Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 4431 removes the state law that criminalizes consensual sodomy between adults. By repealing specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code, the bill eliminates the felony charges and potential prison sentences currently available for this act. The legislation does not address bestiality, which remains a separate crime under the law. This change directly affects individuals who engage in private sexual conduct between consenting adults.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows tenants in single-unit, metered rental homes to request that their water and sewer bills be sent to them in addition to the landlord. It prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who make this request by taking actions such as shutting off water, refusing lease renewals, or raising rent. The law applies to all new or renewed leases and ensures that tenants have direct access to their utility billing information without fear of punishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's laws regarding utility theft by creating a specific exemption from criminal charges for people who restore water service to their own homes after a shut-off due to non-payment. Under the new provisions, individuals caught bypassing a meter or regulator to regain water access for their occupied residence will face a state civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor or felony, provided they do not damage the metering equipment. Penalties for these civil infractions range from community service to fines, with stricter consequences for repeat offenses. The change aims to decriminalize a situation often driven by financial hardship while still allowing utility companies to pursue civil damages for the cost of the service used.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions within Michigan's Animal Welfare Fund Act to clarify terms like "animal control shelter," "qualified veterinarian," and "state animal anticruelty laws." By referencing existing statutes, the legislation ensures these terms align with current legal standards for animal care and veterinary licensing. The bill does not create new laws or change funding rules but rather organizes the current act for consistency. It includes a provision that prevents it from becoming effective unless a related companion bill is also passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 4162 amends Michigan's penal code to adjust penalties for crimes involving the adulteration or improper mixing of drugs and medicines. The bill establishes specific sentencing guidelines based on the severity of the outcome, ranging from fines and short prison terms for minor violations to up to 15 years in prison if the actions result in death. A key provision modifies the application of life imprisonment without parole, excluding individuals who were under 19 years old at the time of the offense from facing that specific penalty. Instead, minors who commit these crimes with intent to kill or cause serious harm resulting in death face a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 60 years in prison. These changes directly affect how the state prosecutes and sentences offenders involved in distributing harmful pharmaceutical products.

Maddy summaryHB 4560 amends the Michigan penal code to update sentencing guidelines for specific crimes involving dangerous drugs, biological agents, and hazardous materials. The bill clarifies penalties based on the severity of outcomes, such as personal injury, serious impairment, or death, and explicitly allows for resentencing under existing laws for individuals currently serving life sentences without parole. By referencing specific sections of the penal code, the legislation ensures that current statutes align with potential future reviews of mandatory life sentences. Ultimately, the bill aims to refine how the state handles cases where hazardous substances cause harm, while preserving the possibility of reconsidering past convictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's juvenile justice laws to explicitly prohibit sentencing individuals under the age of 19 to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The legislation focuses on clarifying the legal framework for juvenile dispositions by reinforcing existing restrictions on severe penalties for minors. By aligning with related bills, it ensures that the state's approach to juvenile offenders remains consistent with current standards that limit adult-style sentencing for young people. The change serves to codify protections for minors within the probate code, ensuring that courts cannot impose the harshest available sentences on those under 19.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes minor technical corrections to Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically updating a cross-reference within the sentencing guidelines section. The legislation does not introduce new laws or alter existing penalties but instead ensures that internal references in the statute accurately reflect recent amendments made to other sections. By updating these citations, the bill aims to maintain consistency and clarity in how sentencing rules are applied by courts. Directly affected parties are legal professionals and judges who rely on the code for sentencing decisions, though the changes are administrative rather than substantive.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new low-income water affordability program in Michigan designed to help households with limited income manage their water and sewer bills. The program defines eligible customers as those earning less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or receiving specific government assistance, such as SNAP or medical aid. It requires water providers to collect a mandatory fee from all customers to fund the program, which will be used to reduce or eliminate unpaid bills and adjust monthly charges so they do not exceed 3% of a household's income. Starting in 2026, the state will administer the program for larger providers, with the goal of expanding to all providers within 18 months of the program's launch.

Maddy summaryHB 4559 amends the Michigan Public Health Code to update sentencing guidelines for crimes involving the sale or manufacture of drugs with misleading labels that result in death or serious injury. The bill clarifies that individuals convicted of these offenses under specific intent to kill or cause harm face mandatory life sentences without parole, but it explicitly exempts those cases from mandatory sentencing if they are subject to resentencing proceedings. This legislative change ensures that existing resentencing mechanisms can still be applied to individuals whose cases fall under these new provisions. The bill also includes a provision stating that this section does not prevent individuals from being charged with or punished for other laws violated during the same incident.