Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Public Health Code to strengthen regulations and oversight of onsite wastewater treatment systems, such as septic tanks and holding tanks, primarily affecting property owners and local health departments. It establishes new definitions for various waste treatment systems and grants the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, along with local health departments, expanded authority to inspect, evaluate, and investigate these facilities on private property. To support compliance and public safety, the legislation creates a dedicated public education and training fund financed by a $5 fee added to application charges, which will be used to fund outreach programs and training for health officials and evaluators.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time limit for survivors of criminal sexual conduct to file civil lawsuits for damages, raising the maximum age to file from 28 to 42 and adding a seven-year window based on when the injury is discovered. It also creates a special revival window for claims that were previously barred, allowing victims who were minors between 1997 and the bill's effective date to sue if the alleged perpetrator was convicted and admitted to abusing their authority or engaging in unethical medical conduct. Additionally, the legislation sets a cap of $1.5 million in damages for each incident involving a single defendant in these specific cases. The law applies to incidents of criminal sexual conduct regardless of whether a criminal prosecution was ever brought or resulted in a conviction, provided the civil suit is filed within the new extended deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new community solar program in Michigan, allowing residents to subscribe to local solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills. It defines specific terms for these facilities and subscribers, while also categorizing certain areas as "environmental justice communities" based on factors like low-income populations and existing pollution. The legislation requires the state energy commission to create rules that facilitate the creation and financing of these solar projects, prioritizing those that benefit environmental justice communities. Additionally, the bill mandates simple, one-page disclosure forms for all subscription contracts to ensure customers clearly understand the terms before signing.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specific exception to governmental immunity in Michigan, allowing public universities, colleges, and school districts to be sued for criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees. Under the new provisions, an institution can be held liable if it was negligent in hiring, supervising, or training the employee, or if it knew or should have known about the misconduct and failed to report it to law enforcement. Additionally, liability may arise if the school district had prior knowledge of the employee's history of sexual misconduct and did not intervene to prevent further acts. The law clarifies that a criminal conviction is not required for a lawsuit to proceed, ensuring that victims can seek civil remedies even if the perpetrator avoids criminal charges.

Maddy summaryHB 6054 clarifies and updates Michigan's existing laws regarding returnable beverage containers, specifically defining terms like "returnable container" and "reverse vending machine" to ensure consistency in enforcement. The bill introduces new restrictions on manufacturers selling nonalcoholic beverages in 12-ounce metal and glass containers that are not designated for return, applying these rules based on sales volume and redemption rates tracked by the Department of Treasury. These sales restrictions are set to take effect 90 days and 450 days after the bill becomes law, with separate thresholds established for the Upper Peninsula. By amending existing sections and adding new ones, the legislation aims to streamline regulations on bottle deposits and recycling without changing the fundamental requirement for a 10-cent deposit on returnable containers.

Maddy summaryHB 6049 modifies the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct in Michigan, extending the time a victim has to file a claim to 10 years. This change applies to cases where the alleged conduct falls under specific criminal sexual offenses, regardless of whether a criminal prosecution was ever filed or resulted in a conviction. The bill defines "criminal sexual conduct" to include acts prohibited under specific sections of the Michigan penal code and clarifies that a dating relationship involves frequent, intimate associations with an expectation of affection. By updating these timelines, the legislation ensures that survivors have a longer window to seek damages for injuries sustained from such conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's existing bottle deposit law to clarify and expand the rules for dealers accepting and refunding deposits on returnable beverage containers. It requires dealers to provide a convenient method for anyone to return empty containers and receive cash refunds during specific operating hours, regardless of whether the person originally purchased the drink. The legislation also mandates that containers clearly display their refund value and the state name, while prohibiting the sale of certain metal containers that can be opened by detaching parts. Additionally, it allows for the creation of regional centers to handle container redemptions and sets a daily limit on the amount of empty containers a dealer must accept for refund.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's laws regarding the time limits for filing claims against the state government. It extends the deadline for submitting these claims to three years from the date the claim first arises, aligning the rule with other state statutes. The legislation also clarifies the attorney general's authority to seek guardianship or estate administration for minors or incapacitated individuals in cases involving the state. Additionally, the bill specifies that these new rules apply retroactively to certain pending legal actions and notes that it only becomes effective if two related Senate bills are also passed.

Maddy summaryHB 6052 amends Michigan's income tax law to allow residents to deduct compensation paid to election inspectors from their taxable income. This change directly affects individuals who serve as poll workers or other election officials and receive payment for their services. By permitting this specific deduction, the bill reduces the amount of income subject to state taxation for those earning wages from election duties. The provision is designed to ensure that compensation for public service in elections does not increase a taxpayer's liability under the state income tax system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's civil procedure rules to create an exception to the standard notice requirements for lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct. Currently, individuals must file a written notice with the Court of Claims within one year of an incident to sue the state, but this legislation would allow those filing such specific sexual conduct claims to bypass that initial filing step. The change directly affects victims of criminal sexual conduct who wish to pursue legal action against the state, removing the immediate administrative hurdle of submitting a preliminary claim. The bill is tied to another piece of legislation, meaning it will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed into law.