Rep. Mai Xiong

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for people charged with crimes if they can prove they committed those acts because they were victims of human trafficking. Under the new rule, a defendant must show by a "preponderance of the evidence" that their criminal behavior was a direct result of being trafficked. This provision applies to both felony and misdemeanor charges and allows courts to consider the trafficking victim status as a reason for the offense. The law takes effect 90 days after it is signed into legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 5849 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the legal definitions and references regarding prostitution within the state's nuisance laws. The bill modifies specific sections of the law to ensure consistency with current terminology and statutes concerning commercial sexual activity and related offenses. It classifies buildings, vehicles, and other locations used for prostitution as nuisances and holds owners or operators accountable for maintaining such spaces. This change is a technical update to existing legal frameworks rather than a new criminal prohibition, and it requires the passage of a companion bill to become effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Education to create and distribute informational notices about sextortion to school districts, academies, and their staff, students in grades 6 through 12, and parents. The notices must explain the legal definition of sextortion, include the relevant state law, and provide contact details for the state police office of school safety. Additionally, school boards are mandated to develop educational policies on the topic and hold at least one annual meeting to share free resources on sextortion from federal and national organizations. The legislation defines sextortion as a form of child sexual exploitation where an adult threatens to share a minor's nude or sexual image unless they provide more content, engage in sexual activity, or pay money.

Maddy summaryHB 5800 amends the Deferred Presentment Service Transactions Act to update internal references regarding money transmission services within Michigan's financial regulations. The bill specifically revises the definition of "deferred presentment service transaction" to clarify that it does not include delays in loan repayment checks issued by lenders already licensed under other state laws, such as those regulating consumer finance or motor vehicle sales. This change ensures that payday lenders and other financial institutions providing check-cashing services operate under a consistent regulatory framework that distinguishes their activities from those of licensed loan providers. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, provided a related companion bill is also enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces Michigan's existing money transmission laws with a new framework designed to modernize regulations for businesses that move money on behalf of others. The act requires these companies to obtain a state license and establishes clear rules for protecting customer funds, preventing financial crime, and coordinating with other regulators to reduce unnecessary burdens. Key provisions include standardized definitions for ownership control, specific requirements for maintaining customer security, and updated criteria for financial stability ratings. By repealing the previous 2006 legislation, the bill aims to create a more competitive environment while maintaining strict oversight over money transmission activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Sex Offender Registration Act to clarify how certain legal statuses are defined for registration purposes. It expands the definition of "convicted" to include specific juvenile adjudications and orders of disposition for individuals aged 14 or older who would be classified as tier III offenders, while excluding convictions that have been expunged or set aside. Additionally, the legislation updates the definition of "custodial authority" to explicitly cover a broader range of relationships and positions, including specific roles within schools, correctional facilities, and county probation programs where an individual might have access to or authority over a victim. These changes aim to ensure that sex offenders with these specific backgrounds are properly identified and registered under the state's tracking system.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's child care laws to strengthen background check requirements for staff, household members, and license applicants. It establishes specific rules that automatically disqualify individuals from working in child care if they refuse background checks, provide false information, or have convictions for crimes such as child abuse, sexual offenses, domestic violence, and certain felonies involving harm or fraud. The legislation also sets time limits on how long past felony or misdemeanor convictions must have occurred before an individual becomes eligible to work in a child care setting.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's public health code to clarify and expand testing and counseling requirements for individuals charged with or convicted of prostitution and related offenses. It mandates that courts order medical examinations for sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV for defendants at various stages of the legal process, including arrest, pre-trial release, and after conviction. The law also requires that test results be shared with defendants and health departments for partner notification, while ensuring that counseling and testing services are provided confidentially. Additionally, the bill specifies that victims of sexual offenses can request expedited testing within 48 hours of a defendant's custody or indictment.

Maddy summaryHB 5843 amends Michigan's Probate Code to clarify which specific offenses require a juvenile court to assert exclusive jurisdiction over minors under 18. The bill explicitly lists violations such as certain criminal acts, possession of dangerous weapons, escape from juvenile facilities, and commercial sexual activity as grounds for the court to take immediate control of a case. By updating these definitions, the legislation ensures that the juvenile court system handles cases involving these serious behaviors without interference from other courts. This change directly affects the legal process for minors charged with these specific offenses and their parents or guardians.

Maddy summaryHB 6106 updates Michigan's insurance code to clarify reporting and inquiry procedures for captive insurance companies. The bill requires these companies to submit annual financial reports, actuarial opinions, and audited statements to the state director within specific timeframes, with strict penalties for non-compliance. It also establishes a tiered annual renewal fee structure based on premium volume and allows the director to request additional interim reports or respond to inquiries regarding the insurer's activities. Additionally, the legislation grants the director authority to exempt certain special-purpose captives from specific rules and clarifies that this chapter takes precedence over conflicting sections of the broader insurance code.