Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 5593 creates a dedicated "hyperbaric oxygen therapy inspection fund" in the state treasury to cover costs for inspecting freestanding specialized oxygen therapy facilities. The fund is financed solely by licensing fees paid by these facilities, and the state Department of Health administers it to ensure inspections occur. Money from the fund can only be used for inspecting such facilities under the Public Health Code, with no other purposes allowed. This bill directly affects facility operators (through fees) and state health inspectors (through funding), with no broader policy changes beyond this specific inspection mechanism.

Maddy summaryHR 252 is a ceremonial resolution introduced by Rep. Donni Steele to symbolically declare March 2026 as Women’s History Month in Michigan. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change existing policies - it simply encourages Michiganders to honor women’s historical achievements and ongoing contributions through reflection and celebration. The resolution cites women’s roles in shaping communities, breaking barriers in various fields, and advancing equality, aligning with the national observance established in 1987. As a non-binding declaration, it directly affects all Michigan residents by providing a formal state-level recognition of Women’s History Month.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 28, 2026, as Rare Disease Day in Michigan to recognize the impact of rare diseases on thousands of Michiganders. It symbolically acknowledges that rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 Americans each and often involve challenges like delayed diagnoses and limited treatment access. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it simply encourages public awareness through the state's participation in the National Organization for Rare Disorders' nationwide observance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 253) is a ceremonial statement by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor the religious observances of Ramadan (for Muslims) and Lent (for Christians). It does not create new laws or affect any group legally; it simply recognizes these traditions and their shared values of compassion and service. The resolution specifically highlights the 2026 overlap of Ramadan and Lent as a unique opportunity for interfaith unity in Michigan. It formally commends Michigan's Muslim and Christian communities for their contributions to the state's civic and cultural life.

Maddy summaryHB 5579, the "Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees Act," prohibits most employers from using automated decisions tools (like AI for hiring) or electronic monitoring tools (like tracking software) for employment decisions affecting employees or job applicants. Employers may only use these tools for specific, limited purposes, such as screening large applicant volumes for job skills or monitoring essential work functions, safety, or compliance. The bill requires employers to obtain written consent from workers, provide clear notice of monitoring, ensure data accuracy, and use tools in the least invasive way possible. It directly affects all Michigan employers and their employees/applicants, creating new rules for technology use in the workplace.

Maddy summaryHB 5554 amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to strengthen protections against harassment in educational institutions. It directly affects public and private schools, colleges, and their students and staff by expanding the definition of harassment to explicitly include electronic communications (like texts or social media) and adding specific protections for students based on gender identity/expression and sexual orientation. Key mechanisms require educational institutions to prevent harassment that creates intimidating, hostile, or offensive environments, and clarify that discrimination includes harassment based on these protected characteristics. The bill updates existing provisions (Sec. 401-402) and adds new sections (402b-d) to ensure consistent enforcement of these protections.

Maddy summaryHB 5555 amends Michigan's Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act to strengthen protections against disability-based harassment in educational settings. It directly affects public and private schools, colleges, and vocational programs (defined as "educational institutions" in the bill) by requiring them to prevent and address harassment of students or staff with disabilities. Key provisions include defining harassment as unwelcome conduct based on disability (including electronic communications), mandating comprehensive prevention policies, and requiring institutions to respond promptly when harassment occurs. The bill adds new sections (402a-c and 606a) that detail how schools must publicize policies, train staff, and remedy harassment, while clarifying that institutions must exercise "reasonable care" to prevent such incidents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 22-28, 2026, as School-Based Health Care Awareness Week in Michigan. It recognizes Michigan's over 300 school-based health centers that provide primary, mental, and preventive care to students, highlighting their role in improving attendance, academic performance, and health outcomes. The resolution serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of these centers' work and does not create new policies, funding, or legal requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4279 would create a new apprenticeship program for Michigan National Guard members, allowing them to earn industry-recognized certifications while serving. The bill establishes a formal structure for training in high-demand fields like engineering and information technology, directly affecting Guard members seeking to build civilian career skills. Key provisions include requiring the Michigan National Guard to develop partnerships with employers and educational institutions to design the apprenticeships. The legislation is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 4530 requires mental health professionals (like therapists and counselors) to share relevant records with child welfare investigators within 7 days when a child abuse or neglect investigation is underway. It overrides standard confidentiality privileges (such as doctor-patient privilege) for these specific records to ensure timely information sharing. The bill also grants legal immunity to professionals who comply in good faith, protecting them from lawsuits unless gross negligence occurs. This change directly affects mental health providers and child welfare caseworkers in Michigan, streamlining access to critical information during investigations.