Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

Maddy summaryHB 5253 repeals Michigan's 1931 blasphemy law (MCL 750.102) from the penal code. This procedural bill removes an outdated statute that criminalized blasphemy, which has not been enforced for decades. The repeal directly affects no current legal proceedings or individuals, as the law was obsolete. It makes no new policy changes but updates the state's legal code by eliminating a historical provision.

Maddy summaryHB 5250, titled the "Weight Loss Products and Minors Act," prohibits retailers from selling dietary supplements marketed for weight loss or muscle building and over-the-counter diet pills to anyone under 18. It requires physical store sales to verify age using valid ID (like a driver's license), and online sales to confirm age through approved databases before shipping, with delivery requiring ID proof at time of receipt. The bill directly affects retailers selling these products and minors under 18, creating new requirements for age verification in both physical and virtual transactions. It does not change product safety standards but adds civil penalties for violations, including fines up to $1,000 per violation. The bill is pending in Michigan's Health Policy Committee as of its introduction on November 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the federal government not to extend two Department of Energy emergency orders (202-25-3 and 202-25-7) that are preventing the planned closure of Michigan's J.H. Campbell Power Plant. The orders, issued to address an alleged energy emergency, conflict with MISO's approval for the plant's suspension by 2028 and have already cost Consumers Energy ratepayers $29 million in 38 days. The resolution highlights that continuing operations imposes financial burdens, worsens air/water pollution (releasing millions of pounds of pollutants annually), and causes estimated $389-879 million in annual health impacts. It directly affects Michigan ratepayers, public health, and environmental quality in the plant's local area.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress to use existing legal authority to restrict U.S. arms sales to Israel and directs the State Department to reinstate visitor visas for Gaza residents, particularly for children requiring urgent medical care. It cites concerns about humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including famine and blocked medical access, as justification for these actions. The resolution references the Genocide Convention and recent events, such as the suspension of medical visas in August 2025. As a non-binding resolution, it does not alter law but calls for specific congressional and executive actions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 2025 as Adoption Month in Michigan to recognize adoptive families and the children they welcome. It is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or funding changes, acknowledging the work of adoptive parents and the experiences of adopted children. The resolution cites adoption statistics from Michigan (including 1,610 foster care adoptions in 2023) but does not alter any laws or programs. It serves solely to honor adoption as part of Michigan's community values.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 12-18, 2025, as "Community Foundation Week" in Michigan. It formally recognizes the work of Michigan’s 60+ community foundations, which support local communities through partnerships, crisis response, and addressing issues like poverty and disaster recovery. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of these organizations' role in strengthening communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas. It was introduced by multiple state representatives and adopted by the House on November 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5204 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover prescription drugs for advanced metastatic cancer without first forcing patients to fail other treatments or prove prior drug failures. It directly affects patients diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread beyond its original site) and their health insurance plans. The law prohibits insurers from imposing conditions like "fail first" requirements or demanding proof of previous drug ineffectiveness before approving coverage for these drugs or related symptoms. This applies to all health insurance policies covering prescription drugs for such cancer cases. The bill defines "advanced metastatic cancer" and "associated conditions" (symptoms or side effects worsening without treatment) to clarify coverage requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5199 lowers the minimum age for insurance coverage of annual breast cancer mammograms in Michigan. It would require health insurers to cover annual mammograms for women starting at a lower age than the current 35-year threshold (while maintaining the existing requirement for annual coverage for women 40 and older). The bill preserves current mandates for insurers to cover breast cancer diagnostic, outpatient treatment, and rehabilitative services without less favorable terms than general physical illness coverage. This applies to all health insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 5205 requires Michigan health insurers to cover specific breast cancer-related services without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for diagnostic exams, screening mammograms (every 5 years for ages 35-39, annually for 40+), outpatient treatment, and rehabilitation services like reconstructive surgery. The law prohibits deductibles, copays, or dollar limits on these services, aligning coverage terms with general medical care. This directly affects Michigan health insurance policyholders, particularly women needing breast cancer screening or treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 5208 prohibits the surgical removal of a cat's claws (declawing) unless it is medically necessary to treat an existing injury, illness, or health condition. It directly affects veterinarians, pet owners, shelters, and breeders who might otherwise perform the procedure for convenience or aesthetics. The bill defines "therapeutic purpose" narrowly to exclude cosmetic reasons, and violations carry civil fines of up to $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for repeat offenses. Enforcement would be handled by county prosecutors or the state attorney general.