Rep. Karen Whitsett

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's post-conviction DNA testing laws to allow certain felony defendants to request new trials based on DNA evidence. It establishes specific criteria for petitions, such as requiring proof that biological material exists, was not previously tested, or can be tested with more accurate modern technology. The legislation outlines the court's responsibilities to order testing, cover costs for indigent defendants, and determine whether the results warrant a new trial or the inclusion of the defendant's DNA in state databases.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create a comprehensive lead poisoning prevention program aimed at protecting children and reducing exposure to lead-based paint. Key provisions require the department to develop educational materials for healthcare providers, schools, and parents, while also establishing a system to track blood lead test results and automatically notify local health officials when a child under three is found to have elevated levels. Upon receiving such a notification, the department must initiate contact with the child's doctor or local health department and ensure the child is referred to the Early On program for support. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of children screened and diagnosed with high lead levels, as well as a financial accounting of the program's expenditures.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands property tax relief for Michigan homeowners who are seniors and living in poverty by establishing a new exemption category. To qualify, residents must own and occupy their home as a principal residence while meeting specific federal poverty guidelines or alternative local income standards. The legislation requires applicants to submit annual documentation, such as tax returns or affidavits, and allows local boards to grant either full or partial tax reductions based on these criteria. Additionally, the bill permits certain individuals with fixed incomes from public assistance to maintain their exemption status for up to three years without needing to reapply annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an interstate licensure compact for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in Michigan, allowing them to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses. The legislation creates a system where a therapist licensed in their home state can receive a "compact privilege" to work in remote states, provided the patient is located in that remote state during the encounter. Key provisions include the mutual recognition of licenses, the sharing of disciplinary and investigative information between states, and specific accommodations for military families relocating. The law also aims to improve public access to therapy services by facilitating the use of telehealth technology and ensuring consistent regulatory standards across participating jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's public health code to allow occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice under a national licensure compact. The key provision authorizes individuals who hold a compact privilege from other states to engage in practice within Michigan as if they were fully licensed under state law. By incorporating this compact, the legislation aims to facilitate easier mobility for these healthcare professionals across state lines while maintaining the same professional standards and obligations. The changes apply directly to occupational therapy practitioners and the facilities that employ them, ensuring that out-of-state compact members are recognized and regulated consistently with local licensees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local governments in Michigan to impose specific restrictions on firearms, pneumatic guns, and related ammunition within their jurisdictions. It explicitly permits municipalities to regulate how employees carry weapons at work, set age limits for children possessing air guns, ban threatening displays of such weapons, and prohibit open carry inside government buildings. The legislation also clarifies that these local rules cannot override existing state criminal laws and must allow law enforcement officers to openly carry firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's sentencing laws to allow certain prisoners convicted of multiple felonies to petition the court for a review of their sentences. It establishes a formal process for these individuals to request resentencing, which would require a judge to evaluate whether their current punishment remains appropriate under current legal standards. The legislation specifically targets those sentenced under the state's habitual offender provisions and creates new sections in the criminal procedure code to govern this review mechanism. By adding these new procedures, the bill aims to provide a legal pathway for eligible inmates to seek a reduction in their prison terms without changing the underlying laws that led to their original convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4560 amends the Michigan penal code to update sentencing guidelines for specific crimes involving dangerous drugs, biological agents, and hazardous materials. The bill clarifies penalties based on the severity of outcomes, such as personal injury, serious impairment, or death, and explicitly allows for resentencing under existing laws for individuals currently serving life sentences without parole. By referencing specific sections of the penal code, the legislation ensures that current statutes align with potential future reviews of mandatory life sentences. Ultimately, the bill aims to refine how the state handles cases where hazardous substances cause harm, while preserving the possibility of reconsidering past convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4559 amends the Michigan Public Health Code to update sentencing guidelines for crimes involving the sale or manufacture of drugs with misleading labels that result in death or serious injury. The bill clarifies that individuals convicted of these offenses under specific intent to kill or cause harm face mandatory life sentences without parole, but it explicitly exempts those cases from mandatory sentencing if they are subject to resentencing proceedings. This legislative change ensures that existing resentencing mechanisms can still be applied to individuals whose cases fall under these new provisions. The bill also includes a provision stating that this section does not prevent individuals from being charged with or punished for other laws violated during the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to create standardized parole guidelines that help the parole board make objective, evidence-based release decisions. The new rules mandate that these guidelines consider specific factors such as the nature of the offense, institutional behavior, prior criminal history, and statistical risk assessments while prohibiting decisions based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, the legislation strictly limits the circumstances under which the parole board can deny parole to individuals who otherwise qualify for release, requiring written justification for any such departures. The bill also establishes a structured review schedule for prisoners denied parole and ensures that those denied based on incomplete programming receive a chance to complete it before being reconsidered.