Rep. Jennifer Wortz

Maddy summaryHB 5048 creates special vehicle registration plates in Michigan for specific military service groups. It allows eligible veterans, survivors, and family members to apply for plates featuring unique identifiers: "EX-POW" for prisoners of war or spouses, "WWI" for World War I/Cold War veterans (defined as 1945-1991), "Pearl Harbor survivor," "Purple Heart" with medal vignette, "Gold Star Family" (for families of fallen service members), and "Blue Star Family" (for families of currently serving members). Applicants must provide proof of eligibility to the Secretary of State, with no application or renewal fees required. These plates are displayed on vehicles and expire annually, with standard registration taxes applying except for the "EX-POW" plate for one vehicle per household.

Maddy summaryHB 4906 requires consumer debt collection agencies operating in Michigan to maintain a separate trust account for client funds, depositing all collected money within three banking days. Agencies based in Michigan must keep this account within the state, while out-of-state agencies may choose to hold it in Michigan or their home state. The trust account must be clearly labeled, kept distinct from the agency’s regular business accounts, and can only be used to pay clients or cover costs advanced for their accounts. This bill directly affects collection agencies handling consumer debt in Michigan by standardizing where and how client funds must be held.

Maddy summaryHB 4939 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address the distribution of certain material by adding new provisions to the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.17d). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of distributing particular types of material, establishing new sentencing parameters for these offenses. Key provisions include creating distinct sentencing guidelines that would apply to cases involving the distribution of the specified material, moving beyond general sentencing rules. This change modifies how courts determine appropriate penalties for these specific distribution-related convictions. The bill was introduced in 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 4938, the "Anticorruption of Public Morals Act," prohibits the online distribution of specific material defined as "prohibited" under the bill. It directly affects internet service providers, social media platforms, websites, and commercial entities by requiring them to block access to material including most pornographic content (depicting specific sexual acts, AI-generated sexual content, or content involving gender expression that "disconnects biology and gender"), with exceptions for scientific/medical research and academic content. Key mechanisms include mandatory filtering systems for ISPs, requirements for platforms to implement AI and human content moderation with 2-day response times for flagged content, and annual transparency reports. Violations carry criminal penalties (up to 25 years in prison or $125,000 fines) or civil fines of up to $500,000 per violation, enforced by a new Attorney General's division.

Maddy summaryHB 4880 amends Michigan's 1966 law on construction contracts to prevent public entities (like cities, counties, and school districts) from requiring licensed landscape architects, architects, engineers, or contractors to cover the public entity’s own negligence. The bill makes it void for public contracts to force these professionals to pay for damages caused solely by the public entity’s mistakes. Instead, liability must align with each party’s share of fault, ensuring fairer risk distribution. This directly affects licensed professionals working on public infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and water systems.

Maddy summaryHB 4854 requires insurance agents to clearly disclose whether they represent the insurance company (insurer) or the customer (insured) during sales or application processes. Specifically, it mandates that agents of the insurer must state this on a form approved by the Insurance Director, and agents of the insured must similarly disclose their role. The bill directly affects insurance consumers and agents by eliminating ambiguity about whose interests the agent serves. This disclosure requirement aims to prevent confusion and ensure transparency in insurance transactions under Michigan's Insurance Code.

Maddy summaryHB 4853 creates a 50% tax credit for Michigan teachers and school administrators who spend on classroom supplies, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. The credit covers up to $2,000 for single filers or $4,000 for joint filers, directly benefiting educators in public schools, public school academies, or state-approved nonpublic schools. Eligible supplies include books, technology, art materials, lab equipment, and classroom projects. Any credit exceeding the taxpayer’s annual tax bill cannot be refunded. This policy change aims to offset out-of-pocket expenses for educators directly involved in classroom instruction.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 169) designates September 11-17, 2025, as "Patriot Week" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages Michigan residents, schools, and government agencies to honor American history, founding documents, and symbols during this week. The resolution specifically urges participation in activities that promote studying the nation's history and values, including recognition of the September 11, 2001, attacks and key historical figures and events. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal or financial impact on individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryHB 4846 creates a new, faster process for property owners to remove squatters (unlawful occupants) from residential properties without a court hearing. Owners or their agents must submit a verified complaint to the sheriff detailing that the occupant is not a tenant, family member, or owner and has been asked to leave. The sheriff then serves an immediate notice to vacate, removes occupants (possibly arresting them for trespass), and allows owners to change locks with sheriff assistance (at owner cost). Wrongfully removed occupants can sue for triple the fair market rent of the dwelling, plus attorney fees, with courts prioritizing these cases. This procedure does not replace standard eviction processes for lease violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow pharmacists to sell ivermectin without a prescription in oral, tablet, or topical forms. Pharmacists and retail pharmacies would be directly affected, as they could make the drug available over-the-counter under specific conditions. Key requirements include that the drug must be manufactured under good manufacturing practices and clearly labeled with dosage instructions, contraindications, and safety information. The bill amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to create these provisions (sections 17771 and 17771a).