Rep. Rachelle Smit

Maddy summaryHB 4234 prohibits the sale or transfer of agricultural assets or land to foreign entities. This bill directly affects foreign entities by preventing them from acquiring agricultural property within the state. It amends existing state law (1846 RS 66) by adding new sections to establish these restrictions on land sales. The legislation aims to regulate the ownership of agricultural resources.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4472 proposes to create the "Developing Effective Policies on Orderly Removal and Transportation (DEPORT) task force" in Michigan. This 15-member task force, appointed by the Speaker of the House, would include state legislators, various law enforcement officers, and local elected officials. Its primary duty is to recommend policies to the legislature that facilitate the deportation of illegal immigrants. The task force would also suggest policies for training local law enforcement on interacting with illegal immigrants and for encouraging cooperation with federal agencies to identify illegal immigrants within the criminal justice system. The task force is temporary, required to submit preliminary and final reports within one year, and then abolished.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4475 proposes to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's vaccination status or whether they possess an "immunity passport." It would prevent state or local governmental entities, private universities, and community colleges from denying services, goods, educational opportunities, healthcare, or employment for these reasons. Employers would also be prohibited from discriminating against individuals in hiring, termination, or terms of employment due to vaccination status. The bill includes specific exceptions, such as for certain child care organizations, federal contractors, and regulated entities whose funding depends on compliance with federal health regulations. Additionally, it allows vaccination requirements for employees in roles with direct exposure to infectious materials or in public health/medical settings where vaccinations are necessary for their duties.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4240, titled the "Foreign Influence of Public Bodies Act," aims to regulate interactions between Michigan state and local government bodies and certain foreign entities. It prohibits public bodies from accepting gifts or grants, or entering agreements, with specified "foreign countries of concern" if those interactions compromise the public body's autonomy or pose a security risk. The bill mandates that public bodies disclose gifts or grants of $50,000 or more from any foreign source. Additionally, individuals or entities seeking state grants or contracts exceeding $100,000 must disclose their financial ties to these "foreign countries of concern." All disclosed information will be made publicly available to enhance transparency.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4241 prohibits the Michigan Strategic Fund from providing economic incentives, such as grants or loans, to certain "foreign entities." These foreign entities are defined as those owned or controlled by, or having their primary business in, specific countries like China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. The bill requires applicants for economic incentives to submit an affidavit confirming they are not a foreign entity. Additionally, any person or government entity distributing these incentives must ensure they are not knowingly given to a foreign entity.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4242 amends the public health code to update requirements for how medical licensees manage patient records. It mandates that healthcare providers explicitly document medical services involving vaginal or anal penetration in patient records, with certain exceptions. The bill establishes a general minimum record retention period of 7 years, which extends to 15 years for records of these specific penetration-related services, also with specified exceptions. Additionally, it outlines procedures for protecting record integrity and confidentiality, ensuring patient access, and for the proper destruction or transfer of records.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4244 requires state government entities, defined as "public bodies," to change how they refer to a specific geographical location. If a public body uses the term "Gulf of Mexico," they must modify it to "Gulf of America." This applies to all departments, boards, commissions, offices, agencies, or other units of state government. Public bodies are required to implement this change by July 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4238 prohibits Michigan public schools from entering agreements or accepting grants from specific "foreign countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria) that would control curriculum, restrict school contracting freedom, or promote agendas harmful to U.S. security. Schools must share cultural exchange agreements with federal security agencies before signing, and federal agencies can block agreements deemed threatening. The law also bans accepting any value conditioned on promoting a foreign country's language or culture. It directly affects all Michigan public schools participating in international programs with the listed countries.

Maddy summaryHB 4233 prohibits foreign entities (including foreign governments, corporations, or individuals) from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Michigan, with limited exceptions. Current foreign owners may retain existing farmland but cannot buy additional land, and all foreign-owned agricultural land must be registered with the Secretary of State within 60 days, including location, acreage, and ownership details. Exceptions allow land acquired through inheritance (if sold within two years), security interests, or legal processes like foreclosure (if sold within two years and not used for non-farming purposes). Violations trigger court action by the Attorney General, requiring foreign owners to divest the land within two years.

Maddy summaryHB 4239, the "foreign influence of state institutions of higher education act," prohibits Michigan public colleges and universities from entering agreements or accepting grants from specific "foreign countries of concern" (including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria) if those arrangements control curriculum, threaten U.S. security, or restrict contracting freedom. It requires all gifts from foreign sources to be formalized through written agreements and mandates reporting of certain gifts to state officials. The law also bars accepting items of value conditioned on promoting a foreign country's language or culture and requires cultural exchange agreements with listed countries to be reviewed by U.S. federal agencies for national security risks. These provisions directly affect all 15 Michigan public universities and community colleges.