Rep. Kimberly Edwards

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Water Shutoff Protection Act to regulate how Michigan water utilities handle unpaid bills for residential customers. It mandates that providers must make at least three contact attempts using multiple methods, such as door notices, phone calls, or mail, before cutting off service for non-payment. The law specifically prohibits shutting off water for households with critical care needs, such as those using life-support systems, and defines eligibility for assistance based on income levels and participation in various state and federal aid programs. Additionally, the act requires utilities to inform customers about available payment plans and affordability programs before enforcing a shutoff.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Low-Income Water Residential Affordability Fund in Michigan to help pay for water assistance programs and reduce utility bills for low-income households. Water providers will collect a monthly fee of up to $2.00 per residential account, which is then sent to the state treasury to be distributed for bill discounts, arrears payments, and plumbing repairs. The law also protects these payments from being seized to collect other debts and requires providers to report their usage annually. Additionally, the funding amount can be adjusted every three years based on recommendations from a task force, but it cannot exceed $3.00 per month or increase total collections by more than 10% compared to the previous year.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new section to Michigan's civil procedure laws to allow owners or handlers of service animals to sue for damages if their animal is injured or killed by another person or animal. It establishes that liability applies regardless of whether the harm was caused intentionally, recklessly, or through negligence, though it excludes licensed veterinarians from this liability when they are performing veterinary duties. The law permits the recovery of various costs, including mental anguish, the value of the animal and its equipment, veterinary bills, retraining expenses, and the cost of replacing the animal. Additionally, the bill allows for punitive damages in cases of intentional or reckless conduct and covers attorney fees and court costs for the plaintiff.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines to reflect the decriminalization of certain acts related to tampering with utility shutoffs at residences. By amending specific sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it adjusts how courts determine penalties for these offenses under current law. The change ensures that sentencing recommendations align with recent legal shifts that removed criminal status from specific utility interference behaviors.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan residents who invest in specific local businesses starting in 2025. To qualify, an investor must make a cash investment in a company that has its headquarters, employees, assets, and at least 80% of its revenue within the state. The Michigan Strategic Fund will review these investments and issue a certificate required to claim a credit equal to 50% of the investment amount, up to a maximum of $3,000 per year. If the credit is larger than the taxpayer's current tax bill, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to 10 years to reduce future taxes. The legislation also includes a provision to ensure the state receives enough funding to cover any revenue lost from this new tax incentive.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Judicial Protection Act, establishes new safety and privacy measures for judges in Michigan and their immediate family members. It allows judges to request that government agencies and private entities stop sharing specific personal details, such as home addresses, phone numbers, and financial information, with the public. To enforce this, the law creates a formal process where judges can submit written requests to remove or prevent the posting of this sensitive data. The protections apply to state, federal, and tribal court judges within the state, as well as their spouses, children, parents, and other relatives living at the same address.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act to update rules governing licenses for medical and recreational marijuana businesses. It directly affects individuals and companies involved in the cultivation, processing, testing, transportation, and sale of marijuana and industrial hemp by modifying existing requirements and adding new sections to the law. The key provisions include changes to how licenses are issued, adjustments to tax structures on commercial facilities, and updates to definitions regarding product safety and the roles of state regulatory agencies. Additionally, the legislation repeals certain previous sections while establishing new ones to ensure the safety of products and the security of licensed premises.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies Michigan's ethics laws by explicitly excluding tickets to certain charity events from the legal definition of a "gift" for public employees and officers. Under the new provision, free or reduced-price admission to a nonprofit charity event is not considered a gift if the event's primary purpose is fundraising and the ticket price stays below a specific monetary threshold. The legislation aims to prevent the exclusion of these charitable offerings from being counted as gifts, provided the event meets the stated criteria. This change directly affects state officials who might otherwise be restricted from accepting such invitations under existing ethics rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify the Department of Environment Quality's responsibilities regarding water resources and pollution control. It explicitly states that the department must protect and conserve Michigan's surface and underground waters, including the Great Lakes, and manage waste disposal impacts. The legislation also outlines the department's role in assisting flood control districts and complying with federal water pollution laws using appropriated funds. A key provision notes that existing rules created before January 1, 2007, will remain in effect unless officially rescinded, while limiting the creation of new rules under specific sections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan correctional facilities to give every prisoner forms that let them choose who can receive their medical records and who should be notified in a medical emergency. Prisoners must sign these forms to designate specific people as authorized recipients for their health information and as emergency contacts for critical situations. If a prisoner faces a serious medical emergency requiring hospital care, the department must immediately contact the designated emergency contact and may share the prisoner's location if necessary. The law also allows authorized recipients to request specific medical details about the prisoner, while the department must provide clear instructions and brochures explaining how these designations work.