Rep. Brad Paquette

Maddy summaryHB 5466 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to limit emergency orders restricting patient visitation in healthcare facilities to a maximum of 30 days after an epidemic declaration. It specifically requires that after this 30-day period, healthcare facilities must allow "LINDA" (loved individuals need dedicated attention) visitation for patients with cognitive impairments, including family members, patient advocates, or designated attorneys-in-fact. The bill establishes safety measures like prescreening or visit duration limits for these visitors while ensuring facilities maintain safe operations. This directly affects hospitals, assisted living facilities, and physician offices during public health emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's 2001 Manufacturing Milk Law to explicitly permit the sale of raw milk and raw milk products under the existing regulatory framework. It directly affects dairy producers and sellers who currently cannot legally sell these items under the law's current restrictions. The key change adds new Section 70a and revises Sections 111 and 136 to allow such sales while maintaining the law's overall structure. The bill updates the legal language to align with current market practices without creating new safety standards or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4284 lowers the fee for renewing a concealed pistol license in Michigan from $115 to $30. It requires license holders to pay this fee when renewing, with $36 of each fee going to the county's concealed pistol licensing fund and the remainder to the state. The bill adds online and mail application options through the State Police, which will process renewals and issue digital receipts that serve as temporary licenses during processing. These receipts must include specific details like the applicant's ID number and a notice that they are valid until the renewal is finalized. The bill directly affects Michigan residents holding or seeking to renew concealed carry licenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4486 prohibits Michigan municipalities from banning natural gas use or the installation of natural gas infrastructure, directly affecting cities, towns, counties, and townships. The bill makes any local ordinance, resolution, or policy that restricts natural gas use or infrastructure void and unenforceable starting from its effective date. It specifically targets bans on residential, commercial, or industrial natural gas applications and related infrastructure like pipelines. This legislation ensures that local governments cannot block natural gas services or new installations within their jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHB 5446 modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify how naturopathic doctors may use professional titles and expand their practice authority. It requires naturopathic doctors to specify "of naturopathic medicine" when using "doctor" titles (e.g., "Dr. Jane Smith, of naturopathic medicine"). The bill also adds a provision requiring the state to set annual fees for naturopathic licensure to cover administrative costs. Additionally, it explicitly includes "licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine" in the definition of "prescriber," allowing them to prescribe medications under the same framework as other licensed health professionals. These changes directly affect naturopathic doctors seeking licensure or practicing in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 4836 amends Michigan's state school aid law to add an opt-out option for the workforce readiness assessment portion of the Michigan Merit Examination. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, students in grades 11 and 12 may elect not to take this assessment through a parent/guardian-signed waiver submitted by February 28. The bill requires the state to provide schools with an informational letter about the assessment's purpose, developed with input from business, manufacturing, and skilled trades representatives. This change directly affects Michigan high school students required to take the Michigan Merit Examination, specifically regarding the workforce readiness component.

Maddy summaryHB 5408 requires veterinarians to disclose specific information to animal owners before prescribing or dispensing medication. This includes the drug name, usage instructions, storage details (if available), common side effects, and relevant manufacturer warnings. Veterinarians must provide this either orally or in writing and document the disclosure method in the animal’s medical record. The requirement does not apply if the manufacturer hasn’t provided side effect information for the specific animal species. This bill directly affects veterinarians and animal owners in Michigan by standardizing medication disclosure practices.

Maddy summaryHB 5391 changes Michigan's unemployment benefits recovery rules by limiting the time the state can seek repayment of improperly paid benefits. It prohibits the unemployment agency from recovering benefits more than one year after the claimant receives the payment, affecting most unemployed Michiganders who received benefits by mistake. Exceptions include cases involving suspected identity fraud (where recovery may still be pursued) or intentional fraud (where no time limit applies). The bill also maintains existing hardship waiver options for repayment if recovery would be unfair due to financial hardship or administrative errors.

Maddy summaryHB 5375 prohibits charging interest on unpaid restitution of overpaid unemployment benefits when the overpayment resulted from specific errors, such as agency mistakes, employer errors, or system issues - not the claimant's fault. It requires the unemployment agency to waive existing interest charges and refund payments made for those errors, with refunds due within 180 days of the law's effective date. The bill also stops interest from accruing during pending appeals and applies retroactively to overpayments from February 2020 through December 2026. This directly affects claimants who received overpayments due to errors beyond their control.