Rep. Kelly Breen

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 2024 as Deaf Awareness Month throughout Michigan. It aims to highlight the contributions and culture of the state's deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities while promoting equal access to services and information. The measure also seeks to educate the public about the unique language, social norms, and history of the deaf community.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates September 15 through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month within the state of Michigan. It directly affects state government operations by establishing a formal period to recognize and celebrate the histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents. The resolution highlights the diverse cultures and achievements of these communities in areas such as education, science, and the workforce. By adopting this declaration, the Michigan House of Representatives acknowledges the significance of this observance without altering any laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to conduct regular inspections of barbershops and barber colleges after their initial opening inspection. Under the new rules, a board member or department representative must be permitted to enter these businesses during regular operating hours to verify compliance with state laws and regulations. The provision directly affects barbershop owners, barber college administrators, and the state agency responsible for overseeing these occupations.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state department of education, working with the department of labor and economic opportunity, to develop educational materials on digital literacy and cybersafety. These resources, which include model curricula and lesson plans, must be made available for free on the department of labor and economic opportunity's website. The primary goal is to provide accessible tools to help individuals improve their online safety and digital skills without cost.

Maddy summaryHB 5733 establishes a new tolling enforcement program that allows the Michigan Secretary of State to work with operators of toll bridges and tunnels to collect unpaid tolls. Under this program, the Secretary of State will negotiate agreements to identify vehicle owners who have failed to pay tolls and will send them official notices. The bill also creates a formal process for these individuals to dispute unpaid toll claims and sets strict rules for how data is shared and used between the state and toll operators. Additionally, the legislation requires the Secretary of State to refuse vehicle registration or title transfers if there is an outstanding unpaid toll associated with the vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Homeowners' Energy Policy Act, makes it illegal for homeowners' associations in Michigan to ban owners from installing, maintaining, or operating specific energy-saving upgrades like solar panels, heat pumps, and rain barrels. It also prevents local governments from forcing homeowners to get HOA approval for these improvements, though local rules can still impose other reasonable limits. To ensure compliance, the law requires every homeowners' association to adopt a written solar energy policy statement within one year of the bill taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address the use of computers or similar technology to program key codes for automobile theft. It directly affects prosecutors and judges by adding this specific method of vehicle theft to the list of crimes used to calculate sentencing severity. The legislation requires that this new offense be treated alongside other burglary-related felonies when determining potential prison terms. Additionally, the bill includes a condition that it will not take effect unless a companion bill, HB 5182, is also passed into law.

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 bill officially designates a specific stretch of M-53 in Macomb County as the "Officer Leroy Imus Memorial Highway" to honor a fallen law enforcement officer. The legislation affects the Michigan State Transportation Department by amending state laws to recognize this new name for the road segment running from 17 Mile Road to Hall Road. Once signed into law, the change immediately updates official records and signage to reflect the memorial title.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 2024 as Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the challenges faced by children with birth defects affecting their lips or mouths. The resolution aims to increase public understanding of the medical and developmental needs of these infants, who often require surgeries, speech therapy, and special feeding techniques. By officially recognizing this month, the state legislature intends to draw attention to the condition without mandating any specific actions or funding changes.