Rep. Alabas Farhat

Maddy summaryHB 5342 requires businesses to clearly disclose automatic renewal terms in consumer contracts, such as subscription services or memberships. It directly affects consumers who may unknowingly enroll in recurring billing and businesses that use automatic renewal clauses. The bill amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act by adding a new section (3j) mandating that renewal terms, including costs and cancellation procedures, be disclosed conspicuously at the time of signing. This ensures consumers understand when and how they will be charged for ongoing services. The requirement applies to all consumer contracts with automatic renewal provisions, aiming to prevent deceptive practices around recurring billing.

Maddy summaryHB 4470 amends Michigan's penal code to designate specific portions of the Mackinac Bridge (those not open to or intended for public use) as a "key facility" under existing law. This means unauthorized entry onto these bridge sections - when enclosed by barriers like water and properly posted with signage - would become a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison or a $2,500 fine. The bill adds the Mackinac Bridge to a list of protected critical infrastructure, including power plants, water facilities, and chemical plants, all requiring physical barriers and visible signage to enforce entry restrictions. It does not change current penalties or posting requirements but extends them specifically to the Mackinac Bridge's restricted areas.

Maddy summaryHB 5303 modifies Michigan's Medicaid managed care contracts to ensure fair reimbursement for small pharmacies (with 7 or fewer retail outlets). It requires pharmacy benefit managers to use specific payment methods - such as the lesser of national average drug costs plus a professional fee or a pharmacy's usual charge - and prohibits them from taking part of that fee. The bill also mandates transparent pricing (disclosing administrative fees as a percentage) and bans new or excessive fee increases beyond inflation. These changes directly affect Medicaid managed care organizations and small pharmacies serving Michigan Medicaid patients.

Maddy summaryHB 5287 creates a revolving "state brownfield redevelopment fund" within Michigan's Department of Treasury to support cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated or underused industrial sites (brownfields). The fund receives tax revenues from brownfield projects (construction, income, sales taxes) and uses these funds to provide grants and loans through the Michigan Strategic Fund for eligible cleanup activities on brownfield properties. It also allocates up to 15% of annual deposits for administrative costs and directs specific revenue streams to the Clean Michigan Initiative and housing development funds. This bill directly affects property developers, local governments, and the Michigan Strategic Fund by establishing a dedicated funding mechanism for brownfield redevelopment.

Maddy summaryHB 5286 establishes a formal brownfield redevelopment grant and revolving loan program under Michigan's environmental law. The program provides funding to local governments (counties, cities, townships) for eligible cleanup and redevelopment activities at contaminated properties, including environmental assessments, site remediation, and demolition. Projects must demonstrate measurable economic benefits (like job creation or tax revenue) and environmental benefits (advancing cleanup standards), with grants/loans capped at $2 million per project. Applicants must prove financial capability, show compliance with environmental laws, and avoid being responsible for the site's contamination. The program draws from existing funds like the Clean Michigan Initiative Bond Fund and the State Brownfield Redevelopment Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 5250, titled the "Weight Loss Products and Minors Act," prohibits retailers from selling dietary supplements marketed for weight loss or muscle building and over-the-counter diet pills to anyone under 18. It requires physical store sales to verify age using valid ID (like a driver's license), and online sales to confirm age through approved databases before shipping, with delivery requiring ID proof at time of receipt. The bill directly affects retailers selling these products and minors under 18, creating new requirements for age verification in both physical and virtual transactions. It does not change product safety standards but adds civil penalties for violations, including fines up to $1,000 per violation. The bill is pending in Michigan's Health Policy Committee as of its introduction on November 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress to use existing legal authority to restrict U.S. arms sales to Israel and directs the State Department to reinstate visitor visas for Gaza residents, particularly for children requiring urgent medical care. It cites concerns about humanitarian conditions in Gaza, including famine and blocked medical access, as justification for these actions. The resolution references the Genocide Convention and recent events, such as the suspension of medical visas in August 2025. As a non-binding resolution, it does not alter law but calls for specific congressional and executive actions.

Maddy summaryHB 5108 modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to expand pharmacists' scope of practice. It adds Section 17744h, allowing pharmacists to prescribe certain medications for minor conditions like strep throat or urinary tract infections without a doctor's referral. The bill also updates existing sections (including 17703, 17707, and 17751) to align with these new prescribing authorities. This directly affects community pharmacists and patients seeking convenient, timely care for common, non-emergency conditions. The changes aim to improve access to basic healthcare services within pharmacy settings.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 189) passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor the Detroit Red Wings hockey team on its 100th season. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply recognizes the team's historical significance to Michigan. The resolution cites the Red Wings' founding in 1926, 11 Stanley Cup championships, cultural impact as "Hockeytown," and community work through their foundation. The House formally resolved to commemorate the team and transmitted a copy to the Red Wings organization as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 5073 amends Michigan's Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act (1996 PA 381) to clarify definitions and adjust tax capture mechanisms. It updates the definition of "blighted" property to include land bank properties and tax-reverted municipal land, and specifies how "construction period tax capture revenues" are calculated using reported wages and state income tax rates. The bill modifies the cap on total tax capture revenues generated from redevelopment projects. These changes directly affect local governments creating brownfield authorities, property developers, and municipalities managing contaminated sites, ensuring clearer rules for tax incentives during cleanup and redevelopment.