Rep. Kathy Schmaltz

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to expand Michigan's medical assistance program to cover transportation services for individuals with behavioral health needs. It requires the state department to pay for these transport costs for eligible people and mandates that transport providers follow existing mental health code regulations. The legislation defines behavioral health transport as travel to and from treatment facilities and specifies that only approved agencies can provide this service. Importantly, the bill will not become law unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5943.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing framework in Michigan for agencies that provide specialized transportation services for individuals experiencing mental health crises. It creates specific definitions for these services, which are designed to move medically stable people who do not require physical or chemical restraints to the nearest facility capable of meeting their needs. The legislation mandates that licensed agencies operate under medical supervision, maintain detailed logs of every trip, and implement strict safety and hygiene protocols for their vehicles and staff. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of transports, police interventions, and any investigations into staff misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new exemption from standard teen driver training for home-schooled students in Michigan who are seeking a learner's permit or intermediate license. Under the law, parents or guardians can administer their own driving curriculum as long as it meets the state's minimum instructional and driving standards. To qualify, the parent must submit a signed certificate to the Secretary of State confirming the student completed the required hours, including specific behind-the-wheel experience and nighttime driving. The bill also establishes a process where the Secretary of State must approve or reject the certificate within 10 business days, and if no response is received or specific defects are not listed, the certificate is automatically considered approved. Additionally, the legislation grants parents immunity from civil liability and administrative penalties if they submit a certificate in good faith, while prohibiting the state from adding extra documentation requirements beyond those specified.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the fees that healthcare providers and medical records companies can charge patients for accessing their medical records in Michigan. It raises the initial request fee from $20 to $31.54 and adjusts per-page copying costs based on the number of pages, with higher rates for pages beyond 20. The law also requires annual fee adjustments starting in 2028 based on the Detroit consumer price index and maintains fee waivers for medically indigent individuals who receive one free set of copies per provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most programs offering substance use disorder prevention, treatment, or rehabilitation services in Michigan to obtain a license from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, with exceptions for hospitals, psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization units, and certain long-standing nonprofit organizations. It directs the department to create a licensing unit and establish uniform rules covering program organization, staffing, facilities, financial audits, and quality control measures. The legislation also sets a one-year license term, mandates department inspections every three years, and allows waivers for programs accredited by recognized health facility accrediting bodies.

Maddy summaryHB 5358 modifies Michigan's teacher licensing requirements. It requires teachers seeking professional certification to complete a 3-credit course on diagnosing and supporting students with reading disabilities, including specific tools and strategies. The bill also creates streamlined pathways for out-of-state teachers to obtain Michigan certification if they've taught successfully for at least 3 years in their previous state, waiving some exam and reading course requirements. These changes directly affect teachers, school districts, and teacher preparation programs by altering certification standards and reciprocity processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's high school graduation requirements by allowing students to earn mathematics credits through career and technical education programs instead of traditional classroom courses. Specifically, it permits pupils to satisfy the algebra II requirement by completing approved CTE curricula in fields such as engineering, construction, or computer science that cover the same mathematical content. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that students can partially or fully meet the foreign language requirement by completing CTE or visual and performing arts instruction. These changes aim to provide more flexible pathways for students to graduate while maintaining specific academic standards in math and language arts.

Maddy summaryHB 5457 creates a state fund to support hyperbaric oxygen therapy through grants and a temporary pilot program. The Department of Health and Human Services will administer the fund, using it for grants and operating the pilot program. After the pilot concludes, any remaining funds will transfer to the general state fund. The bill requires another bill (HB 5456) to be enacted first.

Maddy summaryHB 5456 establishes a pilot program providing free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Michigan veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill creates a state grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, funding providers to deliver treatment at no cost to eligible veterans. Providers must use FDA-cleared chambers meeting specific safety standards and be accredited by organizations like the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. The program requires the department to implement rules within 12 months and ends after the pilot period concludes.

Maddy summaryHB 5081 requires Michigan school districts, intermediate districts, and public school academies to employ at least one teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach by the 2026-2027 school year to support students with dyslexia. This teacher must have completed training meeting International Dyslexia Association standards, which emphasizes multisensory reading instruction through phonemic awareness, phonics, and structured skill-building. Schools must also ensure these teachers receive at least 10 hours of annual professional development focused on dyslexia support. The bill directly affects all public school entities in Michigan and aims to improve specialized reading instruction for students with dyslexia.