Rep. Jimmie Wilson

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create a state public utility in Michigan that would take over all electric and natural gas generation, distribution, and transmission facilities currently owned by private investor-owned utilities. The amendment establishes a new State Public Utility Board with the power to purchase these assets using bonds, set all utility rates, and manage the system without needing local government consent for infrastructure placement. Within 18 months of taking effect, the board must implement a plan to lower rates for low-income residential customers, build electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and upgrade the distribution network for renewable energy. Additionally, the bill requires all existing private utilities to divest their systems to the state and grants the new state utility the right to use public rights-of-way without obtaining local franchises.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to advise the state on research, diagnosis, and treatment for rare diseases. The council will be composed of a diverse group of members, including medical professionals, patient advocates, industry representatives, and individuals with rare diseases, who will serve four-year terms. Once established, the council is authorized to hold public hearings, consult with experts, and apply for grants to develop recommendations for improving care and support for those affected by conditions that impact fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts hospitals in Michigan from requiring registered professional nurses to work more than their regularly scheduled hours, except during declared state emergencies, mass casualty incidents, or when a nurse voluntarily accepts extra shifts. It also prohibits hospitals from disciplining or discriminating against nurses who refuse mandatory overtime and mandates that hospitals provide eight consecutive hours of off-duty time after any 12-hour shift. To enforce these rules, the legislation requires hospitals to post notices informing staff of their rights and outlines specific administrative fines for violations. Additionally, the law includes a provision that delays its application in facilities with existing collective bargaining agreements that currently prevent compliance with the new overtime limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's public health code to clarify the legal definition of lead abatement and specify which activities are exempt from regulatory requirements. It directly affects property owners, contractors, and nonprofit organizations by distinguishing between permanent lead hazard elimination and incidental paint removal during general repairs. The legislation explicitly exempts owner-occupied homes and small multifamily buildings from certain rules, while creating a specific exception for unpaid volunteer projects led by qualified nonprofit groups. Additionally, the bill repeals an outdated section of the law to ensure the regulations remain current and consistent with federal standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Public Library Freedom to Read Act, which creates new rules for how public libraries in Michigan select and remove books and other materials. It requires libraries to adopt written policies that outline their standards for choosing items and the specific steps they must follow when someone requests a book be reconsidered or removed. Under the new law, library directors have the final say on collection decisions, and requests for reconsideration are only reviewed if they come from residents of the library's local area and meet specific conditions, such as the requester having read the entire item. The act defines what counts as a library material and clarifies that it does not apply to websites, interlibrary loans, or programs not run by the library itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Michigan employers from discriminating against or retaliating against employees who are victims of violent crimes, including those who need time off for legal proceedings or workplace safety adjustments. It requires employers to post and distribute a notice about these protections to all staff and allows victims to request specific accommodations, such as schedule changes or security measures like door locks. If an employer violates these rules, the affected employee can file a lawsuit within three years to seek remedies like reinstatement, compensation, and legal fees. The state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is tasked with enforcing the law and creating detailed rules to guide implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan courts to seal eviction records under specific circumstances to protect tenant privacy while maintaining public access to certain serious cases. It mandates that records be kept private if a tenant has paid all owed rent, if no eviction order was issued, or if the eviction occurred during the state of emergency declared in 2020. Conversely, the law keeps records public if an eviction order was issued multiple times within three years or if the eviction was based on severe issues like illegal drug activity, health hazards, or physical violence. Additionally, the bill allows for the automatic sealing of eviction records seven years after a judgment becomes final, unless the case involves the prohibited serious reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's post-conviction DNA testing laws to allow certain felony defendants to request new trials based on DNA evidence. It establishes specific criteria for petitions, such as requiring proof that biological material exists, was not previously tested, or can be tested with more accurate modern technology. The legislation outlines the court's responsibilities to order testing, cover costs for indigent defendants, and determine whether the results warrant a new trial or the inclusion of the defendant's DNA in state databases.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Act to update eligibility requirements and financial aid amounts for students in Michigan. It allows children of Michigan veterans who died or were permanently disabled due to service-connected injuries to receive tuition grants, provided the students are between 16 and 26 years old, maintain a minimum 2.25 grade point average, and have lived in the state for the past year. The grant covers up to $2,800 per academic year for full-time students or half that amount for part-time students, with limits on receiving aid for no more than four years. Additionally, the legislation clarifies definitions for terms like "Michigan veteran" and "eligible institution" to ensure consistent application of the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Insurance Provider Assessment Act to clarify how revenue collected from insurance companies is managed and spent. It establishes rules for depositing funds into a state treasury account, directing the state treasurer to invest the money and credit interest earnings back to the fund. The legislation specifies that these funds can only be used for designated purposes, such as paying Medicaid managed care rates, offsetting revenue losses from previous health insurance assessments, covering administrative costs, and funding a health data utility with amounts that increase annually and adjust for inflation. Additionally, the bill ensures that any leftover money remains in the fund rather than being returned to the general state treasury. The changes will not take effect unless a companion bill, House Bill No. 5283, is also passed into law.