Rep. Betsy Coffia

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's legal process for appointing guardians or conservators for individuals who may be incapacitated. It requires courts to inform petitioners about less restrictive alternatives before filing and mandates the appointment of a legal representative for the individual unless they already have one. The legislation also establishes stricter rules for medical evaluations, ensuring that detailed reports on an individual's condition and capacity are shared with relevant parties while keeping the full report confidential from the public record. Additionally, the bill guarantees the right to an independent medical evaluation and outlines specific content requirements for professional assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Domestic Violence Firearm Protection Act, establishes new procedures for removing firearms from individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence in Michigan. It requires courts to inform defendants at sentencing that they must surrender any guns or concealed pistol licenses they own within 24 hours of their conviction or release from jail. The law designates specific law enforcement agencies or licensed dealers to accept these items and mandates a follow-up hearing to verify that the surrender has occurred. If a defendant fails to turn over their weapons voluntarily, the court can issue a search warrant to locate and seize them. Additionally, the bill outlines how surrendered firearms will be stored and the process for their eventual return or disposal once the legal prohibition period ends.

Maddy summaryHB 6134 amends Michigan law to strengthen personal protection orders by explicitly requiring the removal of firearms from individuals subject to domestic relations orders. The bill mandates that courts issue orders prohibiting respondents from possessing or purchasing guns if they are found to have committed acts of domestic violence or abuse against a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, or household member. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the absence of a police report, medical documentation, or physical evidence of abuse should not prevent a judge from granting a protection order. These changes aim to provide clearer legal mechanisms for victims to secure their safety and ensure law enforcement has immediate access to information about firearm restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding guardianship and conservatorship to strengthen the rights of individuals facing incapacity proceedings. It requires guardians ad litem, who represent vulnerable people during these hearings, to personally visit the individual and clearly explain their legal rights, such as the ability to contest the petition or limit a guardian's authority over medical decisions. The legislation also mandates that courts provide free legal counsel to indigent individuals who wish to contest a guardianship or request specific limits on a guardian's powers. Additionally, the bill directs guardians ad litem to explore alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship or patient advocacy designations, and ensures that compensation for these representatives is only granted if they have fulfilled their new reporting duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to regulate the appointment and duties of professional guardians and conservators. It requires courts to find that no suitable family member or friend is available before appointing a professional and mandates that these professionals submit criminal background checks and post a financial bond. The legislation also establishes strict rules for compensation, requiring professionals to disclose any outside income received for their role, and outlines specific care standards such as maintaining a visitation schedule and ensuring adequate staffing. Additionally, the bill clarifies notification procedures for interested parties and defines the limits on what support staff can do, prohibiting them from making major financial or medical decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's ethics rules to restrict former state legislators and top executive officials from lobbying on behalf of private interests for a set period after leaving office. Specifically, it prohibits former lawmakers from lobbying for one year after their term ends and extends this one-year ban to the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. The law allows these individuals to continue lobbying for the state government or their former offices during this time but sets a financial threshold that, if exceeded, requires them to register as lobbyists. Violating these restrictions is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by fines, jail time, or both.

Maddy summaryHB 5581 amends Michigan's lobbying laws to clarify definitions and update spending thresholds for individuals and organizations engaging in lobbying activities. The bill specifically redefines who qualifies as a lobbyist or lobbyist agent by adjusting the annual expenditure limits and clarifying rules about group spending on food and travel. It also expands the list of state officials considered "executive branch officials" for lobbying purposes to include various department directors and commission members. Additionally, the legislation updates terminology to ensure consistency across the statute while maintaining exemptions for journalists and most public employees.

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 creates a one-time tax credit of up to $10,000 for Michigan residents who incur unreimbursed costs related to live organ donation. Starting in the 2025 tax year, eligible individuals can claim this credit for expenses such as travel, lodging, lost wages, and child care, provided they submit proof of the donation and related costs. The credit is not refundable, meaning it can only reduce the tax owed to zero but will not result in a cash payment if the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Michigan Community Investment Tax Credit Program designed to help distressed areas and low-income neighborhoods by encouraging donations to local nonprofit organizations. Under the program, place-based nonprofits that focus on specific communities can apply for approval to receive tax credits, which they then issue to donors who contribute at least $500 to support their community development projects. The state fund will manage this process, with a total annual limit of $25 million in tax credits and individual allocations capped between $50,000 and $150,000 for up to three consecutive years. To qualify, the nonprofit must demonstrate that its leadership includes meaningful representation from the economically disadvantaged residents it serves. The bill also requires the fund to publish application guidelines and a list of approved organizations on its website to ensure transparency.