Rep. Jamie Thompson

Maddy summaryHB 5576 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address crimes targeting first responders. It adds intimidation or harassment of individuals based on their actual or perceived employment as a first responder (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) to the list of offenses that warrant enhanced sentencing. The bill changes Section 16t of the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16t) to require courts to consider this factor when determining sentences for such crimes. This directly affects individuals convicted of threatening or harassing first responders, ensuring their actions are treated with greater severity under sentencing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5575 defines specific terms related to harassment of first responders in Michigan law. It adds a new section to the penal code clarifying that "first responder" includes law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The bill defines "harass" as intentionally causing substantial emotional distress through a course of conduct with no legitimate purpose. This creates a clear legal standard for prosecuting harassment against these public safety workers, directly affecting their protection under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to track how often recipients use their food assistance cards in other states. If a card is used outside of Michigan for more than 90 consecutive days, the department must suspend the card unless the recipient contacts them to prove they still live in the state or qualify for benefits. The rule applies to all individuals receiving aid through the Michigan Bridge Card program and aims to ensure funds are used by residents within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to obtain explicit legislative approval before seeking waivers for SNAP work requirements. It also prohibits the department from using its own authority to grant exemptions from these work rules, though it preserves existing exemptions for temporary absences from employment. The measure directly affects the state's administration of food assistance programs by shifting the decision-making power for work requirement waivers from the department to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's guardianship and conservatorship laws to strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals under court supervision. It primarily affects professional guardians and conservators, requiring them to file financial bonds or restricted accounts, disclose any outside compensation received, and maintain regular visitation schedules with the individuals they serve. The legislation also mandates that guardians consult with legally incapacitated individuals before making major decisions and clarifies the specific powers guardians have regarding medical consent, property management, and care arrangements. Additionally, it authorizes certain nonbanking corporations to serve as professional fiduciaries while limiting their authority to the specific cases in which they are appointed.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan laws governing the powers and duties of conservators, who manage the financial affairs of individuals unable to do so themselves. It primarily affects courts, conservators, and the families of protected individuals by clarifying when conservators must post a financial bond and expanding their authority to manage estate assets. Under the new provisions, courts must require a bond unless specific exceptions apply, such as when the estate lacks cash or the conservator has already been granted trust powers. The bill also updates the list of actions conservators can take without court approval, including managing businesses, investing assets, entering leases, and employing professional advisors, while maintaining oversight requirements to protect the interests of the protected individual.

Maddy summaryHB 5520 requires Michigan's Department of Education to approve 3+ reading assessments for schools that minimize instructional time loss and provide timely results. It mandates school districts to implement literacy coaches by 2027 who support teachers in evidence-based reading instruction, data analysis, and intervention for struggling readers in grades K-3. The bill also directs the department to develop dyslexia expertise, provide professional learning on structured literacy, and update the Michigan Dyslexia Handbook every 5 years. These provisions directly affect school districts, K-3 teachers, students needing reading support, and parents through improved reading instruction and assessment practices. The bill focuses on systemic changes to address reading deficiencies using research-backed methods.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2026 as Dairy Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant dairy industry. The measure highlights the sector's economic contributions, including its role in food production, job creation, and public health through nutritious dairy products. By adopting this symbolic declaration, the legislature aims to celebrate the achievements of local dairy farmers and processors while promoting awareness of the nutritional benefits of dairy consumption.

Maddy summaryHB 4865 requires baby food manufacturers in Michigan to test each product lot for heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) starting January 1, 2026. Manufacturers must use accredited labs to test samples to a minimum sensitivity of 6 micrograms per kilogram and report results to the state. Starting January 1, 2027, manufacturers must post test results online via webpages and include QR codes on product labels linking to this information. Products exceeding safety limits must be recalled or disposed of, directly affecting baby food producers and increasing transparency for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan high schools to mandate a one-semester civics course and eventually require students to pass the civics portion of the U.S. naturalization test to earn graduation credit. It directs the state to update social studies curriculum standards and assessments to align with the current naturalization test questions by May 2018. The law applies to all public and nonpublic schools but includes exemptions for students with specific educational needs or those in military service.