Maddy summaryHB 6134 amends Michigan law to strengthen personal protection orders by explicitly requiring the removal of firearms from individuals subject to domestic relations orders. The bill mandates that courts issue orders prohibiting respondents from possessing or purchasing guns if they are found to have committed acts of domestic violence or abuse against a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, or household member. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the absence of a police report, medical documentation, or physical evidence of abuse should not prevent a judge from granting a protection order. These changes aim to provide clearer legal mechanisms for victims to secure their safety and ensure law enforcement has immediate access to information about firearm restrictions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding guardianship and conservatorship to strengthen the rights of individuals facing incapacity proceedings. It requires guardians ad litem, who represent vulnerable people during these hearings, to personally visit the individual and clearly explain their legal rights, such as the ability to contest the petition or limit a guardian's authority over medical decisions. The legislation also mandates that courts provide free legal counsel to indigent individuals who wish to contest a guardianship or request specific limits on a guardian's powers. Additionally, the bill directs guardians ad litem to explore alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship or patient advocacy designations, and ensures that compensation for these representatives is only granted if they have fulfilled their new reporting duties.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to regulate the appointment and duties of professional guardians and conservators. It requires courts to find that no suitable family member or friend is available before appointing a professional and mandates that these professionals submit criminal background checks and post a financial bond. The legislation also establishes strict rules for compensation, requiring professionals to disclose any outside income received for their role, and outlines specific care standards such as maintaining a visitation schedule and ensuring adequate staffing. Additionally, the bill clarifies notification procedures for interested parties and defines the limits on what support staff can do, prohibiting them from making major financial or medical decisions.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's ethics rules to restrict former state legislators and top executive officials from lobbying on behalf of private interests for a set period after leaving office. Specifically, it prohibits former lawmakers from lobbying for one year after their term ends and extends this one-year ban to the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. The law allows these individuals to continue lobbying for the state government or their former offices during this time but sets a financial threshold that, if exceeded, requires them to register as lobbyists. Violating these restrictions is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by fines, jail time, or both.
Maddy summaryHB 5581 amends Michigan's lobbying laws to clarify definitions and update spending thresholds for individuals and organizations engaging in lobbying activities. The bill specifically redefines who qualifies as a lobbyist or lobbyist agent by adjusting the annual expenditure limits and clarifying rules about group spending on food and travel. It also expands the list of state officials considered "executive branch officials" for lobbying purposes to include various department directors and commission members. Additionally, the legislation updates terminology to ensure consistency across the statute while maintaining exemptions for journalists and most public employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the force-feeding of any bird species in Michigan by requiring that food be delivered only through methods the bird would choose voluntarily. It defines force-feeding as using tubes or devices to force a bird to eat more than it would naturally, and it applies this rule specifically to poultry. Anyone violating this ban faces a civil fine of up to $1,000 for each day the violation continues, which can be pursued by county prosecutors or the state attorney general. The legislation does not impose criminal penalties for this specific violation and amends the state's Animal Industry Act to include this new restriction.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Education Trust Act to update definitions and rules for advance tuition payment contracts, directly affecting individuals who purchase these contracts to fund future college education. The legislation clarifies who qualifies as a beneficiary and purchaser while establishing specific conditions under which a contract can be terminated, such as when a student dies, is not admitted to a state school, or chooses to attend a different type of institution. It also outlines how refunds are calculated upon termination, specifying that payments may be reduced based on the number of credit hours completed and allowing for the transfer of funds to other eligible colleges if the student changes schools. By amending existing sections of the law, the bill aims to ensure the trust operates with updated terminology and clearer procedures for handling contract cancellations and refunds.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new cancer cluster investigation program within Michigan's public health code to help identify unusual patterns of cancer cases linked to environmental exposures. It requires the state health department to create a registry for recording cancer diagnoses and mandates the development of a public-facing map that visually displays geographic variations in cancer incidence alongside potential environmental risks. The program emphasizes community engagement throughout the investigation process and requires the department to use CDC best practices and advanced statistical tools to analyze data. Additionally, the bill sets a schedule for the department to evaluate collected reports and publish annual summary findings for public access.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding the definition of abandoned vehicles and establishes clearer guidelines for towing rates and practices. It directly affects vehicle owners, towing companies, and law enforcement agencies by setting specific timeframes for when a vehicle is considered abandoned on public or private property. Key provisions include defining abandoned vehicles based on location and duration, requiring police to issue written notices before towing, and outlining a process for owners to contest towing fees or the classification of their vehicle as abandoned. The legislation also mandates that information about removed vehicles be entered into a state law enforcement network and made available on a public website. Additionally, it introduces new sections to clarify the responsibilities of towing agencies and repeals an outdated section of the vehicle code.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Energy Stability Fund within the state treasury to help cover energy costs for specific groups of people. The fund can receive money from any source, and the state treasurer will manage its investments while the Department of Health and Human Services oversees its use. Money in the fund will not be returned to the general budget at the end of the year and can only be spent to provide energy assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with qualified disabilities, and veterans.