Rep. Steve Carra

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4466 proposes to amend Michigan's Public Health Code. The bill seeks to establish sanctions for licensed healthcare professionals who perform gender reassignment procedures or provide related treatment to minors. It would modify sections 16221 and 16226 of the code, which pertain to professional licensing and disciplinary actions. This legislation directly affects healthcare providers and minors in Michigan by regulating the types of medical services that can be offered.

Maddy summaryHB 4467, titled the "protecting minors from chemical and surgical mutilation act," prohibits health care professionals from providing specific medical treatments to individuals under 18 years old. It bans administering puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and certain surgeries when performed to alter a minor's physical appearance or affirm their psychological perception of sex if inconsistent with their biological sex. The bill includes exceptions for minors with medically verifiable disorders of sex development or for treating complications from previous gender-transition procedures. Individuals alleging a violation may bring civil actions for remedies, and the Attorney General is authorized to enforce the act.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to voluntarily release documents and information regarding her past work with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), specifically concerning the organization's alleged payments to extremist groups. The bill is based on a federal indictment that accuses the SPLC of fraudulently diverting donor money to fund individuals associated with hate groups while claiming to fight them. It highlights Benson's previous roles as an undercover investigator and board member at the SPLC during the period of the alleged misconduct, suggesting she may possess unique knowledge of these operations. The resolution calls for her to publicly address her involvement to ensure transparency and avoid any appearance of impropriety, citing her prior refusal to comply with a separate subpoena as a reason for this request.

Maddy summaryHB 5804 allows Michigan planning commissions to appoint up to three alternate members who possess the same voting rights as regular members. These alternates can be called to participate in meetings when a regular member is absent or to cast a vote when a regular member recuses themselves due to a conflict of interest. The bill applies to planning commissions in cities, villages, townships, and counties, while also permitting smaller municipalities to use existing economic development or downtown development boards as their planning commission.

Maddy summaryHB 4163, titled the "Defend the Guard Act," prohibits the Michigan National Guard from being deployed to active combat without specific congressional authorization. It requires that the Michigan National Guard and its members cannot be released into active duty combat unless Congress passes a formal declaration of war or takes action under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to call the militia for specific purposes (enforcing federal law, suppressing insurrection, or repelling invasion). The governor must take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with this requirement. The bill is conditional on the enactment of companion bill HB 4164.

Maddy summaryHB 4584 would require school districts in Michigan to hold millage elections (for property tax increases or bond measures) only on November regular election dates starting January 1, 2026. This applies to school districts seeking voter approval for borrowing money, increasing millage rates, or establishing bonds, limiting their options to November elections instead of other dates. The bill amends election law sections to enforce this scheduling rule, with exceptions for special circumstances like vacancies or constitutional amendments. It directly affects school districts and voters in communities holding such elections, ensuring these votes align with the November statewide election cycle. The change takes effect after a 2025 legislative session and is tied to broader property tax law provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5364 requires Michigan's state board of education to obtain legislative approval - via a concurrent resolution from both the state Senate and House - before revising the state's recommended academic curriculum standards. The bill directly affects school districts, the state board, and legislators by preventing changes to standards without formal legislative consent. Key provisions include prohibiting standards from including "attitudes, beliefs, or value systems" unrelated to academic learning, while maintaining existing requirements for standards covering subjects like history (including genocide education) and assessments focused solely on academic skills. The bill does not alter current standards but changes the process for future updates. It is currently pending in the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to update penalties and exemptions related to firearm possession, particularly within school zones. It modifies existing laws to clarify when individuals, such as licensed concealed carry permit holders and certain security personnel, are exempt from school zone restrictions. The legislation also adjusts penalties for altering firearm markings and expands exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and school security employees. Additionally, it provides specific exceptions for transporting unloaded firearms in vehicles under certain conditions, such as hunting trips or moving between residences.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines for firearms-related crimes by modernizing references to existing laws. It directly affects individuals charged with firearm offenses and legal professionals who apply sentencing rules. The legislation amends specific sections of the state's criminal procedure code to ensure current legal citations are accurate and consistent. No new penalties or restrictions are introduced; the changes are purely administrative to align with prior legislative updates.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's firearm licensing laws by modernizing references to other statutes and clarifying requirements for obtaining a license to purchase, carry, possess, or transport firearms. It directly affects individuals seeking firearm licenses, law enforcement agencies issuing those licenses, and the Department of State Police administering the program. The key provision requires licensing authorities to issue licenses to qualified applicants without unnecessary delay, while specifying that applicants must meet criteria such as being at least 18 or 21 years old, being a legal Michigan resident, and not being subject to certain protective orders or mental health restrictions. The bill also maintains existing rules prohibiting unlicensed firearm transactions and outlines procedures for licensing military personnel returning to Michigan.