Rep. Jennifer Wortz

Maddy summaryHB 5309 amends Michigan's Child Custody Act to clarify custody presumptions in specific disputes. It establishes that courts generally presume custody should go to parents unless a parent has been absent for 3 years (with exceptions for military service, incarceration, or medical reasons), and shifts the burden of proof to the party opposing parental custody. The bill also specifically prohibits awarding custody to a biological parent convicted of criminal sexual conduct against the child, unless the child (if old enough) consents, and clarifies that this does not affect the parent's child support obligations. These changes directly affect parents, guardians, and third parties involved in child custody cases where sexual offenses are alleged or proven.

Maddy summaryHB 5311 amends Michigan's school code to address parents or guardians who intentionally provide false information about a child's name, age, or residency to enroll them in a school district outside their home area. If false information is given, the child can only enroll in that district the following school year through specific programs like interdistrict choice or cooperative agreements - *not* regular enrollment. The bill also prohibits unenrolling the child from their current school during the same school year. This replaces an existing section (MCL 380.1812) and requires companion bills (HB 5310 and HB 5312) to pass simultaneously.

Maddy summaryHB 4847 removes a legal requirement for health club staff to provide emergency medical assistance using on-site AEDs (automated external defibrillators). It directly affects health club owners, operators, and employees by granting them immunity from liability if they do not render such aid. The bill amends existing law to clarify that health clubs have no duty to use AEDs during medical emergencies on their premises. This change does not impact other emergency medical service laws (like 1963 PA 17) but specifically limits health clubs' obligations regarding AED use. The bill passed the House in 2025 and is now moving through committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 5300 creates Michigan's "federal elected officials accountability act," requiring U.S. Congress members representing Michigan to annually disclose how they voted on federal spending bills. The bill establishes an accountability office within the state treasury to track all federal spending bills, record voting patterns, and compile reports on whether the federal government spent more than it received. If deficit spending occurs, the office identifies officials who voted for relevant bills and triggers a 75% surcharge on their taxable income for two years. This directly affects Michigan's federal lawmakers, mandating public disclosure of their voting records on spending bills and imposing financial penalties for supporting deficit spending.

Maddy summaryHB 4420 creates a standardized form requiring Michigan legislators to disclose any spending items they direct to specific projects or organizations. This requirement applies directly to all state legislators and state agencies when allocating funds based on legislative direction. The key mechanism mandates that this disclosure form be completed for every instance of directed spending, ensuring consistent public transparency. The bill aims to clarify and document how lawmakers influence state fund allocation without altering the underlying spending authority.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares November 2025 as Adoption Month in Michigan to recognize adoptive families and the children they welcome. It is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or funding changes, acknowledging the work of adoptive parents and the experiences of adopted children. The resolution cites adoption statistics from Michigan (including 1,610 foster care adoptions in 2023) but does not alter any laws or programs. It serves solely to honor adoption as part of Michigan's community values.

Maddy summaryHB 4421 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) agents to obtain a warrant or the property owner's consent before entering private property for enforcement activities. It explicitly states that the "open fields doctrine" (which typically allows warrantless searches in open areas) does not apply to DEGLE searches. This change directly affects DEGLE enforcement officers and property owners/occupants by imposing standard warrant requirements for all searches on private land. The policy shift ensures DEGLE must follow similar procedural rules as law enforcement when conducting inspections or investigations on private property.

Maddy summaryHB 5225 modifies Michigan's property tax deferment program for summer property taxes, primarily affecting eligible homeowners aged 62+ or with specific disabilities (like blindness or veterans' status) and agricultural property owners. It updates income thresholds for deferment eligibility - current limits cap household income at $60,000 (adjusted annually for inflation after 2026) - and requires agricultural owners to meet gross receipts criteria. The bill mandates local treasurers to publish deferment notices, provide form assistance, and include deferred tax amounts in December tax statements, with payments due by February 15 without penalties. It also clarifies that agricultural deferment eligibility requires prior qualification before forming business entities like LLCs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 209) formally declares November 2025 as "National Alzheimer's Awareness Month" within Michigan. It recognizes Alzheimer's disease as a critical health issue affecting over 200,000 Michiganders and 385,000 caregivers, citing it as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only top-10 cause with no cure or prevention. The resolution serves as a symbolic recognition - without creating new laws, funding, or mandates - to honor those impacted by Alzheimer's and support ongoing research and awareness efforts. It aligns with the national observance established since 1983 but applies specifically to Michigan's legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 4427 requires counties to issue a "brown alert" when sewage or E. coli levels in waterways reach dangerous public health levels. This directly affects county officials responsible for environmental monitoring and residents who use or live near affected waterways. The bill amends existing law by adding a new section mandating this alert system, replacing previous voluntary protocols. It creates a specific, actionable requirement for counties to notify the public during hazardous conditions. The law passed the House with strong support (94-10) and is now under review by the Local Government Committee.