Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's construction code to allow certain interior designers who prepare technical submissions to submit building permit applications directly. The change applies specifically to licensed interior designers working on residential projects and requires them to include their occupational license number and insurance or tax exemption details on the application form. By explicitly including interior designers alongside architects and engineers in the list of permitted applicants, the legislation clarifies their existing ability to handle permit paperwork for residential structures. The bill also mandates that the application form include a warning about penalties for conspiring to bypass state licensing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the owners and top executives of contractors seeking or holding state and local government contracts worth at least $250,000 from making political donations. The restrictions apply to contributions to candidates, political parties, and specific types of advocacy groups during a period starting 18 months before a contract is sought and ending 18 months after the contract concludes. If a contractor violates these rules, they face penalties including the cancellation of current contracts or disqualification from future contracts for up to three years. The law defines "contractor" to include businesses and nonprofits receiving significant government funding and specifies which individuals within those organizations are subject to the donation ban.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies from awarding contracts to companies whose principals have donated to specific political groups within 18 months before signing the agreement. The law defines "principals" to include company owners, executives, board members, and employees involved in government relations, while banning donations to candidate committees, party committees, and certain tax-exempt political organizations. To enforce this rule, contractors must sign an affidavit confirming no prohibited donations were made during the 18 months prior to the contract, throughout the contract term, and for 18 months after it ends. Violations would render the contract void and bar the company from future state contracts for three years, though the ban does not apply to small businesses with less than $250,000 in state contracts or to grants and loans.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of highway M-11 in Kent County as the "Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive." The affected roadway stretches from the intersection with 3 Mile Road south to the bridge over the Grand River. By amending state highway naming laws, the legislation officially assigns this commemorative name to the route. The change applies immediately and does not alter any traffic rules or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's crime victim compensation law to explicitly include reimbursement for pet boarding expenses when a victim must relocate immediately following a crime. The legislation allows victims to receive up to $45,000 total for various out-of-pocket losses, with specific sub-limits for categories such as medical care, counseling, relocation, and funeral costs. By adding pet boarding to the list of eligible expenses, the bill ensures that pet owners can access funds to board their animals while they move to a safer location. The amendment applies to claims filed under the state's existing crime victim services program without changing the overall funding structure or eligibility criteria for other types of compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the licensing requirements for marriage and family therapists in Michigan by modifying existing educational and clinical experience standards. It clarifies that applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited program and complete specific graduate-level coursework in family studies, therapy methodology, and ethics. The legislation also adjusts the amount of supervised clinical hours needed, increasing the post-degree requirement to 1,000 hours with stricter supervision ratios and face-to-face contact mandates. Additionally, it allows for a waiver of certain clinical hour requirements for individuals who have earned a doctoral degree in the field.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Court-Appointed Special Advocate program in Michigan to support children under the age of 18 involved in court proceedings. The legislation creates a structured system where trained volunteers, known as CASA volunteers, are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of these children. To ensure safety and quality, the bill mandates rigorous screening, including comprehensive background checks, and requires volunteers to complete specific training and undergo regular supervision. Additionally, the law outlines the responsibilities of program directors to manage operations and sets clear rules for when a volunteer can be dismissed from their role.

Maddy summaryHB 5977 modifies the Michigan Industrial Hemp Growers Act by updating how the state manages its industrial hemp program funds. The bill establishes a dedicated industrial hemp fund within the state treasury to hold fees collected from the program, allowing the department to use these monies for auditing, operating, and enforcing hemp regulations. It also mandates that any remaining money in this specific fund be transferred to a different agriculture-related fund on February 1, 2025, at which point the industrial hemp fund will be abolished. Additionally, the legislation repeals numerous existing sections of the 2020 act, effectively resetting the legal framework for industrial hemp administration in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes new annual fees for individuals seeking or holding an interior design license in Michigan. Under the proposed changes, applicants would pay a $175 application processing fee, and licensed professionals would be required to pay a $125 yearly license fee. The legislation is contingent on the passage of a companion bill, meaning these fees will only take effect if both related measures are enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts health insurance companies in Michigan from covering medical services where the patient's share of the cost, such as copayments or coinsurance, exceeds 50% of the total service price. It directly affects health insurers and the individuals enrolled in their plans by setting a clear limit on how much patients can be charged out-of-pocket for covered benefits. The legislation requires the state insurance director to handle any complaints related to violations of this new rule. Changes made by the bill apply only to new insurance policies or to existing policies when they are renewed or modified after the law takes effect.