Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new crime to Michigan law that makes it a felony to threaten someone with releasing or creating sexually explicit images in order to force them to do something against their will. The law specifically targets individuals who use these threats to obtain sexual videos or other items of value, with penalties ranging from up to five years in prison for a first offense to up to twenty years for a third or subsequent offense. The punishment increases to a maximum of twenty-five years if the victim is a minor or vulnerable adult, or if the threat causes serious physical or mental harm or death. The legislation also clarifies what counts as sexually explicit material and defines vulnerable adults, while allowing courts to order behavioral health counseling for minors who commit this offense.
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Maddy summaryHB 5078 expands the ability of healthcare providers to prescribe and dispense opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, to a broader group of people beyond just patients at risk of overdose. The law now allows these medications to be given to family members, friends, or other individuals who might assist someone during an overdose emergency, as well as to specific agencies and their employees who act under a doctor's direction. To support this change, the bill grants legal immunity to prescribers and pharmacists from civil lawsuits if a properly stored and dispensed dose causes injury or death. Additionally, it clarifies that when issuing prescriptions to these non-patient recipients, the name of the agency or individual should be listed as the patient on the prescription. This legislation takes effect on April 2, 2025, and is contingent upon the passage of a companion bill.
Maddy summaryThis law requires every public high school in Michigan to offer at least one computer science course starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The courses must meet state educational standards and be listed on the school's catalog, with a preference for in-person instruction unless a school operates entirely virtually. The legislation defines computer science as a field focused on creating new technologies rather than just using them, ensuring the curriculum covers principles, design, and societal impact.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's medical assistance program to require coverage for mental health screenings during the postpartum period for eligible individuals. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum people receiving state-funded healthcare by ensuring their mental health needs are addressed as part of their medical services. The key provision mandates that the state pay for these screenings under the existing medical assistance plan, aligning with federal standards for reasonable charges. This change expands the scope of covered services without altering the broader structure of hospital, nursing home, or pharmaceutical benefits already available under the law.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new section to Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to provide specific legal remedies for individuals who face housing discrimination based on their source of income. It allows people who believe they have been discriminated against to file a civil lawsuit in circuit court to seek injunctive relief or financial damages. The potential damages are capped at either the actual injury and loss suffered or three times the monthly rent, whichever is lower, and also cover court costs and attorney fees. This legislation only takes effect if it is passed together with two related Senate bills, SB 0205 and SB 0206.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the procedures for disposing of firearms seized by law enforcement in Michigan. It requires the State Police director to either auction the weapons to eligible buyers, destroy them, or use another lawful method approved by the director. Before taking action, the director must check if the gun was reported lost or stolen and give the owner 30 days to claim it, while also posting a public notice with the firearm's details. The legislation also grants the department immunity from lawsuits if they follow these disposal rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's birth record laws to allow for the creation of new birth certificates in specific situations, such as adoption, established paternity, and changes to sex designation. Under the new rules, a new certificate can be issued to show a sex designation other than the one assigned at birth if accompanied by a physician's certification of surgery and a signed form, without requiring additional documents. The legislation also clarifies procedures for updating records after a name change, specifying when a new certificate must be issued versus when an addendum is sufficient. These changes directly affect the state registrar, parents, adoptees, and individuals seeking to update their legal birth records.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan Sentencing Commission within the state legislative council to provide oversight and recommendations on criminal sentencing policies. The commission will consist of 15 members representing diverse perspectives, including legislators, judges, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims' advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals, and mental health professionals. Members are appointed by legislative leaders and the governor, with specific terms ranging from two to four years, and the chairperson must have a professional background in criminal law. The legislation also establishes rules for filling vacancies and requires certain members to declare their political affiliation or lack thereof.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Opioid Antagonist Act to allow agencies and their trained employees to distribute naloxone directly to any individual, expanding access beyond the previous restrictions. It grants these agencies and workers immunity from civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution for distributing or administering the drug, provided their actions do not involve gross negligence or willful misconduct. The law also clarifies that agencies can purchase and possess naloxone specifically for the purpose of distributing it to the public. This legislation takes effect on April 2, 2025, contingent on the simultaneous enactment of a companion bill.