Rep. Matt Koleszar

Maddy summaryHB 4864 updates Michigan's definition of "elevated blood lead level" (EBL) for children under 6 years old. It lowers the threshold from 20 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) to 10 ug/dL for case management purposes, aligning with current CDC guidelines. This change directly affects young children in Michigan who undergo blood lead testing, ensuring earlier identification of lead exposure. The bill modifies the Public Health Code's existing definition without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 5254 proposes to modify the maximum interest rate allowed for medical debt. It seeks to achieve this by amending Section 3 of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. While the bill aims to impact consumers with medical debt and the entities that collect it, the provided text primarily details existing definitions of unfair trade practices within the act and does not include the specific language for the proposed interest rate modification.

Maddy summaryHB 5255, the "Medical Debt Protection Act," limits how medical debt can be collected in Michigan, directly affecting patients with medical debt and large healthcare providers (with $20 million+ annual revenue) or medical debt buyers. It prohibits charging interest or late fees for 90 days after a bill is due and caps annual interest at 3% on medical debt. The bill bans aggressive collection tactics like wage garnishment for patients qualifying for financial assistance under a healthcare facility's policy, and requires medical debt buyers to follow strict rules, including not using prohibited collection actions and returning debt if a patient qualifies for financial aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state treasurer to create a monthly report tracking whether the federal government owes Michigan money due to ignored court orders and calculating any future payments Michigan must make to the federal government. The report will detail specific financial items such as federal taxes owed by state employers, debt offsets, and grant repayments, and it must be prepared in consultation with the state budget director. Additionally, the bill mandates that the state treasurer withhold federal payments if the amounts owed by the federal government exceed the amounts Michigan is required to pay. This legislation is currently tied to a companion bill, meaning it will not take effect unless both are passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state treasurer to calculate and report specific monthly funds to various legislative committees and state budget offices. The funds in question are those designated for withholding from payments made to the federal government, as previously outlined in the state's management and budget act. The legislation does not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 6122, which addresses the actual withholding of those federal payments. Essentially, this measure establishes a reporting process to ensure that the legislature is informed about the amounts the state intends to withhold from federal transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 5120 eliminates fees for serving documents in personal protection order (PPO) cases. It amends Michigan's civil procedure law to prohibit charging fees for serving process under the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act or for any order issued in a PPO case, including petitions, orders, and related documents. This directly affects PPO petitioners (who no longer pay service fees) and process servers (who cannot charge for these specific services). The bill also clarifies that law enforcement may charge a $50 flat fee from a dedicated fund for multiple PPO-related documents served at once, but not per document. The change aims to remove financial barriers for individuals seeking protection orders.

Maddy summaryHB 5121 eliminates the cost for serving personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking PPOs to protect against harassment, stalking, or sexual assault by removing the requirement that petitioners pay for service of the order on the respondent. The bill amends Michigan’s court procedures to eliminate this fee, making it easier for petitioners - especially those with limited resources - to obtain and enforce PPOs without upfront costs. This change applies to all PPOs filed under the specified sections of Michigan law, streamlining the process for victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal cause of action in Michigan allowing individuals to sue anyone who deprives them of rights protected by the U.S. Constitution while acting under the authority of the law. It establishes that victims of such civil rights violations can seek redress in court, while also defining specific rules for when judges can be held personally liable and limiting the types of relief available against them. The legislation sets a two-year time limit for filing these lawsuits and permits courts to award reasonable attorney fees to successful plaintiffs, though it preserves existing defenses like sovereign immunity and qualified immunity.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale and use of herbicides containing paraquat dichloride in Michigan, with sales banned starting December 1, 2027, and use banned by December 1, 2028. To help farmers transition away from these products, the legislation creates a state fund that will offer grants to cover the costs of switching to alternative herbicides and equipment. The bill also establishes a buy-back program to safely dispose of existing paraquat-containing products and sets a civil fine of up to $10,000 for violations of the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 6016 modifies Michigan's interim teaching certification process to establish stricter requirements for individuals seeking temporary teaching credentials. The bill mandates that all applicants must hold a degree from an accredited institution, pass subject exams, and complete an intensive training program equivalent to at least 12 college credit hours. A key provision eliminates the ability to grant new interim certificates for special education teaching beginning July 21, 2027, while allowing those currently holding such certificates to continue teaching. Additionally, the law requires school districts to provide intensive observation and coaching to anyone teaching under an interim certificate while they work toward full certification.