Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

Maddy summaryHB 5838 proposes to officially designate Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, as a state holiday in Michigan. The bill defines the holiday as occurring on the new moon day of the eighth lunar month according to the Indic pūrṇimānta lunisolar calendar. This change would allow state employees to take time off for the observance, which is celebrated by Hindus and Jains.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a select committee to investigate the Interlochen Center for the Arts and its connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The committee would be tasked with examining the relationship between the arts center and the individual, potentially leading to further inquiries or recommendations. The measure is currently under consideration by the Michigan House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls on the Department of Justice to investigate every individual named in the Epstein files, regardless of their political affiliation. The measure responds to the release of millions of documents and a previous statement by the Acting Attorney General that no further federal prosecutions would occur. It urges the government to distinguish between victims, active participants, and those merely mentioned to ensure accountability for all potential perpetrators. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally requests that the Justice Department take action on this specific matter.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls for an investigation into a February 2026 missile strike on a primary school in Iran that reportedly killed over 100 children. It urges the House and Senate Armed Services committees to examine how the attack occurred, focusing on potential intelligence errors and decision-making processes that may have violated international laws of war. The bill also demands the resignation of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, arguing that he bears responsibility for the actions of the Department of War. By requesting these specific actions, the resolution seeks to address alleged war crimes and prevent future incidents involving civilian casualties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to prohibit merchants from charging consumers prices that are grossly in excess of what similar products or services cost elsewhere. It directly affects businesses and consumers by establishing clearer rules against predatory pricing practices. The key provision adds a new unfair practice definition that makes it unlawful to charge prices significantly higher than market rates for comparable goods or services. This change aims to protect consumers from price gouging while maintaining the existing framework of consumer protection laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Michigan customers to install small, portable solar power systems on their property without needing approval from their electric provider or paying installation fees. It defines these systems as plug-in photovoltaic devices that produce up to 1,200 watts and connect through standard electrical outlets, while protecting providers from liability for any damage caused by customer installations. The law requires customers to notify their electric provider within 30 days of installation using a form developed by the state commission, which must include details like the system's capacity and address. Electric providers cannot require additional equipment or charge fees for these systems, and providers must not approve or reject their use. The bill amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act to formalize these rules for small-scale solar generation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed concealed pistol carriers from bringing firearms into specific state buildings and certain public venues, including schools, hospitals, sports arenas, and places of worship. It also bans portable electro-muscular disruption devices in these same locations, with exceptions for parking areas and certain law enforcement personnel. The legislation applies to all licensed individuals except retired police officers, security contractors, private investigators, and other designated law enforcement roles who are permitted to carry weapons on these premises. Violations result in civil fines, license suspensions, or criminal penalties depending on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit the sale, offer for sale, and possession of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds in Michigan starting January 1, 2027. The law applies to all individuals within the state and would classify violations as misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $500, or both. It directly affects gun owners, retailers, and manufacturers by restricting access to high-capacity magazines while allowing magazines with 10 rounds or fewer. The legislation amends Michigan's penal code to establish these new restrictions on ammunition storage and distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require sellers to wait at least three days after completing a firearm sale before delivering the weapon to the buyer. It also prohibits sellers from selling firearms to individuals under indictment for a felony or those legally barred from owning guns. The legislation applies to anyone selling firearms in Michigan and carries penalties ranging from misdemeanor fines to felony imprisonment for violations.