Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 5247 amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to exclude individuals serving prison sentences from the definition of "person" eligible to request public records. Specifically, it revises Section 2(g) to clarify that "person" does not include anyone incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities. This change directly affects people currently in prison, removing their right to access public records through FOIA requests. The bill maintains that all other residents retain full FOIA access rights, with no other policy changes to the act's core provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5226 requires health insurance policies sold or renewed in Michigan to cover treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders linked to strep infections (PANS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), including intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. This applies to all health insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed in Michigan or covering Michigan residents, starting 90 days after the law takes effect. The bill directly affects children diagnosed with these specific conditions by mandating insurance coverage for their treatment. It amends Michigan's insurance code to ensure these therapies are included in standard coverage without additional patient cost.

Maddy summaryHB 5216 requires Michigan correctional facilities to provide prisoners with a medical information release form, an emergency contact form, and explanatory materials upon intake. Prisoners must designate specific individuals to receive their medical information during critical emergencies (defined as hospitalization needs) and provide accurate contact details, with the responsibility to update this information if changes occur. During a critical medical emergency, the department must notify one designated emergency contact and may arrange hospital visits for approved family or clergy if medically appropriate. This bill directly affects prisoners in Michigan correctional facilities and their designated contacts, creating a formal process for sharing medical information during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 5223 prohibits retail box stores (over 20,000 sq ft) and membership warehouse clubs from using "dynamic pricing" on digital price tags. This means stores cannot change prices based on time of day, weather, customer location, or purchase history. The bill requires uniform pricing for all customers, mandates clear display of membership requirements and discounted prices if applicable, and requires stores to keep price change records for 12 months. It directly affects large retail chains using digital pricing systems in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 5222 prohibits Michigan retail grocery stores from using dynamic pricing for food, which means they cannot change prices based on time of day, weather, or customer data like location or purchase history. The bill allows price adjustments only for spoilage, restocking, or time-limited promotions if made by employees, applied uniformly, and clearly posted. Grocery stores must keep detailed price change records for 12 months and make them available to authorities upon request. Violations would be enforced under Michigan's Consumer Protection Act, directly affecting all grocery retailers operating in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 5224 amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act (MCL 445.903(z)) to explicitly prohibit grocery retailers from using dynamic pricing that charges consumers prices grossly exceeding those of similar goods or services. This makes such pricing practices a violation under existing law, directly affecting grocery stores and shoppers. The bill applies the current standard against "grossly excessive" pricing to dynamic pricing scenarios without creating new pricing rules. It does not alter the existing definition but clarifies that dynamic pricing must comply with the existing prohibition.

Maddy summaryHB 5204 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover prescription drugs for advanced metastatic cancer without first forcing patients to fail other treatments or prove prior drug failures. It directly affects patients diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread beyond its original site) and their health insurance plans. The law prohibits insurers from imposing conditions like "fail first" requirements or demanding proof of previous drug ineffectiveness before approving coverage for these drugs or related symptoms. This applies to all health insurance policies covering prescription drugs for such cancer cases. The bill defines "advanced metastatic cancer" and "associated conditions" (symptoms or side effects worsening without treatment) to clarify coverage requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5205 requires Michigan health insurers to cover specific breast cancer-related services without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for diagnostic exams, screening mammograms (every 5 years for ages 35-39, annually for 40+), outpatient treatment, and rehabilitation services like reconstructive surgery. The law prohibits deductibles, copays, or dollar limits on these services, aligning coverage terms with general medical care. This directly affects Michigan health insurance policyholders, particularly women needing breast cancer screening or treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 5208 prohibits the surgical removal of a cat's claws (declawing) unless it is medically necessary to treat an existing injury, illness, or health condition. It directly affects veterinarians, pet owners, shelters, and breeders who might otherwise perform the procedure for convenience or aesthetics. The bill defines "therapeutic purpose" narrowly to exclude cosmetic reasons, and violations carry civil fines of up to $2,500 for a first offense and $5,000 for repeat offenses. Enforcement would be handled by county prosecutors or the state attorney general.

Maddy summaryHB 4399 modifies Michigan law to expand the scope of practice for registered nurses certified as nurse practitioners. Specifically, it changes rules allowing these nurses to perform certain medical tasks - like diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications - without requiring direct physician oversight. The bill directly affects certified nurse practitioners in Michigan who currently face restrictions under existing law. It amends sections of the 1978 Public Health Code related to health occupations to clarify and broaden their authorized duties. The changes aim to adjust legal boundaries for these nurses' clinical responsibilities.