Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

Maddy summaryHB 5896 requires people who use sewage sludge or its derivatives on land to test these materials for PFAS chemicals before application and report the results to the state Department of Environmental Quality. The bill mandates that these tests use methods approved by the federal EPA and requires anyone who prepares biosolids to notify landowners and farmers about the specific PFAS levels found in the material. Additionally, the legislation provides exceptions for certain high-quality compost used in landscaping, allowing it to bypass some existing rules if it meets specific maturity and quality standards and is used in approved locations like parks or home gardens.

Maddy summaryMichigan's HB 5892, known as the Safe Cosmetics Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing cosmetic products containing specific hazardous chemicals starting January 1, 2027. The law bans intentionally added substances such as asbestos, certain phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and heavy metals, while also setting strict limits on lead content in both general and color cosmetics. To enforce these rules, the state Department of Health and Human Services can request compliance statements from manufacturers and impose civil fines of up to $10,000 for repeat violations. This legislation directly affects companies that produce, sell, or distribute cosmetics within Michigan, requiring them to ensure their products are free from the listed restricted ingredients.

Maddy summaryHB 5302 creates a $5 million annual competitive grant program for recovery community organizations in Michigan to expand services for people seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders. The bill requires the state to fund at least 19 certified local recovery groups and qualifying nonprofit associations, with each grant capped at $250,000 (or 50% of an organization’s operating budget). Priority goes to groups offering specific services like recovery navigation, workplace education, and wellness activities (e.g., support groups, nutrition programs). Grantees must report annually on fund usage, participant metrics, and budget details starting in 2027, with the program set to expire on October 1, 2031.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions of wetlands and related terms within Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to improve clarity and consistency. It specifically expands the list of wetland types considered 'rare and imperiled' and establishes a schedule for the Department of Natural Resources to review and recommend changes to this list every five years. The legislation also refines technical definitions for concepts like 'exceptional wetland,' 'fill material,' and 'wetland functions and services' to better guide future conservation and restoration efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Michigan state constitution to guarantee every person an inherent right to a clean environment, including clean water, air, and soil. It establishes that the state and all its agencies must act as trustees for natural resources, which are declared the common property of all people, including future generations. The amendment would require the government to protect these rights equitably for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or location, and it allows citizens to directly enforce these rights in court. If approved by voters, this change would legally bind the state to conserve and maintain natural resources while preventing any actions that infringe upon environmental rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 4599) amends Michigan's criminal code to address gift card fraud by adding Section 3a to existing statutes (MCL 752.1081-752.1087). It directly affects individuals who commit gift card fraud, such as stealing or selling stolen gift card numbers. The bill creates specific criminal penalties for these offenses but does not provide details on the exact penalties or scope in the given context. The bill passed the House on September 9, 2025, with strong support, and was referred to the Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. The context provided does not include the specific provisions or who is affected beyond the general fraud focus.

Maddy summaryHB 4598 expands Michigan's Organized Retail Crime Act to specifically address new tactics used in theft. It adds provisions criminalizing the acquisition, alteration, or use of stolen gift cards (subsections i(i)-(iii)), fraudulent wireless device purchases (subsections h), and manipulating fire exit alarms (subsections g) as organized retail crime. The bill makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, or both, and requires offenders to pay restitution to retailers and forfeit stolen merchandise. This directly affects retailers (through enhanced protections) and individuals committing these expanded theft methods, while clarifying that property representation as stolen is sufficient for prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 5839 designates the Lunar New Year as a state holiday in Michigan. The bill defines the holiday based on the Chinese calendar and recognizes it as a celebration for people of Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and other East or Southeast Asian origins. This legislation creates a new act to formally acknowledge the date as a holiday within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to designate April 13 and April 14 of each year as official holidays in Michigan to recognize Vaisakhi, a significant holy day for Sikhs and Hindus. If passed, the legislation would formally acknowledge these dates as state holidays, allowing government employees and institutions to observe the day. The measure does not specify how businesses or private organizations must respond to the designation. It is a procedural bill that creates a new statutory definition for the holiday rather than mandating specific operational changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5841 proposes to officially recognize Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Ghadeer as designated holidays in Michigan. The bill defines these dates by their specific days in the Islamic Hijri calendar, establishing them as state-recognized observances. This legislation directly affects state employees and government operations by setting aside these specific days as holidays.