Rep. Noah Arbit

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to specifically address the use of technology for automobile theft. It makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for anyone who possesses tools or electronic devices designed to unlock or start a vehicle with the intent to steal it. The law further increases the penalty to up to ten years if the offender is part of a criminal organization targeting multiple vehicles. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that previously issued keys or cards belonging to the lawful owner are not considered prohibited tools under this statute.

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 establishes the specific roles of the Department of Natural Resources and the State Historic Preservation Office regarding archaeology, Native American cultural items, and human remains in Michigan. It designates the Department of Natural Resources as the primary contact for non-federal projects and requires it to set best practices for managing archaeological resources on state lands while consulting with federally recognized tribes. The legislation also mandates that these agencies collaborate on curating archaeological collections, ensuring data accuracy, and providing expertise to various government entities and the public. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for responding to inadvertent discoveries of human remains and requires state departments to update public information within 60 days of the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Vehicle Code to modify how points are assigned to various traffic convictions and infractions. It directly affects drivers, insurance companies, and the Secretary of State by changing the specific point values associated with different violations. The key change involves adjusting the point totals for speeding offenses, where exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 miles per hour now carries 4 points instead of 6, and speeding between 10 and 15 miles per hour over the limit is reduced to 3 points. Additionally, the bill clarifies that points will not be assessed for certain non-moving violations such as overweight loads or defective equipment. These adjustments aim to refine the driver's license point system to better reflect the severity of specific traffic behaviors.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill, known as the Drug Manufacturer Data Reporting Act, requires pharmaceutical companies to submit specific cost and development data to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Manufacturers must report within 30 days if they increase the price of a high-cost drug by 15% in a year or 40% over three years, providing details on research expenses, patent status, and drug types. Additionally, companies must notify the department within three days when launching a new specialty-priced drug, including information on FDA designations and acquisition costs if applicable. The department will compile this data into an annual report for legislative committees and the public while keeping individual company information confidential. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements could result in civil fines of up to $100,000 per month.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Michigan High-Speed Internet Office within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to oversee broadband development in the state. The office will be led by a director appointed by the department head and has the authority to award grants and provide technical support for digital infrastructure projects. Its main duties include coordinating with other agencies, collecting data on internet availability, and promoting policies that use broadband to support economic growth and community revitalization. Additionally, the office will act as a central contact point for the public and internet service providers to improve transparency and adoption of high-speed internet.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to create a buddy-to-buddy mentorship program for active-duty service members and veterans living in the state. The initiative pairs individuals with volunteer mentors who provide guidance on practical matters like education, employment, and healthcare, as well as connect them with advocates for mental health and substance use support. While non-veterans can serve as mentors, the program prioritizes recruiting veterans to lead these efforts. Additionally, the bill establishes that private information shared within the program remains confidential and is exempt from public disclosure under the state's freedom of information laws. This legislation will only take effect if several other related bills are also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of May each year as "Chaldean American Month" to honor Chaldean, Assyrian, and Syriac Americans for their contributions to Michigan and the United States. The legislation creates a new state act that officially names this time period, replacing any previous designations for April. By establishing this commemorative month, the bill aims to recognize the cultural heritage and significant roles played by these communities within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to better support service members and veterans. The office will be led by a manager appointed based on experience in veteran mental health and will have the authority to collect data on mental health conditions, administer grants to local and nonprofit groups, and publish a free wellness resource guide with treatment listings and a self-assessment tool. Additionally, the legislation ensures that any personal data collected remains confidential and is exempt from public disclosure under state freedom of information laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of Mental Health within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency to better support service members, veterans, and their families. It requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to partner with the agency on statewide outreach, create educational materials for families, and develop a program to help navigate mental health and substance use disorder resources. The legislation also allows for the use of mobile or electronic platforms to connect individuals with these services and protects specific personal records from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. This office will only become operational if several other related bills are also passed into law.