Rep. Jimmie Wilson

Maddy summaryThis House resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Michigan Indian Day, which was created in 1974 to honor Indigenous peoples in the state. The bill recognizes the historical and ongoing contributions of the twelve federally recognized tribal nations within Michigan and highlights recent efforts to strengthen government-to-government partnerships between the state and these tribes. By adopting this resolution, the legislature formally acknowledges the significance of this annual observance and reaffirms its commitment to cooperation with tribal leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 21-28, 2024, as Trails Week in Michigan to highlight the state's extensive trail system. The resolution recognizes the role trails play in recreation, transportation, and the local economy, noting that over 13,400 miles of paths accommodate various activities like hiking, biking, and snowmobiling. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to celebrate Michigan's infrastructure and encourage public appreciation of outdoor spaces.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates September 2024 as Deaf Awareness Month throughout Michigan. It aims to highlight the contributions and culture of the state's deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities while promoting equal access to services and information. The measure also seeks to educate the public about the unique language, social norms, and history of the deaf community.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 16-20, 2024, as Septic Smart Week throughout Michigan to raise awareness about septic system maintenance. The resolution highlights the importance of properly caring for the state's over 1.3 million septic systems to protect public health and local waterways from pollution. By aligning with the federal SepticSmart Program, the measure aims to educate homeowners on preventing costly repairs and environmental harm. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves to promote existing best practices for wastewater infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates September 15 through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month within the state of Michigan. It directly affects state government operations by establishing a formal period to recognize and celebrate the histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents. The resolution highlights the diverse cultures and achievements of these communities in areas such as education, science, and the workforce. By adopting this declaration, the Michigan House of Representatives acknowledges the significance of this observance without altering any laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new law requiring employers in Michigan to provide severance pay to eligible employees when they close a facility, relocate operations at least 100 miles away, or conduct a mass layoff of 20 or more workers. To qualify for this pay, an employee must have worked at the location for at least one year and not have been fired for cause, while the facility itself must have employed 20 or more people and paid out $2 million or more in the previous year. The severance amount is calculated as one week's pay for each year of employment, and employers must also notify the state labor department at least 90 days before these events occur. If an employer fails to make these payments, they face civil fines and are liable for the unpaid amount plus an additional four weeks' pay, which employees can recover through court action.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands protections for Michigan residents purchasing Medicare supplement insurance by prohibiting insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on health status, medical history, or claims experience. It specifically applies to individuals enrolling during their six-month open enrollment period, those who have had prior coverage, and people switching insurers within 60 days of their birthdate to maintain the same policy. Under the new rules, eligible applicants cannot face preexisting condition exclusions if they have at least six months of continuous creditable coverage, and insurers must offer these policies to everyone regardless of age. The legislation also clarifies which types of insurance do not count as creditable coverage, such as accident insurance, workers' compensation, and limited dental or vision plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new special license plate in Michigan to raise money for sickle cell anemia research and treatment. The Secretary of State will work with the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter, to design the plate, and all proceeds from its sale will go into a dedicated state fund. That fund will be managed by the State Treasurer, who is required to invest the money and distribute the earnings to the association every quarter. Additionally, the bill removes an outdated section from the state's vehicle code that is no longer needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's governmental immunity laws to clarify when public employees and agencies are protected from lawsuits for injuries or property damage. It maintains broad immunity for officials acting within their authority unless their conduct involves gross negligence, while explicitly preserving existing protections for judges, legislators, and high-level executives. The legislation also defines specific exceptions, such as removing immunity for medical care provided in certain hospitals and ensuring liability remains for underground facility damage. Additionally, it establishes that public universities and school districts cannot claim immunity for criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees or agents.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for filing civil lawsuits against the state of Michigan specifically for cases involving criminal sexual conduct. It creates an exception to the standard requirement that plaintiffs must file a notice of their claim within one year of the incident. By linking this change to a companion bill, the legislation allows victims of criminal sexual conduct to bypass the usual strict filing deadlines that apply to other types of property damage or injury claims. The measure is designed to ensure that these specific cases can proceed in court without being dismissed due to missed procedural time limits.