Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses from charging fees to veterans or their families for obtaining military discharge records, specifically form DD214. It amends Michigan's consumer protection act to ban compensation for providing or assisting in obtaining this document, while allowing accredited government agencies, recognized veterans' organizations, and federal accredited individuals to receive payment for related services. The legislation also requires clear disclosures in advertisements for veterans' benefit events and prohibits businesses from guaranteeing specific benefit outcomes. The law applies to anyone engaged in trade or commerce but excludes state, county, city, and federal officials acting in their official capacities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires original equipment manufacturers of motorized wheelchairs to provide certain parts, tools, and documentation to owners and independent repair providers. It amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to add new provisions specifically addressing the rights of wheelchair owners and third-party repair technicians. The legislation aims to ensure that wheelchair owners and independent repair providers have access to necessary components and information needed for maintenance and repairs. This policy change directly affects wheelchair manufacturers, owners of motorized wheelchairs, and independent repair service providers.

Maddy summaryHB 4078 amends Michigan's Medical Examiner Act to update when county medical examiners must investigate deaths and who must report suspicious or unexpected deaths. It requires investigations for deaths by violence, unexpected deaths, deaths without medical care (with specific hospice care exceptions), and abortion-related deaths. The bill also clarifies that hospitals, physicians, or others must immediately report such deaths to medical examiners, including cases involving multiple similar individuals in one incident. Medical records obtained during these investigations are exempt from public disclosure under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.

Maddy summaryHB 4077 updates Michigan's process for certifying death records. It requires medical certification to be completed within 48 hours after death by physicians, medical examiners, or designated officials, and mandates that this certification be submitted via a new state web-based system starting one year after the law takes effect. The bill also specifies that infant deaths following an attempted abortion (as defined by the "born alive infant protection act") must be recorded as "Baby Doe" with no identifying information about the infant or parents. This directly affects funeral directors, physicians, medical examiners, and county clerks handling death records.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant food and agriculture industry. The resolution highlights the sector's economic contributions, including over 805,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue from various crops like cherries, apples, and soybeans. It serves as a commemorative measure with no operational changes, encouraging citizens to celebrate the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 12, 2026, as Endometriosis Awareness Day in Michigan to raise public understanding of the condition. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the health challenges faced by individuals with endometriosis. The resolution encourages education and support for those affected by the disease without implementing new policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 8-14, 2026, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Michigan to raise public awareness about the disease. It directly affects Michigan residents and supporters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by encouraging citizens to learn more about MS and support those living with the condition. The resolution includes a formal declaration of the awareness week and a commendation for the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for its ongoing efforts. This is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or funding but serves to highlight the importance of MS research and patient support.

Maddy summaryHB 5675 prohibits Michigan utilities from filing rate increase requests earlier than three years after their previous rate case. This rule applies to gas, electric, and steam utilities and aims to prevent overlapping rate applications that could complicate regulatory review. The bill requires utilities to coordinate with the Public Service Commission staff before filing and mandates that the commission notify utilities within 30 days whether their application is complete. If the commission does not issue a final order within 180 days, utilities may implement proposed rate increases with refunds required if the final order is lower than the proposed amount.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how members of the Michigan Public Service Commission are elected and set their salaries. It would require three commissioners to be elected for four-year terms and two for two-year terms starting in the 2028 election, with all future terms being four years long. The amendment also establishes that no one can serve more than 12 years total on the commission and creates a State Officers Compensation Commission to determine salaries for the commission members, subject to legislative approval. These changes would affect the structure and compensation of the Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities and other public services in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the Michigan state constitution to replace the currently appointed Public Service Commission with a nonpartisan, elected commission. The new commission would begin operating on January 1, 2029, and would have the same powers and jurisdiction as the existing body. Members would be nominated by political party conventions and must meet eligibility requirements including U.S. citizenship, state residency, and no financial interest in public utilities. The amendment would be submitted to Michigan voters for approval at the next general election.