Rep. Samantha Steckloff

Maddy summaryHB 5828 prohibits health insurers in Michigan from denying or limiting coverage for individuals who intend to end their lives in accordance with the state's Death with Dignity Act. The bill amends existing insurance code sections to ensure that suicide clauses in long-term care and universal life policies do not apply to deaths resulting from this specific medical aid-in-dying process. By adding a new section to the insurance code, the legislation clarifies that ending one's life under the Death with Dignity Act is not considered a suicide for the purposes of insurance exclusions.

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 summaryHB 5251 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (Medicaid for low-income residents) to cover prescribed pediatric extended care for children. This specifically affects low-income children in Michigan who need specialized, long-term medical care beyond standard hospital stays. The bill amends state law to mandate this coverage under existing rules for pediatric extended care (Part 219A of the Public Health Code). The coverage would apply to children receiving medically necessary care as prescribed by a doctor. The bill is contingent on the passage of companion legislation (HB 5252).

Maddy summaryHB 5252 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to create a new licensing category for "prescribed pediatric extended care facilities," which provide specialized long-term medical care for children with complex health needs. The bill establishes specific licensing requirements for these facilities, including standards for staffing, medical oversight, and facility operations, directly affecting providers seeking to operate such services. Key provisions include adding Part 219A to the code and revising existing sections (20106, 20109, 20115, 20161) to incorporate these new requirements. This change aims to ensure consistent safety and quality standards for pediatric extended care facilities across the state. The bill is currently pending in the House Health Policy Committee.

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 establishes a new road usage charge for electric vehicles, self-charging hybrids, and plug-in hybrids in Michigan, starting on January 1, 2027. Vehicle owners can choose between paying a flat annual registration fee or a mileage-based tax that accounts for miles driven within the state. The mileage option requires owners to allow their vehicle's odometer data to be reported to the state, with penalties for tampering with odometers or misreporting mileage. Funds collected from these taxes will be used to administer the program or deposited into the state's transportation fund. The bill also sets rules for how the state will contract with a private company to manage the mileage tracking and billing system.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's vehicle registration laws, specifically affecting how electric vehicles are registered and what fees they must pay. It amends existing sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code to update registration procedures and fee structures for electric vehicles. The legislation would directly impact vehicle owners, dealers, and the state Department of Motor Vehicles by modifying how electric vehicle registrations are processed and fees are calculated. As a companion bill tied with HB 5765, it works alongside related legislation to establish new registration requirements for electric vehicles in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 4078 amends Michigan's Medical Examiner Act to update when county medical examiners must investigate deaths and who must report suspicious or unexpected deaths. It requires investigations for deaths by violence, unexpected deaths, deaths without medical care (with specific hospice care exceptions), and abortion-related deaths. The bill also clarifies that hospitals, physicians, or others must immediately report such deaths to medical examiners, including cases involving multiple similar individuals in one incident. Medical records obtained during these investigations are exempt from public disclosure under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.

Maddy summaryHB 4077 updates Michigan's process for certifying death records. It requires medical certification to be completed within 48 hours after death by physicians, medical examiners, or designated officials, and mandates that this certification be submitted via a new state web-based system starting one year after the law takes effect. The bill also specifies that infant deaths following an attempted abortion (as defined by the "born alive infant protection act") must be recorded as "Baby Doe" with no identifying information about the infant or parents. This directly affects funeral directors, physicians, medical examiners, and county clerks handling death records.