Rep. Jamie Thompson

Maddy summaryHB 5211 would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to create a legal presumption that equal or nearly equal parenting time between both parents is in a child's best interest for disputes between parents. This presumption would apply unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence that equal time is not appropriate. The bill does not change the existing "best interests of the child" standard (listed in Section 3), but establishes equal parenting time as the default starting point under Section 5. This applies specifically to custody disputes between parents, not involving agencies or third parties, and does not affect provisions addressing cases involving criminal sexual conduct by a parent.

Maddy summaryHB 5213 requires Michigan's Friend of the Court offices to provide parents with an informational pamphlet explaining the legal presumption of equal or approximately equal parenting time in child custody cases. This pamphlet must detail the presumption as outlined in Michigan's Child Custody Act (MCL 722.26a), alongside information about joint custody options. The bill amends existing law to ensure parents receive this specific information early in domestic relations proceedings. It directly affects parents involved in custody disputes who interact with the Friend of the Court system. The change focuses on informing parents of their rights, not altering custody standards.

Maddy summaryHB 5457 creates a state fund to support hyperbaric oxygen therapy through grants and a temporary pilot program. The Department of Health and Human Services will administer the fund, using it for grants and operating the pilot program. After the pilot concludes, any remaining funds will transfer to the general state fund. The bill requires another bill (HB 5456) to be enacted first.

Maddy summaryHB 5456 establishes a pilot program providing free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Michigan veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill creates a state grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, funding providers to deliver treatment at no cost to eligible veterans. Providers must use FDA-cleared chambers meeting specific safety standards and be accredited by organizations like the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. The program requires the department to implement rules within 12 months and ends after the pilot period concludes.

Maddy summaryHB 5163 amends Michigan's child neglect definition to clarify that parents or guardians who refuse a health professional's recommended treatment plan - while actively seeking a second opinion or following another provider's plan - do not commit child neglect. This directly affects parents, guardians, and healthcare providers making medical decisions for children. The bill adds this exception to the neglect definition, stating such refusal constitutes "prima facie evidence" that neglect did not occur, unless there's clear evidence immediate harm would result. It does not change other neglect standards or require new reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 5214 creates a new tax credit for Michigan family caregivers, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim up to $2,000 (30% of qualified expenses, whichever is less) against their state income tax for care provided to qualifying family members. It directly affects Michigan residents who provide unpaid care for family members living at home (not in facilities) with specific health needs, such as inability to perform two or more daily activities or requiring supervision due to cognitive impairment. Qualified expenses include respite care, assistive devices, home modifications, and transportation, but exclude general household maintenance. To claim the credit, caregivers must document expenses, provide family member details, and meet income limits ($50,000 single / $100,000 joint). The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to change how state agencies create and review new rules. It requires agencies to submit detailed requests for rule-making electronically to the Office of Regulatory Reinvention, which must approve these requests before agencies can proceed. The bill also updates the process for the Legislative Service Bureau to formally certify proposed rules, including stricter timelines and requirements for correcting errors in rule formatting or impact analyses.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to clarify how courts should review administrative rules. It establishes that publishing a rule in the official register creates a legal presumption that the rule was properly adopted and filed, and it requires courts to take judicial notice of rules that have become effective. Additionally, the bill instructs judges to exercise independent judgment when determining if an agency acted within its legal authority, specifically prohibiting deference to an agency's interpretation of ambiguous laws. These changes directly affect state agencies that create regulations and the courts that adjudicate challenges to those regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5818 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to update definitions and establish a new Joint Committee on Regulatory Oversight and Administrative Review. The bill clarifies terms like 'agency' and 'major rule' while creating a formal process for the new committee to review proposed rules and issue objections. It also modifies requirements for how agencies publish rules, handle contested cases, and manage public comment periods.

Maddy summaryHB 5574 prohibits approaching within 25 feet of a first responder who is lawfully performing their duties after being verbally warned not to approach, if the person intends to interfere, threaten, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who target first responders (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) during emergency operations. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 60 days in jail or $500 fines, but become felonies causing injury (up to 2 years) or death (up to 15 years), with fines up to $7,500. The law focuses on preventing direct obstruction or harm during critical incidents, not general public behavior.