Rep. Brad Paquette

Maddy summaryHB 4673 amends Michigan's vehicle code to exempt Gold Star families (immediate family members of military service members killed in action) from the annual state park recreation passport fee. The bill changes section 805 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.805) to remove this fee requirement specifically for Gold Star family members when accessing state parks. This directly affects eligible Gold Star families by eliminating a cost for park access. The provision modifies an existing fee structure rather than creating new requirements or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4672 amends Michigan's state park and boating access fee rules to exempt Gold Star family members (immediate family of service members killed in action) from paying the recreation passport fee. The bill modifies existing requirements in sections 74116 and 78119 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which currently mandate that Michigan residents pay an annual fee to enter state parks or designated boating access sites. Under this bill, Gold Star family members would no longer need to pay this fee to access these recreational areas. The exemption applies directly to the fee requirement, not to other park entry rules or vehicle permit systems. The bill is currently pending in committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 4832 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to establish a new licensure process for anesthesiologist assistants (AAs), directly affecting AAs seeking to practice in the state and the Michigan Board of Medicine. The bill adds new sections defining AA qualifications, supervision requirements, and scope of practice, while updating existing licensing statutes to include AAs as a distinct licensed profession. Key provisions require AAs to complete state-approved education programs and work under physician supervision, with specific standards for training and clinical responsibilities. This bill is procedural in nature, creating the regulatory framework for AA licensure rather than changing patient care standards. It was introduced on August 27, 2025, and referred to the Health Policy Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4776 amends Michigan's Mental Health Code to ban conversion therapy for minors. The bill prohibits mental health professionals from attempting to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity through therapy. It explicitly excludes supportive counseling for gender transition, identity exploration, or addressing unsafe behaviors, as long as the therapy doesn't seek to alter sexual orientation or gender identity. This change affects minors receiving mental health services and the mental health professionals providing care in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 4777 proposes to remove "gender identity or expression" from the list of protected characteristics under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The bill would amend specific sections of the law (including Sections 102, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, and others) that currently prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or expression in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. If enacted, this change would directly affect individuals who currently receive legal protections against discrimination based on gender identity or expression in Michigan. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced on August 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4778 prohibits the administration of gene-based vaccines (including mRNA, modified mRNA, self-amplifying mRNA, and DNA vaccines) by any person or governmental entity in Michigan. The bill amends the Public Health Code to add Section 9228, explicitly banning the ordering or giving of these specific vaccines, while clarifying that "immunizing agents" (like traditional vaccines) remain unaffected. This directly affects healthcare providers, clinics, hospitals, and public health entities that administer vaccines, requiring them to stop using gene-based vaccines. The law focuses solely on gene-based vaccine administration and does not change requirements for other types of immunizations.

Maddy summaryHB 4756 amends Michigan's Capitol Historic Site Act to allow licensed individuals (including those with out-of-state permits) to carry concealed pistols inside the state capitol building. It specifically requires that such individuals present their concealed pistol license to capitol security officers or legislative sergeants at arms upon request. This bill directly affects licensed gun carriers who currently face restrictions within the capitol building. The change removes the existing prohibition on concealed carry in the capitol, aligning with the commission's role in managing the site without restricting licensed carry.

Maddy summaryHB 4369 bans specific substances from being served in school meals under Michigan's education food laws. It directly affects school food programs by prohibiting these substances in meals provided to students. The bill amends Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 289.1101-289.8111 by adding Section 7134, which establishes the ban. This is a concrete policy change to regulate school food content, with no additional context provided on the specific substances or implementation details.

Maddy summaryHB 4367 creates Michigan's "Purple Star School Program" to support military-connected students in public schools. It requires schools to designate a military liaison, maintain an easily accessible website with relocation and support resources, implement transition programs for military-connected students, provide staff training, and offer at least one community initiative like monthly recognition or military partnerships. The program applies to all public schools serving military-connected pupils, defined as students whose families include active/reserve military members or those who lost a service member in action. Schools must meet all these requirements to earn the "Purple Star" designation by 2026. The law aims to improve support systems for military-connected students through concrete, school-level actions.

Maddy summaryHB 4426 amends Michigan's Motor Carrier Safety Act (MCL 480.12d) to set a minimum age of 21 for drivers transporting hazardous materials requiring placards under federal rules. It maintains the existing 18-year-old minimum for most commercial driving but specifically raises the age requirement for hazardous materials transport. The bill does not change medical waiver or grandfathered driver provisions. This change directly affects commercial drivers operating in Michigan who transport hazardous materials requiring placards.