Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Energy Stability Fund within the state treasury to help cover energy costs for specific groups of people. The fund can receive money from any source, and the state treasurer will manage its investments while the Department of Health and Human Services oversees its use. Money in the fund will not be returned to the general budget at the end of the year and can only be spent to provide energy assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with qualified disabilities, and veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's school code to require that sex education in public schools be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and objective. It mandates that teachers instructing on these topics receive specific training and that school boards approve curricula through a process involving public hearings. The legislation also requires school districts to establish advisory boards with significant parent representation to oversee sex education programs. Additionally, it clarifies that such classes must be elective, allow parents to review course materials in advance, and provide an option for students to be excused without penalty.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers in Michigan from selling specific weight loss dietary supplements and diet pills to anyone under the age of 18. To enforce this, the law requires physical stores to check identification before a sale and mandates that online orders include age verification through independent government databases and secure shipping methods that prevent minors from receiving the product. The state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will create and annually update a list of covered products based on their marketing claims regarding weight loss or appetite control. Retailers found violating these rules could face civil fines of up to $1,000 or other legal remedies.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's hunting laws to clarify the requirements for minors and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities who hunt under supervision. It mandates that these individuals must be accompanied by a specific mentor or guardian who meets age and licensing criteria, particularly when the hunter cannot obtain standard hunter safety certification. Additionally, the legislation updates rules for purchasing hunting licenses by requiring proof of prior experience or training for adults born after 1960, while allowing exceptions for apprentice and mentored licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Strategic Fund to submit an annual report detailing its economic development activities to state officials and the public by April 10 each year. The report must include specific data such as lists of recipients, project types, financial amounts, job creation and retention statistics, salary information, and the status of loans and bankruptcies. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the fund's annual audit be made available online and specifies that bankruptcy notices for major recipients must be shared with specific legislative committees. These changes aim to increase transparency and accountability for the fund's use of taxpayer money in supporting businesses and investments across Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state department and the Michigan Strategic Fund to submit an annual report on the research and development tax credits by July 1 each year. The report must detail the overall effectiveness of these credits, the number of businesses filing claims, and specific names and amounts of credits for both standard claims and those involving university collaboration. This change directly affects the state's financial reporting process and provides legislators and the governor with data on how these tax incentives are being utilized by businesses.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits using a victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity as a legal defense in criminal cases. Specifically, it bars evidence of such information from being used to claim reasonable provocation, heat of passion, or reduced mental capacity. Additionally, the bill states that discovering or knowing about a person's gender identity or sexual orientation does not justify using force against them. These rules apply to all criminal proceedings in Michigan to prevent bias from influencing the outcome of a trial.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's medical assistance program to cover specific prenatal screening tests for all pregnant individuals without restrictions. The law mandates that coverage for noninvasive prenatal testing cannot be limited by the patient's age or baseline risk, while expanded carrier screening must be available to everyone regardless of family history or ethnic background. Additionally, the state must set coverage guidelines based on professional medical standards and consult with healthcare providers to ensure these services are accessible to all patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to explicitly exclude incarcerated individuals from the definition of a "person" entitled to request public records. By removing people serving sentences in state, local, or federal correctional facilities from the law's coverage, the legislation limits their ability to access government information under this act. The text also updates definitions for terms like cybersecurity incidents and public bodies, but its primary change is restricting FOIA rights to those currently imprisoned.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in Michigan. It serves as a formal declaration by the state legislature to recognize and honor the history, contributions, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community within the state. The measure does not alter laws or create new regulations but instead functions as a symbolic gesture to affirm the value and dignity of LGBTQ+ residents.