Rep. Kathy Schmaltz

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Michigan. It commemorates Michigan's service members missing in action or held as prisoners of war since World War II, honoring their sacrifice and the state's commitment to finding and repatriating them. The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a ceremonial observance.

Maddy summaryHB 4958 modifies Michigan's National Guard Tuition Assistance Act to expand eligibility and adjust fund management. It allows Michigan National Guard members and their eligible family members (spouses or dependent children who graduated high school or turned 18) to use tuition benefits, requiring the adjutant general to approve applications based on fund availability. The bill sets a $15 million cap on the tuition assistance fund balance, with excess funds lapsing to the general fund or transferring to a separate benefits fund by 2025. It also clarifies that members who withdraw from courses without completing them must repay the fund unless deployment prevented completion.

Maddy summaryHB 4867 requires local health departments or physicians to refer children under 3 years old with blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter to Michigan’s Early On program (which supports children with developmental needs). This amendment to the Public Health Code specifically adds this referral mandate to existing lead poisoning prevention requirements. The bill does not create new programs but directs existing resources toward early intervention for affected children. It maintains annual reporting requirements for the department on lead screening data and program expenditures. The bill directly affects young children with elevated lead levels and the health providers who manage their care.

Maddy summaryHB 4945 designates a specific segment of M-43 in East Lansing (between North Harrison Road and Hagadorn Road) as "Magic Johnson Way" under Michigan's memorial highway act. This bill amends state law to rename the roadway, affecting signage and official state maps for that location. It has no funding, regulatory, or policy changes beyond the name designation. The bill was introduced on September 11, 2025, and referred to the Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4886 amends the Use Tax Act (MCL 205.92b) to clarify that a "prescription" for hearing aids includes orders from licensed hearing aid dealers or salespersons. This directly affects licensed hearing aid dealers by allowing them to issue prescriptions under tax law, aligning their authority with medical professionals for tax purposes. The change specifically updates the definition of "prescription" in section 2b to include orders from hearing aid dealers licensed under Michigan's occupational code. This is a technical adjustment to the tax code's definitions, not a new tax or benefit.

Maddy summaryHB 4853 creates a 50% tax credit for Michigan teachers and school administrators who spend on classroom supplies, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. The credit covers up to $2,000 for single filers or $4,000 for joint filers, directly benefiting educators in public schools, public school academies, or state-approved nonpublic schools. Eligible supplies include books, technology, art materials, lab equipment, and classroom projects. Any credit exceeding the taxpayer’s annual tax bill cannot be refunded. This policy change aims to offset out-of-pocket expenses for educators directly involved in classroom instruction.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 169) designates September 11-17, 2025, as "Patriot Week" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but encourages Michigan residents, schools, and government agencies to honor American history, founding documents, and symbols during this week. The resolution specifically urges participation in activities that promote studying the nation's history and values, including recognition of the September 11, 2001, attacks and key historical figures and events. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal or financial impact on individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryHB 4017 modifies workplace safety reporting rules by reducing the maximum penalty for failing to report a death if the death occurs on a family farm. It specifically lowers the penalty amount for employers who don't report fatalities involving certain individuals (like family members) working on their own farm. The bill affects employers in Michigan who operate family farms and are subject to workplace safety laws under MCL 408.1035. This change directly alters the penalty structure for reporting requirements related to farm-related workplace deaths.

Maddy summaryHB 4673 amends Michigan's vehicle code to exempt Gold Star families (immediate family members of military service members killed in action) from the annual state park recreation passport fee. The bill changes section 805 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.805) to remove this fee requirement specifically for Gold Star family members when accessing state parks. This directly affects eligible Gold Star families by eliminating a cost for park access. The provision modifies an existing fee structure rather than creating new requirements or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4672 amends Michigan's state park and boating access fee rules to exempt Gold Star family members (immediate family of service members killed in action) from paying the recreation passport fee. The bill modifies existing requirements in sections 74116 and 78119 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which currently mandate that Michigan residents pay an annual fee to enter state parks or designated boating access sites. Under this bill, Gold Star family members would no longer need to pay this fee to access these recreational areas. The exemption applies directly to the fee requirement, not to other park entry rules or vehicle permit systems. The bill is currently pending in committee review.