Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Michigan to display a poster detailing employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act at all work sites and provide a digital copy to staff. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will create this poster using materials from the National Labor Relations Board and ensure it is available in English and any other language requested by a labor organization or employer. Employers who fail to comply face civil fines of $5,000 for a first violation and $10,000 for subsequent violations, which are collected by county prosecutors or the attorney general and deposited into the state general fund. The law directly affects businesses with employees and aims to increase awareness of collective bargaining rights through mandatory posting and digital distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts third-party administrators from creating contracts for health plans that require individuals to pay more than 50% of the cost for specific medical services through copayments or coinsurance. It directly affects insurance companies, healthcare providers, and individuals enrolled in these benefit plans by setting a new financial limit on out-of-pocket costs for covered care. The law gives the state insurance director the authority to investigate and rule on any complaints related to these new restrictions. These rules will apply to new contracts immediately after the bill passes and to existing contracts when they are next renewed or modified.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's domestic violence prevention laws to explicitly allow shelters to accept common household pets, such as dogs and cats, alongside victims and their children. By updating the definition of a "family or household member" and revising shelter requirements, the legislation ensures that emergency housing programs can accommodate animals as part of their crisis support services. Prime sponsors, which include local governments and nonprofit organizations, may use state funds to establish or maintain these inclusive shelter programs that offer counseling, legal aid, and other essential resources. The changes aim to remove barriers for victims seeking immediate safety by recognizing the emotional and practical importance of keeping pets during domestic violence situations.

Maddy summaryHB 6012 prohibits insurance companies in Michigan from denying, canceling, or raising premiums on residential property liability policies based solely on the breed or mix of dogs owned by the policyholder. The bill also bans insurers from asking about or investigating specific dog breeds when underwriting these policies. While the law restricts breed-based decisions, it allows insurers to continue adjusting rates or coverage based on other standard underwriting factors unrelated to dog breeds. This change applies to all residential property liability insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's income tax law to clarify how certain types of income and deductions are calculated for individual taxpayers. It specifically adjusts the definition of taxable income by adding back interest from out-of-state bonds and taxes paid to other jurisdictions while simultaneously allowing deductions for military retirement benefits, Social Security, and contributions to state education tuition programs. The legislation also updates the maximum deduction limits for other retirement and pension income, ensuring these amounts are adjusted annually based on inflation. These changes directly affect Michigan residents filing state income tax returns by modifying the final amount of income subject to taxation.

Maddy summaryHB 5583 amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to give the Secretary of State the authority to apply to the Ingham County circuit court for injunctive relief when a complaint alleges a violation of campaign finance rules. The bill establishes a formal process for citizens to file complaints against individuals or committees, requiring the Secretary of State to notify the accused party and allow for written responses and rebuttals before any legal action is taken. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the standards for waiving late filing fees due to specific hardships and sets strict timelines for the Secretary of State to issue rulings on requests for legal interpretations. This measure is designed to provide a structured mechanism for enforcing campaign finance laws while ensuring due process for those accused of violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program to help private-sector employees save for retirement through automatic payroll deductions. It creates a new oversight board and a separate trust fund to manage individual retirement accounts for enrolled workers, ensuring the money remains distinct from state funds. Employers that do not currently offer qualified retirement plans are required to participate by allowing employees to make automatic contributions from their paychecks. The legislation also sets up a separate administrative fund to cover the program's operational costs and defines the specific duties of the state officials who will run the system.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 11 through 17, 2024, as Patriot Week in Michigan to honor the nation's founding principles and historical figures. The bill encourages schools, government agencies, and citizens to participate in activities that celebrate American history, including the Constitution and key documents like the Declaration of Independence. By recognizing this week, the legislature aims to promote the study of the United States' heritage and acknowledge the sacrifices made by past generations.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares October 5-12, 2024, as Student Athlete Mental Health Week in Michigan to raise awareness about the mental well-being of high school and college athletes. The resolution highlights the dedication of student athletes while acknowledging the unique stressors they face, such as performance pressure, burnout, and stigma that may prevent them from seeking help. By officially recognizing this week, the state aims to encourage open conversations about mental health challenges and promote the availability of support resources for this demographic.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 2024 as Menopause Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the health and economic impacts of menopause on women. It recognizes that symptoms like hot flashes, memory loss, and anxiety can significantly affect daily life, work performance, and long-term health risks such as heart disease. The measure urges health workers to receive training on menopause, encourages the public and providers to access information about treatment options, and calls for additional research into managing these symptoms.