Rep. Samantha Steckloff

Maddy summaryHB 5275 modifies Michigan's property tax credit for individual income tax by changing the definition of "disabled veteran" and removing a limit on the credit amount for qualifying veterans. The bill amends sections 506 and 520 of the 1967 Income Tax Act (MCL 206.506, 206.520) to expand eligibility and eliminate a cap previously applied to this credit. This directly affects disabled veterans who claim the property tax credit, allowing them to receive the full credit amount without the prior limitation. The change is a specific policy adjustment to the tax code, not a new benefit.

Maddy summaryHB 5268 amends Michigan law to require the state veterans' facility ombudsman to directly forward reports finding verified abuse, neglect, or exploitation in veterans' facilities to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This change affects veterans' facilities and their residents, as it ensures LARA - responsible for facility licensing and oversight - receives these reports immediately. The bill modifies Section 10 of the existing ombudsman law to mandate this specific reporting pathway when abuse findings are deemed valid, rather than only sharing internally with the department of military and veterans affairs. This creates a clearer accountability step for serious facility safety concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 5278 amends Michigan's identification card law to include individuals who served in the NOAA Commissioned Corps (NOAACOC) or the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHSCC) in the state's definition of "veteran" for identification cards. This change would allow these service members to request a "veteran" designation on their state ID, similar to military veterans, upon providing proof of service and discharge. The bill requires the Secretary of State to verify service records with relevant agencies and issue the designation in an appropriate format. This policy change directly affects NOAA and USPHSCC personnel seeking to identify their service on official state IDs.

Maddy summaryHB 5265 creates Michigan's Veterans Service Animal Grant Program, providing financial assistance to eligible veterans for obtaining service animals. It directly affects veterans diagnosed with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who are matched with service animals through IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The program, administered by the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, uses a new state fund to cover costs like training and acquisition, with grants awarded based on specific eligibility criteria. The fund is established in the state treasury and can only be used for program grants and administration, as outlined in the bill.

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 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 summaryHB 5266 creates Michigan's Office of Veteran Homelessness within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to coordinate support for homeless veterans. The office will identify, align, and connect veterans to existing state, federal, and local resources and programs addressing homelessness, including mental health, substance use, and housing services. It establishes a $1 million Veteran Homelessness Fund for the office's operations and requires annual reports detailing the scope of veteran homelessness, resource gaps, and recommendations for improvement. The bill directly affects homeless veterans in Michigan by streamlining access to services and improving coordination across government programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5226 requires health insurance policies sold or renewed in Michigan to cover treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders linked to strep infections (PANS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), including intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. This applies to all health insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed in Michigan or covering Michigan residents, starting 90 days after the law takes effect. The bill directly affects children diagnosed with these specific conditions by mandating insurance coverage for their treatment. It amends Michigan's insurance code to ensure these therapies are included in standard coverage without additional patient cost.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a House resolution urging the U.S. Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and funding for non-technology mental health treatments for veterans and servicemembers with psychological trauma from military service. It specifically highlights promising approaches like buddy-to-buddy programs, clinical psychedelic therapy, outdoor therapy, and service animal access, while also calling for resources to support families affected by veterans' behavioral health challenges. The resolution does not create new law or funding but formally requests federal agencies focus on these alternative treatment options. It was introduced by Rep. Mike McFall and referred to the Government Operations Committee in November 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 3 is a Michigan legislative resolution urging Congress to amend two federal laws (38 U.S.C. § 5304 and 10 U.S.C. § 12316) that currently prevent National Guard and reserve members from receiving both active duty pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously. Under current law, veterans must choose between these two payments, forcing them to waive disability benefits to maintain reserve pay or vice versa. If enacted, the amendment would allow service members to receive both payments concurrently, supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities who serve part-time in the reserves or National Guard. This resolution is a recommendation to Congress, not a law, and does not change existing policy.