Rep. Cam Cavitt

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement officers and state agency employees in Michigan from using the "open fields doctrine" during searches. The open fields doctrine is a legal rule that currently allows police to search open areas without a warrant, but this legislation would remove that exception for state-level searches. As a result, any search conducted by these officials in open fields would require a warrant or another valid legal justification. The law directly affects state departments, boards, and commissions, as well as the officers and agents who work for them.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Medical Debt Act, prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in credit reports and bars creditors from reporting such debts to these agencies. It also prevents lenders from using unpaid medical bills as a negative factor when making credit decisions, with the exception of large mortgage loans exceeding federal limits. Additionally, the law restricts collection agencies from falsely claiming that medical debt will be reported on a consumer's credit file. These measures aim to protect individuals from having their medical financial obligations negatively impact their creditworthiness and future borrowing opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for the state of Michigan to issue certificates of acceptability for premanufactured building units, such as modular homes, at their place of manufacture. It requires manufacturers to submit detailed plans and specifications for review and approval, with the state department required to respond within 30 days, after which the application is automatically approved if no decision is made. The bill also sets up inspection procedures to verify that manufactured units comply with submitted plans, allows local agencies to inspect units at the manufacturing site, and creates a hearing process to resolve disputes when local enforcing agencies object to the use of a premanufactured unit.

Maddy summaryHB 4704 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (like Medicaid) to cover group prenatal care services starting from its effective date. This directly affects pregnant individuals enrolled in Michigan's medical assistance program by making evidence-based group prenatal care available at no extra cost. The bill defines "group prenatal care" as a series of visits in a group setting that includes health assessments, social support, education, and peer interaction in a family-centered environment. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services must add this coverage to the program under Section 109t of the Social Welfare Act.

Maddy summaryHB 5145 changes documentation requirements for Michigan's public assistance programs, including food assistance. It replaces self-attestation with verifiable documents for applicants to prove identity (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate), income (e.g., pay stub, tax return), and Michigan residency (e.g., utility bill, lease). The bill requires applicants to upload these documents via the MI Bridges online portal before eligibility is determined. It also mandates that the department use alternative verification methods if documents are missing, rather than automatically denying benefits. This bill directly affects individuals applying for or renewing public assistance benefits in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority of local governments to regulate land development on property owned by the University of Michigan. Specifically, it updates state law to allow municipalities to apply zoning rules to university land acquired on or after January 1, 2027. The legislation enables local units of government to control the location, size, and use of university buildings and structures to align with community needs for housing, industry, and public services. By extending existing zoning powers to future university acquisitions, the bill ensures that campus expansion can be managed alongside local planning goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules governing the state university system to require regents to follow local zoning laws when purchasing land acquired on or after January 1, 2027. It also maintains a specific provision ensuring that at least one professor of homeopathy remains in the department of medicine. The legislation does not take effect until a separate constitutional amendment is approved, linking its implementation to a broader change in the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a change to the state constitution to require the University of Michigan to follow local zoning laws and ordinances for any land it acquires on or after January 1, 2027. Currently, the university operates with significant autonomy over its property, but this amendment would shift that authority to local governments for future land purchases. The rule applies specifically to the Regents of the University of Michigan and does not affect other state universities like Michigan State or Wayne State. If passed by voters, the change would ensure that new university campuses align with the planning rules of the cities or counties where they are built.

Maddy summaryHB 5358 modifies Michigan's teacher licensing requirements. It requires teachers seeking professional certification to complete a 3-credit course on diagnosing and supporting students with reading disabilities, including specific tools and strategies. The bill also creates streamlined pathways for out-of-state teachers to obtain Michigan certification if they've taught successfully for at least 3 years in their previous state, waiving some exam and reading course requirements. These changes directly affect teachers, school districts, and teacher preparation programs by altering certification standards and reciprocity processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to establish a presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time with both parents is in a child's best interest. It requires courts to inform parents about joint custody options and the presumption of equal time during custody disputes, and specifies that "joint custody" means either shared decision-making for important child welfare matters or equal physical time with each parent. The bill also clarifies that joint custody does not affect child support obligations, which remain based on each parent's resources and the child's needs. This applies directly to parents involved in custody cases and judges handling such cases under Michigan law.