Rep. Reggie Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify the Department of Environment Quality's responsibilities regarding water resources and pollution control. It explicitly states that the department must protect and conserve Michigan's surface and underground waters, including the Great Lakes, and manage waste disposal impacts. The legislation also outlines the department's role in assisting flood control districts and complying with federal water pollution laws using appropriated funds. A key provision notes that existing rules created before January 1, 2007, will remain in effect unless officially rescinded, while limiting the creation of new rules under specific sections.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend Michigan's medical malpractice laws by increasing the cap on noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, from $280,000 to $1,000,000 per plaintiff and per defendant. The change applies to cases involving injuries like paralysis, permanent cognitive impairment, reproductive loss, death, serious disfigurement, or significant bodily function impairment, while maintaining a lower $500,000 cap for other severe injuries. Additionally, the bill updates the mechanism for adjusting these monetary limits annually to match changes in the state's consumer price index.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from carrying firearms within 100 feet of locations where absentee ballots are being counted during processing. The restriction applies to anyone not in law enforcement or holding a valid concealed carry license, while allowing exceptions for security personnel and those with owner permission. Violating this rule is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $100, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from possessing firearms at polling places, early voting sites, and within 100 feet of ballot drop boxes or clerk offices during election periods. The restrictions apply specifically while polls are open on election day and for 40 days before an election near drop boxes, though they do not apply to peace officers, licensed concealed carry holders, or people transporting firearms in vehicles. Violating these rules is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $100, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate laws to improve how courts handle guardianships and conservatorships for individuals who cannot manage their own affairs. It introduces a new process allowing judges to appoint a temporary guardian for up to six months when immediate action is needed to protect a person's welfare, even if formal notice to all interested parties has not yet been given. The legislation also clarifies the procedures for removing or replacing conservators and allows interested parties to request specific court orders, such as requiring financial reports or adjusting bond amounts. These changes are designed to streamline oversight and ensure quicker responses to situations where a guardian or conservator is not effectively performing their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's legal process for appointing guardians or conservators for individuals who may be incapacitated. It requires courts to inform petitioners about less restrictive alternatives before filing and mandates the appointment of a legal representative for the individual unless they already have one. The legislation also establishes stricter rules for medical evaluations, ensuring that detailed reports on an individual's condition and capacity are shared with relevant parties while keeping the full report confidential from the public record. Additionally, the bill guarantees the right to an independent medical evaluation and outlines specific content requirements for professional assessments.

Maddy summaryHB 6125 amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to clarify how the trade-in value of personal electronics is treated when calculating sales tax. The bill specifically adjusts the definition of "sales price" to ensure that the value of a traded-in electronic device is properly offset against the purchase price of a new one, preventing double taxation on the same item. This change directly affects consumers buying new electronics and the retailers who sell them by providing clearer rules for determining the taxable amount. By updating existing language regarding trade-in credits, the legislation aims to align the tax calculation with current practices for personal electronics.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's insurance code to require health insurers to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders for individuals up to age 18. It prevents insurers from denying coverage, limiting the number of visits, or treating autism care differently than physical illness regarding copays and deductibles, though it allows specific annual dollar limits based on the child's age. The legislation also permits insurers to require certain evaluations, such as an autism diagnostic observation schedule no more frequently than once every three years, and defines specific types of care that must be covered. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these requirements do not apply to short-term insurance policies or plans regulated under federal healthcare exchanges.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding guardianship and conservatorship to strengthen the rights of individuals facing incapacity proceedings. It requires guardians ad litem, who represent vulnerable people during these hearings, to personally visit the individual and clearly explain their legal rights, such as the ability to contest the petition or limit a guardian's authority over medical decisions. The legislation also mandates that courts provide free legal counsel to indigent individuals who wish to contest a guardianship or request specific limits on a guardian's powers. Additionally, the bill directs guardians ad litem to explore alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship or patient advocacy designations, and ensures that compensation for these representatives is only granted if they have fulfilled their new reporting duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to regulate the appointment and duties of professional guardians and conservators. It requires courts to find that no suitable family member or friend is available before appointing a professional and mandates that these professionals submit criminal background checks and post a financial bond. The legislation also establishes strict rules for compensation, requiring professionals to disclose any outside income received for their role, and outlines specific care standards such as maintaining a visitation schedule and ensuring adequate staffing. Additionally, the bill clarifies notification procedures for interested parties and defines the limits on what support staff can do, prohibiting them from making major financial or medical decisions.