Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 5181 requires mediation for specific worker's compensation claims before they proceed to formal hearings. It applies directly to workers filing claims for medical benefits only, claims where the worker has returned to work, or claims without an attorney, as well as cases the agency identifies as suitable for mediation. The bill mandates that the agency schedules mediation meetings, provides claimants with clear benefit estimates, and explains their rights before the session. Unresolved claims under $10,000 must go to a small claims division, while larger claims go to a magistrate. Failure to participate in required mediation prevents a party from moving forward with their claim.

Maddy summaryHB 5182 amends Michigan's worker compensation law to clarify injured workers' access to medical care. It requires employers to provide payment for treatment from a worker's chosen doctor within 10 days of notice, or face a $100 daily penalty (capped at $25,000). The bill also establishes a preauthorization process for medical treatments, requiring employers to respond to requests within 10 business days or risk delays in care. These changes directly affect injured workers seeking medical treatment and employers/carriers responsible for covering costs under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 5165 requires Michigan's Department of Environment to transition from paper-based to electronic submissions for environmental compliance documents related to underground storage tanks starting October 1, 2026. It directly affects businesses managing underground fuel tanks, as well as other entities submitting registrations, inspection reports, and test results under Part 211 of Michigan's environmental law. The bill mandates a web-based digital system with features like mobile access, GPS tracking for facilities, embedded digital cameras for inspections, and 24/7 searchable document storage. This replaces current paper-based processes with a standardized electronic platform for all required submissions. The key change is making digital submission mandatory for all specified documents, improving data accessibility and management for the department.

Maddy summaryHB 5177 expands Michigan's workers' compensation coverage to include specific volunteer roles by amending the definition of "employee" in the Worker's Disability Compensation Act. It directly affects on-call members of volunteer underwater diving teams, safety patrol officers (including school volunteers), volunteer civil defense workers, and on-call members of life support agencies who are injured while performing duties - whether paid or unpaid. The bill ensures these volunteers receive full workers' compensation benefits, including wage replacement calculated using the state average weekly wage at the time of injury. This change extends existing protections to these volunteer groups without altering their status as non-employees under other laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5174 amends Michigan's probation law to prohibit courts from delaying sentences for defendants convicted of domestic violence offenses who have prior similar offenses, such as assault or domestic violence. The bill specifically blocks delayed sentencing under certain circumstances for repeat offenders in these cases, directly affecting individuals facing domestic violence or assault charges with prior convictions. Key provisions include requiring courts to impose supervision fees ($30/month without electronic monitoring, $60/month with it) for delayed sentences and defining "assaultive crime" and "interpersonal violence" to clarify coverage. The law also allows fee waivers for indigent defendants and specifies that these fees cannot overlap with existing supervision costs. This changes how courts handle probation eligibility for domestic violence cases without altering sentencing penalties.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the Trump administration and USDA to use existing emergency funds to continue SNAP food assistance benefits for 42 million Americans who would lose them on November 1 if the federal government remains shut down. It directly affects low-income households, including 1.4 million Michiganders, who rely on SNAP to afford food and other essentials. The bill cites prior government practice and GAO confirmation that contingency funds can legally cover SNAP benefits during shutdowns, as was done for the WIC program. The resolution formally requests this action to prevent a disruption in critical food support.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges President Trump and Congress to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for Michigan's 1.4 million recipients who would lose November payments due to a federal funding lapse. It highlights SNAP's critical role in supporting low-income families, including 43% with children, 36% with older adults, and 51% with disabled individuals. The resolution requests immediate action to ensure benefits continue for November and throughout the funding gap, emphasizing the risk of worsened food insecurity. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but formally expresses concern about the impact on vulnerable Michiganders.

Maddy summaryHB 5171, the "Household Water Lien Prohibition Act," prohibits water authorities from placing or acquiring liens on residential properties for water, sewage, or stormwater management services. It directly affects residential property owners by preventing service providers from using liens to collect unpaid bills, and water authorities by banning this practice. The bill dissolves all existing liens for these services created under the repealed 1939 law (MCL 123.161-123.167), which previously allowed such liens. This replaces the old law with a new prohibition, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 4693 modifies the licensing fee structure for cosmetologists in Michigan by amending sections 9 and 25 of the State License Fee Act (MCL 338.2209 and 338.2225). The bill directly affects cosmetologists, estheticians, and other licensed beauty professionals who pay state licensing fees to practice in Michigan. It changes the specific fee amounts or calculation methods outlined in the existing law, though the exact fee adjustments are not detailed in the provided text. This is a procedural change to administrative licensing requirements, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summaryThis resolution calls on the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to extend the 2025 firearm hunting season to November 1-30, 2025. It aims to give hunters and processors more time to donate venison through the Hunters Feeding Michigan program before SNAP benefits pause on November 1, 2025. The resolution does not change hunting laws but requests the Commission adopt these dates to support food bank donations during the SNAP interruption. It directly affects the Commission and the Hunters Feeding Michigan program, which distributes donated venison to food banks statewide.