Rep. Karen Whitsett

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Crime Victim's Rights Act to ensure that victims of crime receive specific notices regarding their rights during the resentencing of prisoners. It requires prosecutors to inform victims about their ability to submit impact statements detailing physical, emotional, and economic harm, as well as their views on restitution and sentencing. The legislation also mandates that victims be notified about the availability of pre-sentence reports and the details of upcoming sentencing hearings. Additionally, these notification requirements apply to cases involving juveniles, ensuring consistent treatment of victims across different types of criminal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies Michigan's ethics laws by explicitly excluding tickets to certain charity events from the legal definition of a "gift" for public employees and officers. Under the new provision, free or reduced-price admission to a nonprofit charity event is not considered a gift if the event's primary purpose is fundraising and the ticket price stays below a specific monetary threshold. The legislation aims to prevent the exclusion of these charitable offerings from being counted as gifts, provided the event meets the stated criteria. This change directly affects state officials who might otherwise be restricted from accepting such invitations under existing ethics rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary commission to develop age-appropriate instruction on African-American history for Michigan K-12 schools. The commission will be appointed by the governor and include representatives from major universities, the NAACP, and historical museums. Within one year of its first meeting, the commission must submit recommendations to the state board of education on how to integrate this history into the core curriculum. Following the submission of these recommendations, the state board is required to update academic standards within two school years, and school districts must begin providing this instruction starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, the bill mandates that state social studies assessments include questions related to the new learning objectives beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Youth Tobacco Act to strictly prohibit the advertising, display, marketing, and sale of nicotine and tobacco products with characterizing flavors, such as fruity or menthol tastes. It defines characterizing flavors broadly to include any distinguishable taste or aroma other than tobacco, as well as cooling or numbing sensations, and establishes a legal presumption that a product has such a flavor if the manufacturer or seller implies it through text, images, or consumer-facing actions. Businesses that violate these restrictions face escalating civil fines and potential license suspensions or revocations for repeat offenses within a 36-month period. The legislation also creates a new state fund to finance the administration and enforcement of these rules, including compliance checks and staff training.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Age of Majority Act to clarify that it does not apply to the Youth Nicotine and Tobacco Act, ensuring that the legal age for purchasing tobacco products remains 21 despite the general age of adulthood being 18. By explicitly excluding tobacco regulations from the age of majority provisions, the legislation maintains the existing restriction that individuals under 21 cannot buy tobacco. The change affects the state's legal framework by preventing any conflict between the general definition of an adult and the specific rules governing tobacco sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's state income tax forms to include a checkoff box that allows taxpayers to voluntarily authorize the sharing of their insurance status with state agencies. Starting in the 2025 tax year, if a taxpayer selects this option, the Department of Treasury will share their information with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the health insurance exchange to help determine eligibility for affordable health coverage. The forms will also require the date of birth for any uninsured individuals listed on the return and provide a space for taxpayers to indicate interest in specific insurance programs. Additionally, the bill mandates that tax instructions explain the consequences of disclosing this information and how the data will be used to facilitate enrollment in health plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate laws to improve how courts handle guardianships and conservatorships for individuals who cannot manage their own affairs. It introduces a new process allowing judges to appoint a temporary guardian for up to six months when immediate action is needed to protect a person's welfare, even if formal notice to all interested parties has not yet been given. The legislation also clarifies the procedures for removing or replacing conservators and allows interested parties to request specific court orders, such as requiring financial reports or adjusting bond amounts. These changes are designed to streamline oversight and ensure quicker responses to situations where a guardian or conservator is not effectively performing their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's legal process for appointing guardians or conservators for individuals who may be incapacitated. It requires courts to inform petitioners about less restrictive alternatives before filing and mandates the appointment of a legal representative for the individual unless they already have one. The legislation also establishes stricter rules for medical evaluations, ensuring that detailed reports on an individual's condition and capacity are shared with relevant parties while keeping the full report confidential from the public record. Additionally, the bill guarantees the right to an independent medical evaluation and outlines specific content requirements for professional assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding guardianship and conservatorship to strengthen the rights of individuals facing incapacity proceedings. It requires guardians ad litem, who represent vulnerable people during these hearings, to personally visit the individual and clearly explain their legal rights, such as the ability to contest the petition or limit a guardian's authority over medical decisions. The legislation also mandates that courts provide free legal counsel to indigent individuals who wish to contest a guardianship or request specific limits on a guardian's powers. Additionally, the bill directs guardians ad litem to explore alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship or patient advocacy designations, and ensures that compensation for these representatives is only granted if they have fulfilled their new reporting duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to regulate the appointment and duties of professional guardians and conservators. It requires courts to find that no suitable family member or friend is available before appointing a professional and mandates that these professionals submit criminal background checks and post a financial bond. The legislation also establishes strict rules for compensation, requiring professionals to disclose any outside income received for their role, and outlines specific care standards such as maintaining a visitation schedule and ensuring adequate staffing. Additionally, the bill clarifies notification procedures for interested parties and defines the limits on what support staff can do, prohibiting them from making major financial or medical decisions.