Rep. Kelly Breen

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to update the definitions of terms used in animal cruelty laws, such as "adequate care," "shelter," and "neglect." It specifically clarifies what constitutes proper shelter for dogs, detailing requirements for doghouses and prohibiting the use of inadequate spaces like crawl spaces or wire crates. The legislation also defines "animal control" and "animal protection" shelters to distinguish between government-run facilities and those operated by private organizations. By refining these legal definitions, the bill aims to provide clearer standards for what constitutes proper animal treatment and neglect.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for individuals and dealers involved in illegal firearm purchases in Michigan. It increases the maximum prison sentence for attempting to buy a gun illegally from two years to four years and raises the maximum fine from $1,000 to $2,000. The legislation also requires firearm dealers to report suspected illegal purchase attempts to law enforcement within 24 hours, with failure to do so resulting in felony charges. Additionally, the bill clarifies that making false statements on a firearm purchase application is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison or a $2,000 fine.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Revised Judicature Act to clarify how existing personal protection orders apply to animal abuse cases. It directly affects individuals seeking legal protection from domestic violence or stalking by explicitly adding provisions that allow courts to restrain a respondent from injuring, killing, or neglecting an animal owned by the petitioner. The key mechanism involves expanding the list of prohibited behaviors to include specific acts against pets intended to cause mental distress or exert control over the victim. Additionally, the bill ensures that courts cannot refuse to issue an order solely because there is no police or medical report, while prohibiting mutual orders unless both parties independently petition for them. These changes aim to strengthen legal recourse for victims by formally recognizing animal cruelty as a relevant factor in domestic safety restraining orders.

Maddy summaryHB 6185 amends Michigan's firearm laws to require federally licensed dealers to sell guns with a trigger lock or a secure storage container, unless the buyer provides their own safety device or the firearm is an antique. The bill also mandates that dealers provide free safety brochures and warning notices to purchasers and retain records of these transactions for six years. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that firearm manufacturers and producers are generally immune from civil lawsuits by local governments, except in cases involving specific contract breaches or product defects that cause injury to government employees or property. This provision aims to limit liability for manufacturers while reserving the right for the state attorney general to bring certain legal actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act to require local labor unions representing casino employees to register with the state board and submit detailed personal information about their designated officials and staff. The new provisions mandate that unions provide extensive data, including full names, addresses, compensation details, criminal history, and photographs for these individuals, with the option to use existing U.S. Department of Labor reports to satisfy some requirements. Additionally, the legislation establishes a disqualification process that allows the board to bar union officers from negotiating wages or collecting dues if they have convictions for specific crimes such as gambling, theft, fraud, or prostitution, provided there is clear and convincing evidence of a pattern of behavior. Information submitted under this section is exempt from public disclosure under the state's freedom of information act, and the board retains the authority to waive disqualifications or rescind bans based on a finding that justice requires it.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to require courts to inform people considering guardianship about alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship, conservatorship, and supported decision-making. Supported decision-making is defined as a process where individuals with incapacities work with trusted friends, family, or professionals to understand their options and make their own decisions. The legislation also mandates that a guardian ad litem be appointed to represent the individual in incapacity hearings if they do not have their own legal counsel. These changes aim to ensure that individuals facing potential guardianship are fully informed about less restrictive options before a court order is issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Judicial Protection Act, establishes new safety and privacy measures for judges in Michigan and their immediate family members. It allows judges to request that government agencies and private entities stop sharing specific personal details, such as home addresses, phone numbers, and financial information, with the public. To enforce this, the law creates a formal process where judges can submit written requests to remove or prevent the posting of this sensitive data. The protections apply to state, federal, and tribal court judges within the state, as well as their spouses, children, parents, and other relatives living at the same address.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's mental health code to establish a legal framework for supportive decision-making agreements, allowing individuals with developmental disabilities to enter into contracts where trusted friends, family, or professionals assist them in understanding choices without removing their legal authority. The legislation requires courts to prioritize these less restrictive alternatives over traditional guardianship whenever possible, ensuring that any restrictions on a person's personal liberty or financial management are the minimum necessary for their protection. By defining supportive decision-making as a collaborative process that respects an individual's right to make their own decisions, the bill aims to promote maximum self-reliance and independence while still providing safeguards against neglect, exploitation, and abuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover hearing-related services and devices for individuals under 19 who have been evaluated by an audiologist for hearing loss. The coverage includes audiologist exams, hearing aid fittings, maintenance, repairs, remote microphones, and speech therapy, though insurers may still apply standard cost-sharing rules like deductibles and co-pays. The law specifically excludes plans tied to health savings accounts to ensure compliance with federal tax regulations and will only take effect on January 1, 2026, if a related bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryHB 6149 modifies the Michigan Probate Code to clarify the specific circumstances under which juvenile courts have exclusive jurisdiction over minors under 18. The bill directly affects juveniles involved in criminal cases, dependency proceedings, or situations involving truancy and disobedience by updating the legal criteria for court intervention. Key provisions expand the definition of "specified juvenile violations" to include specific crimes such as possession of a dangerous weapon, escape from a juvenile facility, and certain public health offenses, while also detailing conditions for finding a child dependent due to neglect, abuse, or homelessness. Additionally, the legislation sets stricter requirements for when courts can intervene in cases of school absenteeism or repeated disobedience, ensuring that alternative placements and counseling have been considered before court action. Overall, the bill aims to refine the legal framework governing how juvenile courts handle delinquency and dependency cases to ensure consistent application of the law.