Rep. Matt Longjohn

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a select committee to investigate the Interlochen Center for the Arts and its connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The committee would be tasked with examining the relationship between the arts center and the individual, potentially leading to further inquiries or recommendations. The measure is currently under consideration by the Michigan House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls on the Department of Justice to investigate every individual named in the Epstein files, regardless of their political affiliation. The measure responds to the release of millions of documents and a previous statement by the Acting Attorney General that no further federal prosecutions would occur. It urges the government to distinguish between victims, active participants, and those merely mentioned to ensure accountability for all potential perpetrators. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally requests that the Justice Department take action on this specific matter.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2026 as Multiple Birth Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the unique challenges and needs of families with twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples. The measure aims to increase public understanding of risks associated with multiple births, such as preterm delivery and low birth weight, while encouraging parents to connect with support networks like local clubs and medical professionals. By officially recognizing this month, the state legislature intends to foster community education and resources for expectant and current parents of multiple children.

Maddy summaryHB 4658 amends Michigan's Judges Retirement Act to allow judges to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement payments. Specifically, it permits judges to direct retirement payments to a trust established under federal law (42 USC 1396p(d)(4)(A) or (C)) instead of only designating family members like spouses or children. This change helps beneficiaries with disabilities maintain eligibility for government assistance programs while still receiving retirement benefits. The bill affects only judges participating in Michigan's judges' retirement system who choose to use this trust option.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 would allow Michigan public school employees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement benefits, expanding current options. Currently, beneficiaries must be immediate family members (spouse, child, parent, or sibling), but this bill would explicitly permit special needs trusts. The change directly affects retirees who wish to provide for dependents with disabilities through legally structured trust arrangements. This amendment to Section 85 of Michigan's Retirement Act would update beneficiary designation rules without altering payment amounts or retirement eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 4659 allows Michigan state employees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement benefits, expanding current options that only permitted family members (like spouses or children). This change directly affects state employees with disabled family members who rely on government benefits, as naming a trust protects beneficiaries' eligibility for programs like Medicaid without disrupting retirement payments. The bill amends Section 31 of the State Employees' Retirement Act to explicitly include special needs trusts in the list of permitted beneficiaries, replacing the current restriction to family relationships. This policy change ensures retirement benefits can continue to support disabled dependents while maintaining their access to public assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4657 allows Michigan state police retirees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement payments. The bill amends the State Police Retirement Act to explicitly permit the retirement system to pay benefits directly to such a trust upon written direction from the retiree or their designated beneficiary. This change affects state police members who have established special needs trusts under federal law (42 USC § 1396p(d)(4)(A)/(C)) and wish to provide for dependents with disabilities. The key provision replaces previous restrictions that required individual beneficiaries, enabling trusts to receive payments without requiring the retiree to name a specific person.

Maddy summaryHB 5251 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (Medicaid for low-income residents) to cover prescribed pediatric extended care for children. This specifically affects low-income children in Michigan who need specialized, long-term medical care beyond standard hospital stays. The bill amends state law to mandate this coverage under existing rules for pediatric extended care (Part 219A of the Public Health Code). The coverage would apply to children receiving medically necessary care as prescribed by a doctor. The bill is contingent on the passage of companion legislation (HB 5252).

Maddy summaryHB 5252 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to create a new licensing category for "prescribed pediatric extended care facilities," which provide specialized long-term medical care for children with complex health needs. The bill establishes specific licensing requirements for these facilities, including standards for staffing, medical oversight, and facility operations, directly affecting providers seeking to operate such services. Key provisions include adding Part 219A to the code and revising existing sections (20106, 20109, 20115, 20161) to incorporate these new requirements. This change aims to ensure consistent safety and quality standards for pediatric extended care facilities across the state. The bill is currently pending in the House Health Policy Committee.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls for an investigation into a February 2026 missile strike on a primary school in Iran that reportedly killed over 100 children. It urges the House and Senate Armed Services committees to examine how the attack occurred, focusing on potential intelligence errors and decision-making processes that may have violated international laws of war. The bill also demands the resignation of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, arguing that he bears responsibility for the actions of the Department of War. By requesting these specific actions, the resolution seeks to address alleged war crimes and prevent future incidents involving civilian casualties.