Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's vehicle code to explicitly include marijuana as an intoxicating substance in the state's list of drugs that can lead to charges for operating a vehicle while impaired. The legislation directly affects all drivers and vehicle owners by clarifying that being under the influence of marijuana, alongside alcohol or other controlled substances, constitutes a violation of the law. It maintains existing blood alcohol concentration limits for adults while ensuring that visible impairment caused by marijuana use is treated as a criminal offense. By updating the statutory language, the bill ensures that law enforcement and courts have clear authority to prosecute drivers who operate vehicles while affected by marijuana.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove the classification of marijuana and pharmaceutical-grade cannabis as controlled substances within Michigan's Public Health Code. By amending numerous sections of the state law, it would effectively eliminate the legal framework that currently regulates these substances under the controlled substance schedule. The legislation directly impacts state regulations and enforcement procedures related to cannabis by altering how these materials are defined and managed legally. If passed, the change would modify existing statutes without specifying new operational rules for the substances themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 6149 modifies the Michigan Probate Code to clarify the specific circumstances under which juvenile courts have exclusive jurisdiction over minors under 18. The bill directly affects juveniles involved in criminal cases, dependency proceedings, or situations involving truancy and disobedience by updating the legal criteria for court intervention. Key provisions expand the definition of "specified juvenile violations" to include specific crimes such as possession of a dangerous weapon, escape from a juvenile facility, and certain public health offenses, while also detailing conditions for finding a child dependent due to neglect, abuse, or homelessness. Additionally, the legislation sets stricter requirements for when courts can intervene in cases of school absenteeism or repeated disobedience, ensuring that alternative placements and counseling have been considered before court action. Overall, the bill aims to refine the legal framework governing how juvenile courts handle delinquency and dependency cases to ensure consistent application of the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain political nonprofits, specifically 527 and 501(c)(4) organizations, to electronically register with the Michigan Secretary of State within 10 days of forming. The registration must include the organization's name, the names of its key leaders, and the elected officials or candidates they support. The Secretary of State will make this information publicly available on their website, while political party committees are exempt from these requirements. Organizations that fail to register face civil fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on their financial balance, and individual officials associated with non-compliant groups may also be fined up to $1,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance providers in Michigan to cover hearing aids for children under 19 who have been medically evaluated and referred by a specialist. Under the new rules, insurers must pay up to $3,000 for every pair of hearing aids purchased every three years, with the amount adjusted annually based on inflation. The coverage applies only to devices selected by an audiologist after a specific evaluation process, and patients may choose more expensive models if they are willing to pay the difference out of pocket. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, but it will not become active unless a separate related bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend Michigan's medical malpractice laws by increasing the cap on noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, from $280,000 to $1,000,000 per plaintiff and per defendant. The change applies to cases involving injuries like paralysis, permanent cognitive impairment, reproductive loss, death, serious disfigurement, or significant bodily function impairment, while maintaining a lower $500,000 cap for other severe injuries. Additionally, the bill updates the mechanism for adjusting these monetary limits annually to match changes in the state's consumer price index.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's probate laws to create a streamlined process for trustees to settle trust accounts without requiring immediate court approval. Under the new rules, a trustee must provide beneficiaries and other interested parties with a detailed report of the trust's assets, receipts, and expenses, along with a notice explaining that any objections must be submitted in writing within 45 days. If no objections are received during this period, the trustee may distribute the remaining assets, and the recipients are barred from later challenging the account or bringing claims against the trustee. However, if a party does object, they can either resolve the issue through a written agreement or take the matter to court, and the bill also allows a successor trustee to rely on this process to avoid liability for failing to object.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution declares December 2024 as War Dogs Month in Michigan to honor military working dogs and their handlers. The measure highlights the historical contributions of these animals in saving lives and detecting threats during various conflicts. It also calls for sustained support and investment in military working dog programs to ensure their continued readiness and effectiveness. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to military leadership and veterans' organizations to raise awareness of these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan correctional facilities to give every prisoner forms that let them choose who can receive their medical records and who should be notified in a medical emergency. Prisoners must sign these forms to designate specific people as authorized recipients for their health information and as emergency contacts for critical situations. If a prisoner faces a serious medical emergency requiring hospital care, the department must immediately contact the designated emergency contact and may share the prisoner's location if necessary. The law also allows authorized recipients to request specific medical details about the prisoner, while the department must provide clear instructions and brochures explaining how these designations work.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares November 2024 as Family Court Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the importance of child safety and best interests in family court decisions. It aims to raise public and professional awareness about the lasting impacts of these decisions and the need for judges and court staff to use evidence-based practices in handling cases involving domestic violence and child abuse. The resolution emphasizes the importance of training professionals on topics such as coercive control and childhood trauma to ensure impartial decision-making. By designating this month, the bill seeks to encourage collaboration among legislators, advocates, and community members to improve family court practices and protect children.