to clearly label these products or their receipts with the exact percentage of compost included. The regulation aims to improve soil health and conservation while ensuring consumers are informed about the composition of the soil they purchase.

Maddy summaryHB 5557 amends Michigan's planning laws to require local governments to forecast and incorporate housing needs into their master plans. The bill mandates that these plans include a range of housing types and costs to serve a diverse population. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for appointing planning commission members to ensure the groups represent various community segments and include school board representatives in counties. These changes affect cities, villages, townships, and counties by updating how they structure their planning commissions and develop long-term development strategies.