Rep. Kathy Schmaltz

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4148 revises the process for political parties to nominate candidates for the State Board of Education in Michigan. It divides the state into four specific districts. Beginning in 2026, political parties will be required to nominate candidates for the State Board of Education who are residents of designated districts, following a rotating 8-year schedule. This changes the current system where candidates are nominated at large without district-specific residency requirements.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 102 declares May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution aims to honor law enforcement officers who serve and those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryHB 4152 requires Michigan teacher preparation programs (and alternative teaching programs) to include specific training content starting September 30, 2027, to gain or maintain state approval. The bill mandates instruction on dyslexia characteristics, consequences, instructional adjustments, and multi-tiered support systems (MTSS), with additional evidence-based reading methods required for programs preparing teachers in reading, language arts, or special education. Programs focused on math or science must develop curricula in consultation with subject-matter experts. These requirements apply directly to institutions training future educators, with waivers possible for non-relevant programs under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposes changing Michigan's education governance structure. It would shift the appointment of the state superintendent of public instruction from the state board of education to the governor (with Senate consent) starting January 1, 2027. Additionally, it requires state board of education members to be elected by district rather than at-large beginning in 2027. The superintendent would chair the board without voting rights, and the governor would serve as an ex-officio board member without a vote. This directly affects the governor, superintendent position, and state board of education members.

Maddy summaryHB 4428 allows individuals and governmental entities receiving free opioid overdose reversal medications (opioid antagonists) from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to choose the specific type, dose, or delivery method of the medication. This provision applies when the DHHS distributes these medications to help reduce opioid-related overdoses across the state. The choice is intended to help recipients better address local needs. However, recipients cannot choose a specific formulation or dosage if doing so would jeopardize federal funding for the DHHS.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4433, titled the "emergency responder employment protection act," aims to protect employees in Michigan who serve as emergency responders. The bill prohibits employers from discriminating against, disciplining, or firing an employee for being an emergency responder or for being absent from work to respond to an emergency. To be protected, employees must provide notice before their shift, submit a written statement of emergency need within 72 hours, and ensure their absence does not create a workplace safety concern. Employees are also required to notify their employer of their emergency responder status and provide documentation, while employers retain the ability to treat such absences as paid or unpaid time off.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4443 establishes a new "disabled veteran's homestead specific tax" on properties currently exempt from general property taxes. Beginning January 1, 2026, this tax will apply to homesteads owned by disabled veterans or their surviving spouses. The tax amount is calculated based on what would have been owed in general property taxes, then discounted (reduced) according to the veteran's disability severity rating, potentially reducing the tax to zero for those with the highest disability ratings. Unpaid specific taxes are subject to the same forfeiture and foreclosure processes as delinquent general property taxes.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4444 amends Michigan's general property tax act to modify property tax exemptions for homesteads owned by disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill outlines the application process for these exemptions and specifies that those granted on or after January 1, 2025, will remain in effect without requiring reapplication. It also introduces methods for prorating the exemption if the property is not used as a homestead for the entire tax year. Additionally, the bill clarifies that properties exempt under this section will be subject to a specific disabled veteran's homestead tax, which will also be prorated accordingly.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 97 is a commemorative resolution that formally honors Michigan's veterans. It expresses the enduring gratitude and utmost respect of the House of Representatives for their service to the state and nation.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 88 declares May 6-12, 2025, as National Nurses Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution officially recognizes the contributions of nurses across the state.