Rep. Karl Bohnak

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 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 summaryHB 4727 requires courts in Michigan to appoint only licensed professional guardians or conservators for individuals under legal protection (wards, developmentally disabled, or incapacitated persons). It mandates that these professionals must hold a license under Michigan's occupational code, and prohibits unlicensed employees from making medical, financial, or housing decisions for the individuals they serve. The bill also requires transparency by requiring professionals to disclose outside compensation from sources other than the ward's estate and to maintain visitation schedules for wards. These changes take effect two years after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 4728 requires professional guardians and conservators to obtain a state license. This bill directly affects individuals and agencies that manage finances or personal care for vulnerable adults (like seniors or people with disabilities) who cannot make decisions for themselves. The key provision adds new licensing requirements through amendments to existing law, establishing standards for these professionals. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 4729 updates Michigan's rules for appointing guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities. It requires courts to prioritize licensed professional guardians (under Article 14A of the Occupational Code) when appointing guardians, and prohibits unlicensed employees of such guardians from making medical, financial, or housing decisions for these individuals. The law also mandates that courts consider the individual's preference for a guardian before making an appointment. These changes take effect two years after the bill's passage, aiming to ensure guardianship appointments meet professional standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's adult foster care facility licensing act to clarify how substance use disorder treatment programs are classified under the law. It specifically updates definitions in the statute to include facilities that are exempt from licensure as substance use disorder services programs, ensuring they are properly recognized within the adult foster care framework. The changes affect licensing requirements and regulatory oversight for homes and facilities that provide both foster care and substance use disorder treatment services. By modifying existing sections of the act, the bill aligns the licensing rules with current practices for co-occurring care programs without changing the core licensing standards themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all participants in Michigan driver education courses to complete a work zone safety education course starting January 1, 2027, before receiving a level 2 graduated driver license. The mandatory course, developed with the Department of Transportation, must cover at least 30 minutes of instruction on identifying construction zones, safety precautions for workers and drivers, traffic violation penalties, and safe driving strategies around construction equipment. The course can be delivered online or in-person, must be included at no additional cost to students, and the Department of State will create a standardized curriculum that can be updated through collaboration with transportation agencies and law enforcement.

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.