Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

Maddy summaryHB 4009 repeals a 1988 state law (MCL 123.411) that previously prevented local governments in Michigan from establishing rent control policies for residential properties. This bill directly affects cities and counties, giving them the authority to create their own rent control programs if they choose. The key mechanism is simply removing the existing legal barrier, allowing local governments to develop and implement rent control measures without state restrictions. The repeal takes effect 90 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryHB 4016 designates May of each year as "Huntington's Disease Awareness Month" in Michigan. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public and medical awareness about Huntington's disease, which affects thousands of Michiganders and has no cure. It does not create new funding, regulations, or policy changes - it simply aligns Michigan with national recognition efforts for this progressive neurological condition. The bill was introduced in January 2025 and referred to committee for further review.

Maddy summaryThis law updates the rules for who can serve on Michigan's state and county election canvassing boards. To be eligible, members must be registered voters who have taken an official oath of office and have never been convicted of specific election-related crimes. The bill defines these crimes to include various offenses such as perjury, voter intimidation, and certain felonies. Additionally, county board members cannot hold another elected public office while serving on the board. These changes take effect on April 2, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's name change laws to strengthen fraud prevention by requiring fingerprint checks for all applicants aged 22 or older. Under the new rules, individuals with a criminal record are presumed to be seeking a name change fraudulently and must prove otherwise, while the court covers the cost of background checks. The legislation also mandates that courts notify relevant state agencies if a name change is approved for someone with a criminal history, ensuring the change is recorded in correctional and law enforcement databases. Additionally, the bill clarifies consent requirements for minors, requiring those aged 14 or older to sign their own consent in front of the judge if the court deems them capable of expressing a preference.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's birth record laws to allow for the creation of new birth certificates in specific situations, such as adoption, established paternity, and changes to sex designation. Under the new rules, a new certificate can be issued to show a sex designation other than the one assigned at birth if accompanied by a physician's certification of surgery and a signed form, without requiring additional documents. The legislation also clarifies procedures for updating records after a name change, specifying when a new certificate must be issued versus when an addendum is sufficient. These changes directly affect the state registrar, parents, adoptees, and individuals seeking to update their legal birth records.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's public health code to establish a formal licensing system for freestanding birth centers and clarifies how birth locations should be recorded on birth certificates. It requires that births occurring at licensed freestanding birth centers be listed as such on official documents, while also defining specific roles for midwives and other health professionals involved in maternity care. Additionally, the legislation amends existing sections to ensure vital records conform to national standards and includes new definitions to support the regulation of midwifery practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework in Michigan to handle the division of "heirs property," which is real estate owned by multiple relatives who inherited it without a formal agreement. It establishes specific rules for courts to follow when these properties are contested, requiring judges to first determine if the land qualifies as heirs property before deciding how to split it. Under the new provisions, courts must order professional appraisals to set a fair market value unless all owners agree on a price or the cost of an appraisal is deemed too high. The legislation also mandates that plaintiffs post a sign on the property during legal proceedings to notify potential heirs and requires that any appointed evaluators be impartial and not involved in the case.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Public Transportation Authority Act to change how local governments can leave these regional transit organizations. It removes the ability of cities, villages, or townships to simply vote to opt out of membership, requiring them to either pay off all financial debts or go through a public vote by registered electors to withdraw. Additionally, the legislation prevents local units from leaving an authority once they have already agreed to pay a specific tax, ensuring that financial commitments are honored even if the community later decides to exit the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Interstate 94 in Wayne County as the "Corporal Mohamed Said Memorial Highway." The designated section runs between Oakwood Boulevard and Outer Drive W. By adding this new section to the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, the legislation officially names the road in honor of Corporal Mohamed Said.