Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

Maddy summaryHB 5355, the "Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act," prohibits landlords from requiring or considering an applicant's criminal record during initial rental screening. Landlords must issue a conditional offer after checking income, credit, or rental history, then may only consider specific serious offenses (like arson, human trafficking, or sex offenses requiring registration) or recent felonies within 3 years after a conditional offer is made. Landlords must disclose if they consider criminal records and allow applicants to submit evidence of rehabilitation or mitigating factors before denying housing. This bill directly affects landlords across Michigan and rental applicants with criminal records, aiming to reduce barriers to housing based solely on past convictions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 227) urges the U.S. House of Representatives to investigate allegations that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized military actions in the Caribbean Sea that killed at least one unarmed civilian fisherman, with no public evidence the individual was a combatant. If evidence supports these allegations, it calls for the House to introduce and adopt articles of impeachment against Hegseth for potential violations of federal law, international humanitarian law, and the Constitution. The resolution references the War Powers Resolution, the War Crimes Act, and the Geneva Conventions to frame the alleged misconduct. It does not create new law but formally requests the House take specific action. (Procedural resolution; summary limited to 2 sentences as instructed.)

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically recognizes December 13, 2025, as "National Wreaths Across America Day" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors Michigan's participation in the non-profit Wreaths Across America's annual event, where volunteers place wreaths on veterans' graves. The resolution acknowledges that Michigan will host 96 locations across the state, with approximately 60,000 wreaths laid to honor fallen veterans, active-duty military, and their families. It serves as a ceremonial declaration of the state's support for this existing national observance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Department of Education to reject a proposed definition of "professional degree" that would exclude many health care education programs from federal student loan eligibility. It specifically targets programs like physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, social work, and physician assistant studies - classified under CIP Code 51 - which would lose access to loans under the current proposal. The bill requests the Department instead adopt a definition based on required practice credentials, not program length or historical classification, to maintain consistent eligibility. This change aims to prevent worsening health care workforce shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 224) urges the Trump-Vance administration to reverse its denial of federal disaster relief funding for northern Michigan residents affected by a March 2025 ice storm. It specifically requests the full amount of funding requested under the Stafford Act for individual assistance, public utilities, and hazard mitigation after the storm caused widespread infrastructure damage and hardship. The resolution is non-binding and serves only to formally express congressional support for affected communities, directing copies to the President, FEMA, and Michigan's congressional delegation. It does not alter funding decisions or create new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 4220 amends Michigan's veterinary practice law (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding a new section (18818) that establishes requirements for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The bill directly affects veterinarians and pet owners by defining the legal obligations within this relationship. Key provisions require veterinarians to maintain clear communication and documentation when providing care, ensuring patient welfare and professional accountability. The bill passed the House overwhelmingly (84-17) and was transmitted to the Regulatory Affairs Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 4221 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify and strengthen regulations for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. It specifically restricts the use of titles like "veterinarian," "DVM," or "veterinary surgeon" to only licensed professionals, and prohibits veterinary technicians from diagnosing diseases, prescribing treatments, or performing surgery. The bill ensures that only authorized individuals may use protected titles or practice within their licensed scope. These changes directly affect licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and the public by maintaining clear standards for veterinary care.

Maddy summaryHB 5290 requires public employers to negotiate minimum staffing levels as a mandatory topic in collective bargaining agreements for firefighters and other public employees covered under Michigan's 1969 firefighting safety law (MCL 423.231-423.247). This change applies specifically to units where employees face firefighting hazards, making staffing levels part of required negotiations. Employers may opt out of bargaining on staffing levels only if they face budget shortfalls from state revenue or property tax declines, or if a millage increase would be needed to cover costs. The bill amends sections 11 and 15 of Michigan's 1947 Public Employment Relations Act to update mandatory bargaining requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5092 modifies Michigan's breeding license requirements for large carnivores, requiring businesses to maintain a valid federal animal exhibition license (Class C) in good standing for five years. It applies specifically to organizations that display large carnivores to the public for education or exhibition purposes, not to general pet owners or breeders. The bill prohibits direct public contact with these animals and restricts sales only to other qualified licensees meeting the same requirements. These changes took immediate effect upon the Governor's approval on November 18, 2025.