Rep. Kimberly Edwards

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill officially designates May 2 of every year as Negro Leagues Day. The law establishes this specific date as a recognized observance to honor the history of the Negro Leagues, which were professional baseball leagues for African American players. By creating this new designation, the state acknowledges the significant contributions of these athletes to the sport and American culture. The measure does not mandate any specific actions or changes to existing holidays but serves to formally recognize the day within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a transition bridge program within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to support the mental health and well-being of service members and veterans. The program will be overseen by the office of mental health and suicide prevention and may be operated through partnerships with nonprofit organizations or government agencies. It requires the program to run at least four times a year and provide resources on recognizing mental health challenges, accessing treatment, and adapting to civilian life. Eligible participants, who must reside in Michigan, can enroll up to one year after leaving military service, with the department making a special effort to offer the program two months before and after their separation date. The legislation also mandates that any data collected excludes personally identifying information and restricts the public disclosure of records specific to individual service members.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month within the state of Michigan. The measure aims to raise public understanding of PTSD, an anxiety disorder that impacts millions of Americans, and encourages citizens to support those affected by the condition. By declaring this specific month, the bill seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder and highlight the availability of effective treatments like therapy and medication. It serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness rather than implementing new laws or funding programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for distributors of returnable beverage containers in Michigan, starting in the 2024 tax year. Eligible companies can claim a credit of $0.005 for each returnable container they sell, with the credit amount increasing annually based on the national Consumer Price Index. To receive the credit, distributors must submit specific reports to the state and can get a refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. The legislation applies to various business structures, including partnerships and corporations, and defines key terms by referencing existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 7, 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness Day throughout Michigan to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. The measure encourages citizens to wear orange on that date to raise awareness and remember Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager killed in a shooting incident. While the bill does not change laws or introduce new regulations, it formally recognizes the significance of the day and urges the community to support efforts to prevent gun violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Transformational Projects Authority within the state Department of Transportation to oversee and fund major transportation initiatives. The authority will be led by a five-member board appointed by the governor, with specific requirements for expertise in public transportation and balanced representation from different legislative leaders. It grants the power to award financial assistance, such as grants and loans, to public transportation providers and local governments for projects that meet specific eligibility criteria based on regional population sizes. The legislation also establishes the rules for how the authority operates independently of the department director while remaining under the director's overall budget and procurement supervision.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Michigan Mobility Trust Fund within the state treasury to support transportation projects. It allows the state treasurer to accept money from various sources, including existing tax revenues, and directs that all interest earned on these investments be added to the fund. Money in the fund will not be lost at the end of each fiscal year but will remain available for future use. The bill designates the Transformational Projects Authority as the administrator responsible for auditing and spending the fund, but only after a specific appropriation is made. This legislation does not take effect unless several other related bills are also passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Michigan distributes revenue collected from the corporate income tax, establishing a specific allocation plan for the years 2025 through 2035. Under the new rules, funds are prioritized to support the general fund, housing initiatives, local revitalization projects, transportation improvements, and economic development programs before any remaining money goes back to the general fund. The legislation also repeals an older section of the tax act and includes a condition that it will only become effective if several related bills are passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person office visits. It mandates that insurers cannot deny coverage for remote care if the service is appropriate and provided by a licensed professional in the patient's state. The law defines telemedicine as remote communication using secure audio or video technology or online messaging. While patients still pay the same copays and deductibles as they would for a physical appointment, the insurance coverage itself must be equal to that of face-to-face care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that Michigan's Medicaid and Healthy Michigan programs reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person office visits. It directly affects healthcare providers and patients who use remote medical services by ensuring financial parity between virtual and physical appointments. The legislation does not alter existing rules about where telehealth can be conducted or who must verify patient eligibility, but it specifically mandates equal payment rates for these services.