Rep. Matt Longjohn

Maddy summaryHB 4243 amends Michigan's Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act to include regional airport authorities as covered public employers under the law. This means employees of regional airport authorities (such as those managing airports across the state) will now be subject to the same health insurance contribution rules as other public employees, like state workers or school district staff. The bill clarifies that these authorities must contribute to health insurance costs for their employees, following the same framework as other public employers defined in the existing law. It does not create new benefits but ensures airport authorities comply with the same health insurance contribution requirements as other public entities.

Maddy summaryHB 4250, the "Public Library Freedom to Read Act," requires Michigan public libraries (excluding school and district libraries) to adopt policies governing material selection and removal. It mandates that libraries establish clear standards for adding or removing books, DVDs, and other materials, and creates a formal process for residents to request reconsideration of materials. Crucially, the law prohibits libraries from removing materials based on an author’s protected characteristics (like race or religion) or the material’s viewpoint, allowing removal only if material is legally obscene or unprotected by the First Amendment. Libraries must adopt compliant policies within 90 days, and residents or the attorney general can seek court orders to enforce the law or restore removed materials. This directly affects public libraries and residents seeking to challenge library collections.

Maddy summaryHB 4264, the "Job Applicant Credit Privacy Act," bans most employers in Michigan from using an applicant's credit history to make hiring decisions or asking about it during the recruitment process. It directly affects all job seekers and employers, except for specific roles in banking (state/nationally chartered banks, savings institutions, credit unions), licensed financial services, or casinos. The bill also prohibits employers from retaliating against applicants who oppose violations or participate in investigations, and bans any requirement for applicants to waive their rights under this law. Violators face civil lawsuits allowing for damages, injunctions, or attorney fees.

Maddy summaryHB 4251, the "District Library Freedom to Read Act," requires Michigan district libraries to establish clear policies for selecting and removing materials from their collections. It prohibits libraries from removing books or media based on protected characteristics (like race, religion, or viewpoint) or the material's subject matter, except if a court deems it obscene. The bill mandates that libraries adopt compliant policies within 90 days, including procedures for residents to request reconsideration (with requirements like verifying they’ve read the material) and restrictions on how often the same material can be challenged. Violations can be addressed through legal action by the attorney general or residents. This directly affects public district libraries under Michigan law, excluding school or special libraries.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Clerk of the House to present nine specific bills - passed by both legislative chambers in December 2024 and "enrolled" (formally prepared for the Governor) - to the Governor. It follows a court ruling (February 2025) that confirmed Michigan’s Constitution requires all passed bills to be presented to the Governor within 14 days, rejecting the House’s prior refusal to act. The resolution overrides a previous House attempt (Resolution 41) to delay this process and mandates immediate compliance with the court’s order. It affects the House Clerk, Governor, and the nine bills’ legislative timeline, ensuring they can proceed toward becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 4197 establishes Michigan's "Bill of Rights for the Homeless," creating new legal protections for individuals experiencing homelessness. It guarantees rights including free movement in public spaces, equal access to services and employment (without discrimination over lack of permanent address), emergency medical care, voting access, and privacy protections for records shared with shelters. The bill also allows local governments to create designated "safe outdoor spaces" for encampments and provides legal remedies for violations, such as court orders or damages. It directly affects homeless residents across Michigan, particularly youth aged 13-23, by prohibiting discrimination in public services, housing, and schools. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 4194 removes the requirement for non-U.S. citizens to prove legal presence in Michigan to obtain a state identification card. This change directly affects non-citizen residents who currently need to submit immigration documents to apply for a state ID. The bill amends Michigan law to eliminate this verification step, allowing eligible non-citizens to access state IDs without proving immigration status. The policy change applies only to state ID cards, not driver's licenses or other documents.

Maddy summaryHB 4196 amends Michigan's Enhanced Driver License and ID Card Act (MCL 28.305) to update how personal information is handled for applicants. It specifies that facial images and signatures collected for these IDs may only be shared with law enforcement agencies, other states (as required by federal law), or with an individual's written consent, while prohibiting disclosure of Social Security numbers on the card itself. The bill also clarifies retention rules for facial images (1 year unless fraud is suspected) and strengthens privacy protections by restricting disclosure of sensitive documents. This directly affects Michigan residents applying for enhanced driver licenses or official state ID cards, ensuring their biometric data and personal information are used only under defined, limited circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 4032 permanently extends Michigan's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact by removing a scheduled expiration date (sunset) from the law. This change directly affects physicians in Michigan who use the compact to practice medicine across state lines, as it eliminates the need for periodic legislative renewal. The bill's key provision amends Michigan's Public Health Code to make the compact's terms permanent, ensuring uninterrupted eligibility for physicians seeking multi-state licensure. The compact allows doctors to obtain licenses in multiple participating states more efficiently, reducing administrative barriers for cross-state medical practice.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates March 9-15, 2025, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Michigan. It recognizes the impact of multiple sclerosis on Michiganders (affecting nearly 1 million people nationwide) and encourages public awareness and support for those living with the disease. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds - it is a formal declaration by the Michigan House to highlight the work of the National MS Society and its local support groups.