Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Michigan state agencies to align their policies with federal requirements for certified community behavioral health clinics, preventing any state rules from conflicting with federal standards. It also establishes a process to identify new clinic locations in specific areas to prevent overlapping service regions while maintaining cooperation with the federal government. The legislation includes a provision that allows the state legislature to vote on whether to stop participating in the federal program, with a mandatory 12-month waiting period before clinics can be shut down if such a vote occurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan health insurers and health maintenance organizations to offer a program that synchronizes multiple maintenance prescription drugs for patients with chronic long-term conditions, provided the patient, physician, and pharmacist agree it is in the patient's best interest. The law mandates that if a step therapy protocol is used to restrict drug coverage, the criteria for these protocols must be based on high-quality clinical practice guidelines developed by an unbiased, multidisciplinary panel that includes public review opportunities. Additionally, the bill establishes specific conditions under which a step therapy exception must be granted quickly, such as when a drug is contraindicated, ineffective, or causes harm, and it ensures that all relevant clinical review criteria are transparently available to patients and healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to review special contracts for large data centers as formal legal disputes rather than simple administrative approvals. It directly affects electric and gas utilities that sign agreements offering unique rates or terms to data centers expected to use 100 megawatts or more of power. Under the new rules, these contracts cannot take effect until a full hearing is completed and the commission issues a final decision, ensuring the process is transparent and not decided behind closed doors. The legislation clarifies how to count power usage across connected facilities and defines specific terms like "large-load data center" to apply these requirements consistently.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan House resolution designates May 15, 2026, as Arts for Mental Health Awareness Day to highlight the connection between creative arts and mental well-being. The measure acknowledges how participation in the arts can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation while supporting recovery from trauma. It specifically recognizes the roles of artists, art therapists, and arts organizations in building community resilience and improving public safety. By officially declaring this date, the legislature aims to encourage public awareness of arts-based health initiatives without mandating any specific actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the disease and encourage public support. It directly affects residents of Michigan, particularly those impacted by Huntington's disease, by promoting awareness of the condition's symptoms and genetic risks. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to remind citizens and medical professionals about the importance of research and support services for this currently incurable neurological disorder.

Maddy summaryHB 5971 establishes the Language Assistance for Elections Act, which requires Michigan local governments to provide election materials in languages other than English if their voting-eligible population meets specific thresholds based on the number and percentage of residents with limited English proficiency. The bill mandates that these materials, including ballots and signage, be translated by certified translators rather than relying solely on automatic translation services, and it outlines requirements for updating voting technology to display translated ballots. Additionally, the legislation creates a Language Access Advisory Council to guide these efforts and instructs the Secretary of State to publish annual lists of local governments and languages requiring assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 5969 creates a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan designed to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. The bill prohibits local governments and officials from implementing election rules or policies that result in disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of minority groups to elect their preferred candidates. Key provisions include defining terms like 'protected class' and 'racially polarized voting,' establishing a legal standard to challenge discriminatory election practices, and creating a fund to support remedies for violations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2026 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout the state of Michigan. It directly affects state government entities and encourages all citizens to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific American residents. The measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of the community's cultural diversity and historical impact on the state, rather than implementing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5972 requires local governments in Michigan to notify the Secretary of State about specific election-related changes, such as modifications to how winners are determined, shifts between at-large and district-based elections, and plans to remove voters from registration lists. The bill mandates that these notices be submitted within set timeframes and must be posted on the state's website in an accessible format. If a local government fails to provide the required notifications, the Secretary of State must publicly list the violation on the website for at least one year. These new requirements are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028, after the Secretary of State consults with relevant organizations and voting rights advocates.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 14, 2026, as Hmong Special Guerrilla Units Veterans Remembrance Day in Michigan. It honors Hmong veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and later fled Laos as refugees. The resolution aims to recognize their historical contributions and sacrifices while promoting public awareness of their role in American history.