Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 5522 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to update delegation rules for physician assistants (PAs). It clarifies that supervising physicians may delegate specific medical tasks to PAs under certain conditions, including direct physical supervision during procedures. The bill specifies that PAs can perform surgical tasks only when a licensed physician is present, and outlines requirements for health facilities to authorize such delegation. These changes directly affect PAs, physicians, and healthcare facilities by defining clearer boundaries for PA scope of practice under supervision.

Maddy summaryHB 5527 amends Michigan's penal code to increase penalties for assaulting public officials while they are performing their duties, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Penalties range from up to 2 years in prison for basic assault to up to 20 years for causing death, based on the severity of harm (e.g., bodily injury requiring medical care or serious impairment of body function). The bill also adds a provision clarifying that attending a protest is protected under the First Amendment and does not by itself violate disorderly conduct laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's abandoned vehicle law to simplify vehicle redemption for owners. It allows owners to pay a $40 fee plus accrued towing/storage costs to reclaim their vehicle instead of posting a bond, directly affecting those who don't contest abandonment claims. The key change replaces bond requirements with a fixed payment option for vehicles deemed abandoned after 48 hours on public property (or 18 hours with valid registration). This applies when owners fail to request a hearing within 20 days of receiving notice from authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 5528 amends Michigan's 1968 riot law (MCL 752.541 and 752.542) to clarify the definitions of riot and incitement to riot. It specifies that a riot occurs when five or more people acting together cause public terror through violent conduct, and incitement to riot involves urging others to commit unlawful violence, property destruction, or interfere with law enforcement officers. The bill explicitly states that peaceful protests - protected under the First Amendment and Michigan's constitution - are not violations of these provisions. This affects individuals participating in public gatherings or protests by defining clear legal boundaries between protected activity and unlawful conduct.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), declaring February 11, 2026, as "2-1-1 Day" in Michigan. It recognizes the 2-1-1 helpline service, which connects Michiganders to free health and human services (like housing, food, and disaster assistance) without creating new policies or changing how the service operates. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the existing 2-1-1 resource, which handled over 400,000 contacts in fiscal year 2025. It has no binding effect on state programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Week in Michigan. It formally recognizes the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization, which supports agricultural education for students in grades 7-12 through local chapters, leadership development, and career preparation. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but encourages Michiganders to celebrate FFA’s role in fostering student leadership, agricultural skills, and community engagement. It directly affects Michigan residents by promoting awareness of FFA’s educational programs and achievements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 16-20, 2026, as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) Awareness Week in Michigan. It aims to increase public and medical awareness of SCAD - a rare, life-threatening heart condition that disproportionately affects women, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, and is often misdiagnosed. The resolution encourages healthcare providers, researchers, and community leaders to promote education about SCAD and its warning signs. (Note: This is a symbolic awareness resolution, not a law with new requirements.)

Maddy summaryHB 5503 prohibits Michigan electric utilities from charging residential customers fees for paying bills using credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, electronic transfers, or money orders. The bill directly affects residential utility customers by banning these specific transaction fees. Key provisions require utilities to eliminate these fees for all payment methods listed in the bill, ensuring no additional cost for standard payment options. This policy change applies to all electric utilities operating in Michigan under the amended section 10p of the Public Utilities Act.

Maddy summaryHB 5509 prohibits employers in Michigan from requiring employees to sign agreements that block disclosure of violations (or suspected violations) of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. It specifically bans such agreements unless employers provide written notice of the prohibition, give employees at least 5 business days to consult an attorney, and ensure the agreement explicitly releases the employee’s civil rights claim. The bill amends the Elliott-Larsen Act (MCL 37.2101-37.2804) by adding Section 202b, making non-compliant agreements void. This directly affects Michigan employees covered by the Elliott-Larsen Act, ensuring they can report workplace discrimination without being silenced by restrictive contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 5508 prohibits settlement agreements in sex discrimination, harassment, or assault claims against employers from blocking disclosure of factual details about the claim. It applies to complaints filed with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or civil lawsuits under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The bill allows settlements to keep the claimant's identity confidential and hide settlement amounts, but not the facts of the alleged discrimination. Violating this rule makes the confidentiality clause void under Michigan law.