Rep. Curt VanderWall

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to allow Michigan county boards of commissioners to hire retired employees back into county sheriff's offices without requiring them to forfeit their retirement benefits. The legislation clarifies that counties can employ retirees in this specific role while they continue to receive their existing pension or retirement allowance. By modifying section 12a of the 1951 County Boards of Commissioners Act, the measure provides legal authority for counties to utilize the experience of former sheriff's office staff without creating a financial penalty for their retirement status.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover prescribed pediatric extended care for children. It achieves this by amending the state insurance code to mandate that policies issued or renewed within the state include this specific coverage. The legislation defines pediatric extended care according to existing public health code regulations and makes the bill's effectiveness dependent on the passage of a separate related bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's juvenile justice laws to explicitly prohibit sentencing individuals under the age of 19 to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The legislation focuses on clarifying the legal framework for juvenile dispositions by reinforcing existing restrictions on severe penalties for minors. By aligning with related bills, it ensures that the state's approach to juvenile offenders remains consistent with current standards that limit adult-style sentencing for young people. The change serves to codify protections for minors within the probate code, ensuring that courts cannot impose the harshest available sentences on those under 19.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget to sell or transfer two specific state-owned parcels of land in Arenac County. It establishes rules for determining fair market value and allows the property to be sold to the public, offered to local governments, or transferred to other state agencies under certain conditions. A key provision requires that if the land is sold to a local government for less than its full market value, the buyer must agree to use it exclusively for public purposes such as parks, education, or law enforcement. The legislation also mandates that any money earned from the sale must first cover the costs of the transaction before any remaining revenue goes to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover hearing-related services and devices for individuals under 19 who have been evaluated by an audiologist for hearing loss. The coverage includes audiologist exams, hearing aid fittings, maintenance, repairs, remote microphones, and speech therapy, though insurers may still apply standard cost-sharing rules like deductibles and co-pays. The law specifically excludes plans tied to health savings accounts to ensure compliance with federal tax regulations and will only take effect on January 1, 2026, if a related bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's recreational trespassing law to clarify when property owners can legally restrict access for activities like hiking, hunting, and trapping. It establishes that entry is prohibited on fenced, enclosed, or posted properties, while maintaining that farm properties and connected wooded areas are always restricted regardless of signage. The legislation also preserves specific exceptions, such as allowing fishermen to cross banks to avoid hazards and permitting individuals to enter to retrieve a lost hunting dog. By defining these rules and the requirements for posting signs, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance on the responsibilities of property owners and the rights of recreational users.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance providers in Michigan to cover hearing aids for children under 19 who have been medically evaluated and referred by a specialist. Under the new rules, insurers must pay up to $3,000 for every pair of hearing aids purchased every three years, with the amount adjusted annually based on inflation. The coverage applies only to devices selected by an audiologist after a specific evaluation process, and patients may choose more expensive models if they are willing to pay the difference out of pocket. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, but it will not become active unless a separate related bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Sex Offender Registration Act to update how the law defines who must register and under what circumstances. It clarifies that individuals convicted in tribal or military courts must register, while those whose convictions have been expunged or set aside are exempt. The legislation also expands the definition of "custodial authority" to include various roles such as teachers, school employees, and correctional staff who exploit their position to coerce victims into sexual contact. Additionally, the bill specifies new criteria for when juvenile disposition orders or out-of-state adjudications require registration, particularly for offenses involving victims aged 14 or older that would classify the offender as tier III. These changes aim to ensure the registration system covers a broader range of legal outcomes and specific abuse scenarios without altering the core requirements for existing registrants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan Department of Corrections facilities to conduct strip searches and pat-down searches of visitors and prisoners based on biological sex. Under the new rules, only staff members of the same biological sex as the individual being searched may perform these procedures. The legislation defines biological sex strictly by physical characteristics such as chromosomes and genitalia, rather than gender identity. Visitors who are uncomfortable with a search by staff of a different biological sex can choose to waive this requirement by signing a form.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Unemployment Agency to get approval from both houses of the state legislature before making specific changes to its operations. Under the new rules, the agency cannot move staff between divisions, cancel the waiting period for first unemployment payments, or remove computer systems designed to detect potential fraud. These systems currently flag claims based on factors like blacklisted email addresses, out-of-state addresses, or duplicate information such as shared bank accounts and IP addresses. Essentially, the legislation ensures that significant shifts in how the agency manages its workforce or verifies claimants must be explicitly authorized by lawmakers first.