Rep. Kelly Breen

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the licensing requirements for marriage and family therapists in Michigan by modifying existing educational and clinical experience standards. It clarifies that applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited program and complete specific graduate-level coursework in family studies, therapy methodology, and ethics. The legislation also adjusts the amount of supervised clinical hours needed, increasing the post-degree requirement to 1,000 hours with stricter supervision ratios and face-to-face contact mandates. Additionally, it allows for a waiver of certain clinical hour requirements for individuals who have earned a doctoral degree in the field.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan law to automatically remove certain criminal convictions from public records without requiring individuals to file a formal application. It establishes specific timeframes and eligibility criteria for expunging misdemeanors and felonies, such as requiring seven or ten years to pass since sentencing or release from prison. The law includes strict limitations, such as capping the number of convictions that can be cleared and excluding serious offenses like assaultive crimes, crimes of dishonesty, and those involving minors. Implementation of these automatic expungements is scheduled to begin two years after the bill's effective date, pending necessary funding and technological setup by state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's domestic violence prevention laws to explicitly allow shelters to accept common household pets, such as dogs and cats, alongside victims and their children. By updating the definition of a "family or household member" and revising shelter requirements, the legislation ensures that emergency housing programs can accommodate animals as part of their crisis support services. Prime sponsors, which include local governments and nonprofit organizations, may use state funds to establish or maintain these inclusive shelter programs that offer counseling, legal aid, and other essential resources. The changes aim to remove barriers for victims seeking immediate safety by recognizing the emotional and practical importance of keeping pets during domestic violence situations.

Maddy summaryHB 6012 prohibits insurance companies in Michigan from denying, canceling, or raising premiums on residential property liability policies based solely on the breed or mix of dogs owned by the policyholder. The bill also bans insurers from asking about or investigating specific dog breeds when underwriting these policies. While the law restricts breed-based decisions, it allows insurers to continue adjusting rates or coverage based on other standard underwriting factors unrelated to dog breeds. This change applies to all residential property liability insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program to help private-sector employees save for retirement through automatic payroll deductions. It creates a new oversight board and a separate trust fund to manage individual retirement accounts for enrolled workers, ensuring the money remains distinct from state funds. Employers that do not currently offer qualified retirement plans are required to participate by allowing employees to make automatic contributions from their paychecks. The legislation also sets up a separate administrative fund to cover the program's operational costs and defines the specific duties of the state officials who will run the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares October 5-12, 2024, as Student Athlete Mental Health Week in Michigan to raise awareness about the mental well-being of high school and college athletes. The resolution highlights the dedication of student athletes while acknowledging the unique stressors they face, such as performance pressure, burnout, and stigma that may prevent them from seeking help. By officially recognizing this week, the state aims to encourage open conversations about mental health challenges and promote the availability of support resources for this demographic.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 2024 as Menopause Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the health and economic impacts of menopause on women. It recognizes that symptoms like hot flashes, memory loss, and anxiety can significantly affect daily life, work performance, and long-term health risks such as heart disease. The measure urges health workers to receive training on menopause, encourages the public and providers to access information about treatment options, and calls for additional research into managing these symptoms.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Michigan Indian Day, which was created in 1974 to honor Indigenous peoples in the state. The bill recognizes the historical and ongoing contributions of the twelve federally recognized tribal nations within Michigan and highlights recent efforts to strengthen government-to-government partnerships between the state and these tribes. By adopting this resolution, the legislature formally acknowledges the significance of this annual observance and reaffirms its commitment to cooperation with tribal leadership.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 2024 as Canine Companions Month in Michigan to honor the work of volunteer puppy raisers and the service dogs they train. The bill directly acknowledges the efforts of individuals who raise and socialize dogs to assist people with disabilities, recognizing the bond between humans and these animals. By officially naming the month, the legislation aims to celebrate these contributions and encourage community support for programs that provide essential independence to those in need.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 21-28, 2024, as Trails Week in Michigan to highlight the state's extensive trail system. The resolution recognizes the role trails play in recreation, transportation, and the local economy, noting that over 13,400 miles of paths accommodate various activities like hiking, biking, and snowmobiling. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to celebrate Michigan's infrastructure and encourage public appreciation of outdoor spaces.