Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month within the state of Michigan. The measure aims to raise public understanding of PTSD, an anxiety disorder that impacts millions of Americans, and encourages citizens to support those affected by the condition. By declaring this specific month, the bill seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder and highlight the availability of effective treatments like therapy and medication. It serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness rather than implementing new laws or funding programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to update the legal definition of drug paraphernalia. It clarifies that items specifically designed for planting, growing, manufacturing, or using controlled substances are considered paraphernalia, while explicitly excluding testing products like fentanyl strips used to check for dangerous chemicals. The update ensures that the definition covers a range of tools, including scales, diluents, and various devices used for ingestion or concealment, without expanding the scope to include safety testing equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to explicitly exclude incarcerated individuals from the definition of a "person" entitled to request public records. By removing people serving sentences in state, local, or federal correctional facilities from the law's coverage, the legislation limits their ability to access government information under this act. The text also updates definitions for terms like cybersecurity incidents and public bodies, but its primary change is restricting FOIA rights to those currently imprisoned.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify how death records are certified and reported, primarily affecting funeral directors, physicians, and medical examiners. It establishes specific timelines, requiring medical certification to be completed within 48 hours of death and the filing of death records within 72 hours, while also mandating the use of a new web-based application system for submitting these reports. The legislation defines key terms such as "institution" and "miscarriage" and outlines a hierarchy of who can certify a death if the attending physician is unavailable, ranging from authorized representatives to pathologists. Additionally, the bill includes a provision to protect the privacy of infants who were born alive following an attempted abortion and subsequently died, ensuring their records are filed without identifying information for parents or informants.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan laws to clarify when county medical examiners must investigate deaths and how they should be notified by healthcare providers. It requires an investigation if a death results from violence, occurs unexpectedly, happens without recent medical care, or involves an abortion, while also mandating immediate notification for sudden or suspicious deaths. The legislation grants medical examiners the authority to subpoena records for investigations and ensures that such records remain confidential under the freedom of information act. Additionally, it introduces a specific requirement for notifying examiners if multiple individuals with similar physical characteristics are involved in the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 13, 2024, as Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Day throughout Michigan. It aims to honor the work of organizations and individuals dedicated to reducing violence and to encourage the public to support these community-driven efforts. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the importance of violence prevention programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares June 17, 2024, as Black Men Awareness Day in Michigan to recognize the contributions and achievements of Black men in the state. The resolution highlights the diverse roles Black men play in society, from various professions to their importance as family members and community members. It aims to bring attention to both the positive impacts Black men have on their communities and the challenges they face due to systemic barriers. By officially designating this date, the legislature intends to honor the strength and accomplishments of Black men in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses a commitment to strengthening ties between the state of Michigan and Taiwan. It urges Michigan businesses to refer to the region as "Taiwan" in their communications and encourages further bilateral trade agreements, including an avoidance of double taxation treaty. The measure also supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization and its inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing statutes but serves to formally acknowledge shared values and promote economic cooperation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in Michigan. It serves as a formal declaration by the state legislature to recognize and honor the history, contributions, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community within the state. The measure does not alter laws or create new regulations but instead functions as a symbolic gesture to affirm the value and dignity of LGBTQ+ residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions within Michigan's Motor Carrier Fuel Tax Act to clarify terms related to vehicles, fuels, and operators. It specifically expands the definition of "motor fuel" to include gasoline starting in 2017 and provides detailed criteria for what counts as a "qualified commercial motor vehicle" subject to the tax. The legislation also clarifies which entities, such as certain public transit agencies and farmers, are excluded from these tax requirements. Because the bill is tied to another piece of legislation, it will only take effect if that companion bill is also passed into law.