Rep. Brad Paquette

Maddy summaryHB 4215 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update rules for mediation in family law cases involving parenting time. It requires courts to first determine if mediation is appropriate before ordering it in contested domestic relations cases, particularly when protection orders exist or child abuse/neglect proceedings are ongoing. The bill also mandates that mediators screen for domestic violence or coercion using state protocols to ensure safety during mediation. This directly affects parents, courts, and mediators handling custody, parenting time, and support disputes under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHB 4217 amends Michigan's Child Custody Act to protect military parents' custody rights during deployment. It defines "deployment" as 60-540 days of active duty (including National Guard) and prohibits courts from modifying custody arrangements based on a parent's absence due to deployment. The bill requires courts to grant stays in custody proceedings during deployment unless there's clear evidence the change is in the child's best interest, and explicitly states deployment status cannot be considered in custody decisions. This directly affects military parents and their children involved in custody cases in Michigan. The changes apply to Sections 2, 7, and 7b of the Child Custody Act.

Maddy summaryHB 4216 amends Michigan's Probate Code to clarify that an adoption order does not end existing grandparent visitation rights under the Child Custody Act of 1970. Specifically, it ensures that grandparents can still seek court-ordered visitation time with a child (as permitted by Section 7b of the Child Custody Act) even after the child is adopted. The change applies directly to grandparents seeking visitation rights that were legally established before the adoption was finalized. This policy update preserves existing court orders for grandparent visitation without altering the legal status of adoptive parents or children.

Maddy summaryHB 4164 adds new definitions to Michigan's military law to clarify when the Michigan National Guard can be deployed into active combat. It defines "active duty combat" as participating in armed conflict, hazardous service related to conflict abroad, or war-related duties, and specifies that an "official declaration of war" requires a formal act by the U.S. Congress under the Constitution. This bill directly affects Michigan National Guard deployments by requiring state officials to confirm Congress has declared war before sending troops into combat roles. The definitions would guide state officials in determining whether a deployment complies with the law, preventing unilateral state decisions for combat missions.

Maddy summaryHB 4138 amends Michigan's civil procedure code to remove references to the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Act, which was repealed. It specifically revises Sections 1908, 2529, and 2559 of the Revised Judicature Act (1961 PA 236) to eliminate exemptions and provisions that previously applied to ERPO-related cases. This change affects court procedures for service of process and filing fees, ensuring the code no longer includes outdated references to the repealed ERPO law. The bill makes no new policy changes to fees or procedures - only aligns the civil code with the ERPO repeal.

Maddy summaryHB 4139 removes references to "extreme risk protection orders" from Michigan's firearm licensing requirements. Specifically, it amends sections of the state's firearms law (MCL 28.422, 28.422b, 28.425b, and 28.428) by deleting the provision that previously required applicants to disclose if they were subject to such orders. This change directly affects individuals applying for firearm licenses, as they will no longer need to certify whether they are under an extreme risk protection order. The bill does not repeal extreme risk protection orders themselves but modifies the licensing process to exclude this specific requirement. The change reflects the repeal of the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act as noted in the bill's title.

Maddy summaryHB 4140 repeals the 2023 "Extreme risk protection order act" (2023 PA 38, MCL 691.1801-691.1821), which established a legal process for temporarily removing firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The bill does not create new provisions or directly affect any individuals or groups, as it solely removes an existing law. This repeal is contingent on two other bills (HB 4138 and HB 4139) also being enacted into law. The bill was introduced on February 26, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in Michigan. It encourages Michigan citizens to recognize the National FFA Organization's role in supporting agricultural education, youth leadership development, and career preparation for students in grades 7-12. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges FFA's contributions to agricultural education programs across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 4083 prohibits the production, sale, or offering for sale of lab-grown meat (defined as meat made from cultured animal cells outside the animal). This bill directly affects companies developing or selling cultivated meat products in Michigan. It amends Michigan's Food Law by adding a specific ban in Section 7129(7), making it illegal to manufacture or sell such products. The law does not change labeling requirements for traditional meat but explicitly blocks lab-grown meat from the market. The bill is currently in committee for review after its introduction on February 12, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's vehicle code to clarify lane usage rules for drivers on roadways with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction. It requires vehicles to stay in the extreme right-hand lane unless passing, turning left, avoiding streetcars, or responding to construction. The law specifically restricts heavy trucks and trailers from using any lane other than the rightmost one on freeways with three or more lanes, except when making turns or avoiding hazards. Local governments are also prohibited from passing ordinances that contradict these specific lane assignment rules. Violations of these requirements are classified as civil infractions.