Rep. Peter Herzberg

Maddy summaryHB 4047 creates a new legal cause of action allowing individuals to sue media organizations that falsely depict them engaging in sexual conduct. The law directly affects media companies publishing such false content and individuals whose reputations were harmed by the inaccurate depictions. It establishes specific procedures for filing these lawsuits within the civil court system. The bill became law on August 26, 2025, after approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4048 adds a new sentencing guideline for distributing intimate deepfake sexual images with aggravating circumstances, classifying it as a Class F felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison. This directly affects individuals convicted of disseminating such deepfakes, particularly those with prior offenses under Michigan law. The bill amends sentencing guidelines in Chapter XVII of the Michigan Penal Code to specifically address this crime, establishing a clear penalty framework for courts to apply. It became effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on August 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4789 expands Michigan's "Right to Try Act" to specifically cover personalized experimental treatments based on a patient's genetic data (like gene therapies or custom vaccines). It allows eligible patients with advanced, life-threatening, or severely debilitating illnesses - who have exhausted all FDA-approved treatments - to access these individualized treatments after obtaining written consent from their physician and providing detailed risk disclosures. The bill clarifies that manufacturers aren't required to provide such treatments but may charge for production costs, and it prohibits health insurers from denying coverage solely for recommending these treatments. This affects patients with serious conditions who qualify under the new definition of "individualized investigational treatment" and their healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryHB 4792 creates a special license plate for Michigan vehicles, with sales proceeds funding animal welfare. The plate design will support efforts to address pet overpopulation and provide humane care for homeless and abused animals in shelters and rescues. Money from plate sales will go into a dedicated "Protecting Michigan's Pets Fund" managed by the state treasurer, with quarterly disbursements to the Michigan Pet Alliance. This bill directly affects vehicle owners who purchase the plate, directing funds specifically toward spay/neuter programs and animal health care services.

Maddy summaryHB 4741 modifies Michigan's property tax law by ending certain programs that reduced delinquent tax payments or prevented foreclosure. It adds a $175 fee for properties forfeited to county treasurers due to unpaid taxes (after 12+ months delinquent), changes interest calculations for residential properties under foreclosure avoidance agreements, and updates redemption rules. Homeowners with delinquent taxes, particularly those in residential properties covered by existing tax foreclosure avoidance agreements, will be directly affected by these changes. The bill sunsets specific programs that previously offered payment reductions, requiring property owners to pay full delinquent amounts plus fees to avoid losing their homes.

Maddy summaryHB 4643 modifies Michigan's 2020 law to protect college athletes' ability to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). It prohibits colleges from penalizing athletes for earning NIL compensation or affecting scholarship eligibility, and bans athletic associations (like the NCAA) from restricting NIL activities or punishing schools/athletes for them. The bill also prevents colleges from acting as NIL agents or taking commissions on such deals while allowing them to help athletes arrange NIL agreements. It clarifies that athletic scholarships remain separate from NIL compensation, meaning schools cannot reduce scholarships based on athletes' NIL earnings.

Maddy summaryHB 4257 defines key terms related to waste management, specifically for anaerobic digestion byproducts (digestate) and their "beneficial use" in agriculture or construction. It creates five distinct categories of beneficial use (e.g., soil application at agronomic rates, road base, or construction fill) with specific environmental safeguards like runoff prevention and groundwater protection. The bill directly affects waste management facilities, farmers, and construction entities handling digestate or ash by clarifying legal standards for its use. These definitions ensure consistent application under existing environmental rules, requiring materials to meet soil-nutrient balance and pollution prevention criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 4265 modifies reporting and compliance rules for facilities using anaerobic digesters, which process organic waste (like food scraps or manure) to create biogas. It updates existing requirements under Michigan's Solid Waste Act (specifically sections 11506 and 11568) to clarify what data these facilities must report to regulators. The bill directly affects waste processing facilities operating anaerobic digesters, requiring them to follow updated reporting standards. This change streamlines regulatory oversight without altering the core function of these systems.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares June 12, 2025, as "Black Men Awareness Day" in Michigan. It is a symbolic recognition meant to honor Black men's contributions to Michigan's history, culture, and communities. The resolution does not create new laws, policies, or funding mechanisms - it solely establishes a designated day for awareness. It directly affects Michigan residents through this official state acknowledgment. The bill was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on June 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4600 amends Michigan's law on terrorism threats and false reports, specifically modifying Section 543m of the Penal Code. The bill clarifies that making a threat of terrorism (even without intent to carry it out) or knowingly reporting a false terrorism incident can be prosecuted as a felony. It removes the defense that a defendant lacked the intent or capability to commit the threatened act. This law directly affects individuals who make threatening communications about terrorism or falsely report terrorism incidents, with penalties including up to 20 years in prison or a $20,000 fine. The bill was introduced on June 10, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.