Rep. Jenn Hill

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Court-Appointed Special Advocate program in Michigan to support children under the age of 18 involved in court proceedings. The legislation creates a structured system where trained volunteers, known as CASA volunteers, are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of these children. To ensure safety and quality, the bill mandates rigorous screening, including comprehensive background checks, and requires volunteers to complete specific training and undergo regular supervision. Additionally, the law outlines the responsibilities of program directors to manage operations and sets clear rules for when a volunteer can be dismissed from their role.

Maddy summaryHB 5977 modifies the Michigan Industrial Hemp Growers Act by updating how the state manages its industrial hemp program funds. The bill establishes a dedicated industrial hemp fund within the state treasury to hold fees collected from the program, allowing the department to use these monies for auditing, operating, and enforcing hemp regulations. It also mandates that any remaining money in this specific fund be transferred to a different agriculture-related fund on February 1, 2025, at which point the industrial hemp fund will be abolished. Additionally, the legislation repeals numerous existing sections of the 2020 act, effectively resetting the legal framework for industrial hemp administration in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Used Motor Vehicle Warranty Act" to offer buyers of used cars a short-term cancellation option. It requires dealers selling used vehicles with a purchase price of $50,000 or less to provide customers with a contract that allows them to return the car without cause within two days of purchase. Under this agreement, buyers can drive the vehicle up to 150 miles and have it inspected by a mechanic of their choice during that two-day window. If a customer decides to cancel, they must pay a restocking fee that varies based on the vehicle's price, ranging from $175 to $500. The law excludes motorcycles, off-highway vehicles, and cars costing more than $50,000 from these requirements, and it does not apply to private sales between individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's income tax law to clarify how certain types of income and deductions are calculated for individual taxpayers. It specifically adjusts the definition of taxable income by adding back interest from out-of-state bonds and taxes paid to other jurisdictions while simultaneously allowing deductions for military retirement benefits, Social Security, and contributions to state education tuition programs. The legislation also updates the maximum deduction limits for other retirement and pension income, ensuring these amounts are adjusted annually based on inflation. These changes directly affect Michigan residents filing state income tax returns by modifying the final amount of income subject to taxation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program to help private-sector employees save for retirement through automatic payroll deductions. It creates a new oversight board and a separate trust fund to manage individual retirement accounts for enrolled workers, ensuring the money remains distinct from state funds. Employers that do not currently offer qualified retirement plans are required to participate by allowing employees to make automatic contributions from their paychecks. The legislation also sets up a separate administrative fund to cover the program's operational costs and defines the specific duties of the state officials who will run the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state department of education, working with the department of labor and economic opportunity, to develop educational materials on digital literacy and cybersafety. These resources, which include model curricula and lesson plans, must be made available for free on the department of labor and economic opportunity's website. The primary goal is to provide accessible tools to help individuals improve their online safety and digital skills without cost.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's hunting laws to clarify the requirements for minors and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities who hunt under supervision. It mandates that these individuals must be accompanied by a specific mentor or guardian who meets age and licensing criteria, particularly when the hunter cannot obtain standard hunter safety certification. Additionally, the legislation updates rules for purchasing hunting licenses by requiring proof of prior experience or training for adults born after 1960, while allowing exceptions for apprentice and mentored licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes supervision requirements for individuals holding temporary licenses as emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technician specialists, or paramedics in Michigan. Under the new rules, these temporary license holders must practice only under the direct supervision of a similarly licensed professional who holds a permanent license rather than a temporary one. The legislation applies to all temporary license holders in these health occupations and does not alter the licensing standards for permanent practitioners. The act takes effect immediately upon approval and is tied to the passage of a companion bill, HB 4613.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's criminal procedure code to establish specific sentencing guidelines for violating maritime traffic rules in the Straits of Mackinac. It directly affects boaters and captains operating watercraft in that area by clarifying the penalties for failing to use a required maritime pilot or for anchoring in prohibited zones. The legislation does not create new rules but instead updates the legal framework to ensure consistent punishment when these existing safety requirements are broken.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new regulations for large watercraft, defined as vessels over 700 feet long, navigating the Straits of Mackinac. It mandates that these vessels must be guided by a licensed maritime pilot and strictly prohibits the use of anchors or any equipment that could touch the lake bottom within the designated area. Additionally, the legislation requires the state to install buoys to mark navigation hazards and designates specific emergency anchorage zones. Owners of obstructions in the straits are also required to mark their property with buoys within 90 days to ensure safe passage. Violations of these rules are classified as felonies, carrying potential prison sentences, fines, and mandatory reimbursement for environmental cleanup costs.