Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 241) urges the U.S. Congress to impeach and remove Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. It cites specific incidents under her leadership, including the deaths of two Americans during ICE operations (Renee Good and Alex Pretti) and allegations of constitutional rights violations, such as unlawful detentions, denial of due process, and unsafe detention conditions. The resolution also claims Noem defied court orders and obstructed congressional oversight. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but formally calls for impeachment proceedings. It was introduced by 17 House members and referred to the Government Operations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5494 prohibits Michigan state agencies or anyone acting on behalf of the state from selling or transferring state-owned property to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or its subsidiaries. It requires that any property transfer must include a restriction banning the property from being used as an immigration detention center by ICE, federal contractors, or private companies working with the federal government. The state can reclaim the property if this restriction is violated, and any transfer violating these rules is legally void. This directly affects state property transactions and limits federal immigration enforcement use of Michigan land.

Maddy summaryHB 5493 regulates how state and local law enforcement agencies use automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems. It prohibits most ALPR use except for specific purposes like checking for stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, uninsured vehicles, or active criminal investigations. The bill requires agencies to delete captured plate data within 14 days (unless used as evidence or for ongoing investigations), adopt public policies on ALPR use, and submit quarterly usage reports. It directly affects police departments and other government entities that operate ALPR systems, limiting their data collection and retention practices.

Maddy summaryHB 5495 prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping, detaining, or arresting individuals based solely on personal characteristics like race, ethnicity, language accent, location near immigrant communities, or perceived religious, sexual, or political identity. It also bans officers from entering a dwelling using a federal agency administrative warrant. The bill defines key terms including "immigrant" (non-citizen residents) and "personal characteristics," and clarifies that federal officers may only enforce state law under specific conditions outlined in amended Section 15d. This directly affects all Michigan law enforcement officers and the people they interact with during stops or searches.

Maddy summaryHB 5492, the "regulating automatic license plate readers act," sets rules for private entities operating automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems, requiring them to preserve captured license plate data for 14 days when law enforcement or a criminal defendant requests it with a specific written statement. The bill prohibits using the data as evidence in court if disclosure would violate the act, mandates data destruction after 14 days if not used, and allows individuals to sue for violations and recover at least $1,000 in damages or actual damages plus legal fees. Vehicle owners' data is protected from public disclosure without consent, except under a court order or warrant, and cannot be accessed by law enforcement without a warrant or specific preservation request.

Maddy summaryHB 5454 prohibits the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) in dry cleaning solvents in Michigan, directly affecting dry cleaning businesses, manufacturers, and sellers. The bill bans manufacturing PCE solvents after December 1, 2031; selling them after June 1, 2032; and using them after December 1, 2032. It creates a state fund to provide grants and resources for dry cleaners transitioning to safer alternatives, including cost-share programs and a buy-back program for existing PCE products. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will administer the fund and cost-share program. Violations could result in civil fines up to $10,000.

Maddy summaryHB 5432 is a supplemental appropriations bill that allocates additional state funding for multiple departments, agencies, and the legislative branch for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides specific monetary amounts to cover budget gaps or new needs identified during the fiscal year, with conditions on how the funds may be spent. This bill directly affects state government operations by ensuring funding continuity for essential services and programs across various agencies. As a procedural funding measure, it does not change policy but adjusts financial resources for existing government functions.

Maddy summaryHB 5431 allocates supplemental funding for Michigan public schools, primarily targeting districts affected by drinking water emergencies. It provides $10 million from the state school aid fund and $4.8 million from the general fund (2025-2026) for districts with at least 4,500 students (or 2,600+ post-2016) in cities with declared water emergencies, to hire staff like nurses and mental health workers and provide related services. The bill also allocates $12.5 million for educator talent programs through intermediate districts. All funds require reporting on service usage and must be expended by 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 5436 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover hearing aids and related services for qualifying enrollees. It mandates coverage up to $3,000 per hearing aid every 36 months (adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index starting in 2026), including evaluations, fittings, repairs, and related devices like earmolds. To qualify, an enrollee must be evaluated for hearing loss by an audiologist and medically confirmed as a hearing aid candidate by an otolaryngologist. Insurers may apply existing cost-sharing (like deductibles) but cannot exceed the $3,000 cap per device.

Maddy summaryHB 5438 modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to waive fees for vital records (such as birth, marriage, or death certificates) when individuals are fleeing or attempting to flee a dangerous situation, including domestic violence or abuse. This directly affects people escaping immediate threats who need these documents to establish identity, access services, or secure housing. The bill adds a specific provision to MCL 333.2891, requiring state agencies to provide these records at no cost in such circumstances. The change aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent vulnerable individuals from obtaining essential identity documentation.