Rep. Jason Morgan

Maddy summaryHB 4133, the "Access to Health Facilities Act," prohibits physical obstruction, intimidation, or violence targeting individuals accessing or providing reproductive health services at licensed health facilities, including abortion care. It criminalizes actions like blocking entrances, threatening patients, or damaging property at these facilities, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors (up to 1 year jail, $10,000 fine) to felonies (up to life in prison for causing death). The law also allows civil lawsuits for $5,000 per violation and civil fines up to $25,000 for violators. It explicitly protects First Amendment-protected protests but does not affect local abortion regulations or existing protest laws.

Maddy summaryHB 4131 updates Michigan's animal care laws by clarifying definitions and requirements for dog shelter and tethering. It directly affects dog owners, breeders, pet shops, and animal shelters by specifying that dog shelters must include properly insulated doghouses with dry bedding (like straw or cedar shavings) during freezing temperatures, excluding items like blankets, cardboard, or crawl spaces. The bill also requires tethers for dogs to be at least three times the dog's length (nose-to-tail) unless used for grooming, training, transport, or hunting. These changes aim to ensure dogs have adequate protection from weather and prevent harmful tethering practices. The bill is currently in committee after its February 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 4132 amends Michigan's personal protection order law to explicitly include animal-related abuse as a prohibited act in domestic violence cases. The bill adds new language (subsection 1(k)) making it illegal for a respondent to injure, kill, threaten, or remove an animal in which the petitioner has ownership interest, or to retain an animal taken from the petitioner. This directly affects domestic violence victims who rely on pets for emotional support, expanding court orders to protect both people and their companion animals. The provision specifies it does not override lawful animal use (e.g., hunting under state law) and aligns with existing protections for victims.

Maddy summaryHB 4130 amends Section 2 of Michigan's Animal Welfare Fund Act (MCL 287.992) by updating the definition of "State animal anticruelty laws" to explicitly include specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.49-750.70, 750.70a, and MCL 750.50(8) and (12)). This technical update ensures the fund act correctly references existing animal cruelty laws without creating new policies or funding. The bill affects how the Animal Welfare Fund Act applies to enforcement of current animal protection laws. It is a procedural clarification, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4102 updates Michigan's physical therapy licensing rules to allow the state to join the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill amends existing licensing sections and adds new provisions (17820a and 17820b) to enable this participation. This change would let physical therapists licensed in Michigan or other compact states practice in Michigan without needing separate state licenses. The bill directly affects physical therapists seeking to work across state lines and Michigan residents needing physical therapy services. It creates a streamlined process for interstate practice under the compact agreement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan, formally recognizing the month-long observance of African American contributions to history and culture. It does not create new laws or allocate state resources; instead, it serves as a symbolic declaration by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor Black achievements and reflect on racial justice. The resolution cites historical context, including Dr. Carter G. Woodson's origins of Black History Month and President Ford's 1976 recognition. It encourages statewide awareness of African American milestones and the ongoing pursuit of equality, aligning with longstanding national observances.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It declares February 14, 2025, as "Frederick Douglass Day" in Michigan to honor the abolitionist's legacy. The resolution commemorates Douglass' life and contributions, including his birth date adoption and work for civil rights, but has no legal effect or impact on state laws or residents. It serves solely as a symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares February 2025 as "2-1-1 Month" in Michigan to raise public awareness of the 2-1-1 helpline. It recognizes the service as a free, 24/7 resource connecting residents to community support like housing, food, and disaster assistance - used over 406,000 times in FY2024. The resolution has no binding effect and solely aims to acknowledge the helpline’s role in supporting Michiganders.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in Michigan. It encourages Michigan citizens to recognize the National FFA Organization's role in supporting agricultural education, youth leadership development, and career preparation for students in grades 7-12. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges FFA's contributions to agricultural education programs across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4075 amends Michigan's minimum wage law to gradually increase the hourly wage for most workers. It sets specific rates starting at $10.00 in 2019, rising to $20.00 by 2030, with annual adjustments for inflation beginning in 2022. The inflation adjustment uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) and takes effect January 1 each year, unless unemployment exceeds 8.5% in the prior year. This bill directly affects low-wage workers and employers across Michigan who must comply with the updated wage schedule.