Rep. Jaime Churches

Maddy summaryThis law allows specific Michigan townships with populations between 10,000 and 15,000, located in large counties, to build, own, or operate bridges and related roadways. These townships are permitted to charge fees to users for the use of these transportation facilities. To qualify for state and federal funding, any township operating a bridge under this act must follow federal standards for inspecting the structure. The legislation defines a public service facility as the bridge itself, its supporting roads, and any necessary buildings or equipment.

Maddy summaryHB 5583 amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to give the Secretary of State the authority to apply to the Ingham County circuit court for injunctive relief when a complaint alleges a violation of campaign finance rules. The bill establishes a formal process for citizens to file complaints against individuals or committees, requiring the Secretary of State to notify the accused party and allow for written responses and rebuttals before any legal action is taken. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the standards for waiving late filing fees due to specific hardships and sets strict timelines for the Secretary of State to issue rulings on requests for legal interpretations. This measure is designed to provide a structured mechanism for enforcing campaign finance laws while ensuring due process for those accused of violations.

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 Michigan bill prohibits veterinarians and others from performing surgical procedures that remove a cat's claws or prevent them from functioning, such as declawing, unless it is medically necessary to treat an illness or injury. The law defines a cat broadly to include various breeds and specifies that the procedure is only allowed for therapeutic reasons, explicitly excluding cosmetic purposes or convenience for the owner. Individuals who violate this rule face civil fines of up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations, which can be enforced by county prosecutors or the state attorney general.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to better support service members and veterans. The office will be led by a manager appointed based on experience in veteran mental health and will have the authority to collect data on mental health conditions, administer grants to local and nonprofit groups, and publish a free wellness resource guide with treatment listings and a self-assessment tool. Additionally, the legislation ensures that any personal data collected remains confidential and is exempt from public disclosure under state freedom of information laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of Mental Health within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency to better support service members, veterans, and their families. It requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to partner with the agency on statewide outreach, create educational materials for families, and develop a program to help navigate mental health and substance use disorder resources. The legislation also allows for the use of mobile or electronic platforms to connect individuals with these services and protects specific personal records from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. This office will only become operational if several other related bills are also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 7, 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness Day throughout Michigan to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. The measure encourages citizens to wear orange on that date to raise awareness and remember Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager killed in a shooting incident. While the bill does not change laws or introduce new regulations, it formally recognizes the significance of the day and urges the community to support efforts to prevent gun violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 19-25, 2024, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Michigan to honor the contributions of first responders, paramedics, and other healthcare providers. It encourages communities across the state to hold programs and ceremonies during this period to recognize the vital work of these professionals. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of emergency medical services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Hunger-Free Campus Act to create a state program that recognizes colleges and universities in Michigan as hunger-free campuses. To earn this designation, institutions must implement specific measures such as forming student-led task forces, allowing the use of SNAP benefits on campus, hosting food awareness events, and providing physical food pantries or stigma-free food access. Additionally, designated schools are required to develop meal credit donation programs and conduct annual student surveys on hunger to track progress. The Department of Education will oversee the program, set the necessary rules, and compile comparative profiles of participating campuses based on survey results.