Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to explicitly extend public records disclosure requirements to the state legislature and the governor's office, which were previously excluded from the definition of a "public body." It also updates key definitions within the law to include modern digital technologies, such as cloud storage and quantum computing systems, in the scope of what constitutes a "writing" or public record. The legislation takes effect on January 1 of the first odd-numbered year at least six months after enactment, provided that a companion bill, House Bill No. 6300, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6290 establishes the Office of Primary Care Transformation within the Department of Health and Human Services to improve access to and the quality of primary care services. The office is tasked with providing technical assistance to medical practices, expanding the healthcare workforce, addressing patient social needs, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations. Additionally, the bill creates a dedicated primary care transformation fund in the state treasury to support these initiatives, with funds remaining available across fiscal years rather than lapsing. This legislation only takes effect if a related companion bill is also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6252 requires developers or operators of large-scale data centers to submit a thermal impact assessment to the state public service commission at least 120 days before beginning construction, expansion, or significant modifications. The bill defines a large-scale data center as one with an information technology load of 25 megawatts or more, or a total electrical demand of 50 megawatts or more, and mandates that these assessments be prepared by qualified professionals using standard scientific practices. Developers must pay a review fee and provide copies of the assessment to local governments, planning commissions, and zoning boards within 30 days of submission to ensure public notice of potential localized heat impacts. The commission will issue a certificate of completeness once it determines the submission is administratively complete, which expires after 24 months unless extended or updated. Violations of these requirements are subject to civil fines of up to $10,000 per day, and the bill explicitly states that it does not create new land use or permitting authority beyond this certification process.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6251 requires developers and operators of large-scale data centers to submit a detailed energy infrastructure and thermal management evaluation to the state public service commission before beginning construction, expansion, or major modifications. A facility is considered large-scale if it has an aggregate critical information technology load of at least 25 megawatts or a total electrical demand of at least 50 megawatts, including phased developments that collectively meet these thresholds. The evaluation must be prepared by a qualified professional and include specific data on anticipated power usage, cooling systems, water consumption, and potential impacts on local infrastructure, with copies required to be filed with affected local governments and electric providers. Developers must pay a review fee and face civil fines of up to $10,000 per day for violations, while the commission is granted authority to issue certificates of completeness that expire after 24 months unless updated or extended.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires electric providers to offer a voluntary green pricing program that allows customers to choose how much of their electricity comes from renewable sources. It mandates that regulated utilities create a specific "clean technologies accelerator tariff" for commercial and industrial participants, ensuring these businesses directly pay for the renewable energy they procure rather than spreading those costs across all ratepayers. The legislation also protects customers who source at least half of their power through the program from paying certain compliance surcharges and requires providers to notify other participants about additional fees. The bill only takes effect if seven related companion bills are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill amends the state's vehicle code to clarify that traffic violations designated as civil infractions cannot be treated as lesser included offenses of criminal charges. It establishes specific fine ranges for various driving and vehicle equipment violations, including a new provision that requires courts to waive fines and costs if a driver cited for an illegible registration plate provides proof of having obtained and installed a compliant plate before their court date. The legislation also mandates a $40 justice system assessment for most civil infractions and allows judges to order additional educational or rehabilitation programs alongside monetary penalties.

Maddy summaryMichigan's HB 6265 requires owners and operators of data centers to submit annual reports to the state public service commission detailing their total water and electricity consumption, along with the sources of that water and the percentage of electricity derived from renewable energy. These reporting obligations begin on March 1, 2028, and if the commission finds a submitted report inaccurate or incomplete, it must notify the operator to file corrected information within 30 days. The bill authorizes civil fines of up to $10,000 for each day a violation continues, with collected penalties deposited into the state general fund. This legislation only takes effect if several other specific bills from the current legislative session are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6264, titled the "data center energy standards act," requires owners and operators of data centers in the state to source 100% of their annual energy use from clean or renewable sources by January 1, 2040. The bill allows facilities to meet this requirement through on-site generation, power purchase agreements, or other energy instruments approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Violations of these standards are subject to civil fines of up to $10,000 per day, which must be deposited into the state's general fund. This legislation only takes effect if seven companion bills from the 103rd Legislature are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 11-17, 2026, as Patriot Week in Michigan. It encourages citizens, schools, and government agencies to participate by honoring the nation's founding principles, historical figures, and symbols. The text also acknowledges the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 12, 2026, as Recovery Day in Michigan to honor individuals working toward long-term sobriety and the organizations that support them. It highlights the gap between the number of residents with substance use disorders and those receiving treatment, emphasizing the role of recovery community groups in providing ongoing assistance at a lower cost than clinical care. The measure also directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to the Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center as a gesture of appreciation.