Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Kidney Month in Michigan to raise public awareness about chronic kidney disease. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic resolution to highlight the importance of kidney health. The measure aims to encourage early detection and screening for kidney disease, which often has no symptoms until advanced stages. By designating this month, the legislature supports ongoing efforts by health organizations to educate Michigan residents about kidney disease risks and prevention.

Maddy summaryHB 4593 prohibits dentists from representing themselves as a "dental specialist" or claiming specialization in specific dental areas without proper certification. This bill directly affects dentists who may use such titles in their practice or marketing. It amends Michigan law (MCL 333.16608) to add this restriction, making it illegal to use these terms under certain circumstances without meeting defined qualifications. The bill focuses on preventing misleading claims about specialty expertise in dental care.

Maddy summaryHB 4594 bans Michigan dentists from using the title "dental specialist" by amending state law (MCL 333.16605). This directly affects dentists who currently use or might seek to use that title, as it removes it as an allowable designation under the law. The bill's key provision eliminates the existing legal allowance for the term, requiring dentists to use only standard titles like "dentist" or recognized specialty designations (e.g., orthodontist). The bill is pending in committee after being referred to the Health Policy Committee and reported with a substitute.

Maddy summaryHB 5530 limits local zoning ordinances from requiring single-family home lots larger than 1,500 square feet in areas with public water and sewer service. It directly affects local governments that set zoning rules for residential neighborhoods, preventing them from imposing larger minimum lot sizes under these conditions. The bill adds a new provision (Sec. 205f) to Michigan's zoning law, ensuring that such ordinances cannot restrict lot size beyond 1,500 square feet when public utilities are available. This change applies specifically to detached single-family residences zoned for residential use. The policy aims to allow more compact housing development in utility-served areas.

Maddy summaryHB 5531 requires local governments in Michigan to make a decision on site plan approvals within 60 days. It limits when officials can request additional studies or documents after initial approval, allowing such requests only for material changes, safety concerns, or to ensure compliance with existing standards - preventing new requirements unrelated to the project. This affects developers seeking land use approvals and local officials reviewing applications. The bill clarifies that extra studies cannot be used to delay projects or revisit issues already approved.

Maddy summaryHB 5529 modifies Michigan's Land Division Act to set clearer standards for subdividing land. It requires that new residential parcels (with public water/sewer) must be at least 1,500 square feet, limits parcel depth to four times its width (with exceptions for topography), and mandates tax verification for divisions. The bill also adds disclosure requirements for property sales, including whether the right to further divide the land is transferred. These changes directly affect property owners seeking to subdivide land, developers, and local municipalities reviewing subdivision applications.

Maddy summaryHB 5532 revises protest petition requirements for cities or villages amending zoning ordinances. For most changes, a protest petition must be signed by owners of at least 20% of the affected land area (or 20% within 300 feet of the boundary), but if the amendment increases dwelling units, it requires signatures from owners of at least 60% of the affected land area. The bill specifies detailed petition formatting, including land ownership verification by the clerk and warnings about false signatures, with penalties for fraud. This directly affects local governments proposing zoning changes and landowners who may protest such changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5592 creates a new licensure requirement for freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities in Michigan. It directly affects independent medical facilities that provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which uses high-oxygen environments to treat specific medical conditions like non-healing wounds. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to establish specific standards and oversight for these facilities, including facility requirements and operational guidelines. This change ensures these specialized treatment centers meet defined safety and quality standards under state regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 5591 updates Michigan's Public Health Code to establish licensing requirements for freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities (which treat conditions like non-healing wounds using pressurized oxygen). It directly affects these specialized facilities by requiring them to be accredited by approved organizations (like The Joint Commission), appoint a medical director licensed as a physician or nurse practitioner, and designate a safety coordinator. Key provisions include defining terms like "qualified health professional" and mandating compliance with NFPA 99 fire safety standards. The bill does not change patient access but sets new operational standards for facility operators. (Note: This bill is pending and requires companion bills HB 5590-5593 to take effect.)

Maddy summaryHB 5590 requires freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities (which use pressurized oxygen chambers for medical treatment) to obtain state licensure. It directly affects facility owners, operators, medical directors, and safety coordinators by mandating specific qualifications, safety protocols (like NFPA 99 compliance), and accreditation standards. Facilities must publicly display licenses, accreditation, FDA-approved treatment indications, and safety rules, and provide patients with written information about risks, benefits, and insurance coverage limitations. The bill also requires facilities to document compliance with safety standards and patient consent forms detailing FDA-approved uses.