Rep. Felicia Brabec

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's social welfare act to remove age limits for medical assistance coverage related to autism spectrum disorders. It requires the state department to provide funding for diagnosis and treatment services for eligible individuals who are 21 years of age or older. The legislation defines autism spectrum disorders to include autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department seek necessary federal approval to include these services in the state's Medicaid plan within 180 days of the law taking effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's ethics rules to restrict former state legislators and top executive officials from lobbying on behalf of private interests for a set period after leaving office. Specifically, it prohibits former lawmakers from lobbying for one year after their term ends and extends this one-year ban to the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. The law allows these individuals to continue lobbying for the state government or their former offices during this time but sets a financial threshold that, if exceeded, requires them to register as lobbyists. Violating these restrictions is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by fines, jail time, or both.

Maddy summaryHB 5581 amends Michigan's lobbying laws to clarify definitions and update spending thresholds for individuals and organizations engaging in lobbying activities. The bill specifically redefines who qualifies as a lobbyist or lobbyist agent by adjusting the annual expenditure limits and clarifying rules about group spending on food and travel. It also expands the list of state officials considered "executive branch officials" for lobbying purposes to include various department directors and commission members. Additionally, the legislation updates terminology to ensure consistency across the statute while maintaining exemptions for journalists and most public employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Climate Resiliency Corps program in Michigan to train and employ residents in projects that address climate change, such as creating green infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture. The program would be managed by the Michigan Community Service Commission in partnership with local governments, nonprofits, universities, and other organizations, with a goal of placing at least 40% of participants in environmental justice communities. Selected corps members, who must be state residents at least 17 years old, would receive wages or stipends, scholarships, and workforce development training while working on approved resiliency projects. The legislation also creates a dedicated state fund to finance grants, scholarships, and the administrative costs of running the program.

Maddy summaryHB 6069 amends Michigan's existing use tax law to clarify how the tax applies when people buy goods or services outside the state but use them here. The bill introduces new rules for taxing vehicles, recreational vehicles, aircraft, and other large items, requiring the tax to be paid before these items are registered or titled. It also updates exemptions for family gifts and estate transfers while establishing specific revenue targets for local community stabilization funds. Ultimately, the legislation aims to ensure that individuals who bring taxable items into Michigan for personal use pay the appropriate 6% tax, regardless of where the purchase originated.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new cancer cluster investigation program within Michigan's public health code to help identify unusual patterns of cancer cases linked to environmental exposures. It requires the state health department to create a registry for recording cancer diagnoses and mandates the development of a public-facing map that visually displays geographic variations in cancer incidence alongside potential environmental risks. The program emphasizes community engagement throughout the investigation process and requires the department to use CDC best practices and advanced statistical tools to analyze data. Additionally, the bill sets a schedule for the department to evaluate collected reports and publish annual summary findings for public access.

Maddy summaryHB 6071 establishes the legal framework for issuing and managing bonds to fund the Clean Michigan 2 initiative, which aims to protect the environment and natural resources across the state. The bill authorizes the State Administrative Board to issue negotiable, tax-exempt bonds and creates a dedicated fund in the state treasury to hold the proceeds. These funds are specifically allocated for projects such as cleaning up brownfields, upgrading water infrastructure, and remediating contaminated sediments in lakes and rivers. By adding a new section to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, the legislation provides the necessary tools to finance these environmental improvements while defining key terms and administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Energy Stability Fund within the state treasury to help cover energy costs for specific groups of people. The fund can receive money from any source, and the state treasurer will manage its investments while the Department of Health and Human Services oversees its use. Money in the fund will not be returned to the general budget at the end of the year and can only be spent to provide energy assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with qualified disabilities, and veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's rules for appointing representatives to the Midwestern Higher Education Commission, a regional group that coordinates higher education policies across several states. It clarifies that the state's voting delegation includes the governor, one senator, one state representative, and two at-large members appointed by the governor. Additionally, the legislation designates the state board of education and the department of lifelong education, advancement, and potential to serve as nonvoting members, allowing them to participate in discussions without casting formal votes. The law also establishes that any vacancies in these positions must be filled using the same appointment process as the original roles to ensure the delegation remains complete.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's school code to require that sex education in public schools be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and objective. It mandates that teachers instructing on these topics receive specific training and that school boards approve curricula through a process involving public hearings. The legislation also requires school districts to establish advisory boards with significant parent representation to oversee sex education programs. Additionally, it clarifies that such classes must be elective, allow parents to review course materials in advance, and provide an option for students to be excused without penalty.