Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 6172 updates the Michigan Public Health Code to clarify how animal shelters and other Class B dealers can legally obtain and use sodium pentobarbital for euthanizing injured, sick, homeless, or unwanted domestic pets. The bill requires these facilities to secure a limited permit, maintain usage records, and ensure staff complete specific training programs approved by the state veterinarian that align with American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines. Additionally, it establishes a transition period for existing staff to meet new training requirements by January 1, 2022, while also reinforcing general rules for prescribing and dispensing controlled substances by practitioners and pharmacists.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Michigan school districts, academies, and intermediate districts from hiring or retaining individuals who worked for specific federal immigration agencies between September 1, 2025, and January 20, 2029. The affected agencies include Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. The law applies to any role within these educational institutions and targets people who were employed by these organizations during that specific future time frame.

Maddy summaryHB 6173 updates the Michigan penal code to clarify definitions and strengthen penalties related to animal fighting and baiting. The bill explicitly defines "animal control agencies" as shelters licensed under the Animal Protection Act and expands prohibitions to include renting or obtaining venues for these illegal activities. It also mandates that animal control agencies sterilize or secure a deposit for sterilization before adopting animals with fighting histories. Additionally, the legislation imposes stricter sentencing guidelines for owners whose trained fighting animals attack people and establishes specific misdemeanor charges for failing to restrain such animals on their property.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Michigan to count payments made by patients or on their behalf toward out-of-pocket maximums and cost-sharing requirements for prescription drugs. The rule applies to both standard plans and high-deductible plans, with a specific exception for high-deductible plans where counting such payments would disqualify a patient's health savings account. The legislation takes effect for policies delivered, issued, or renewed in the state after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers and distributors of electric scooters and skateboards sold in Michigan to permanently attach a label showing the device's top speed and motor wattage. The label must be placed in a prominent spot, printed in Arial font, and use at least 9-point type. Additionally, the law prohibits anyone from modifying a device's speed or motor settings without updating the label to reflect the new specifications. These rules apply to micromobility devices that are distinct from bicycles, electric bicycles, or mopeds. The bill does not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion Senate bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Safe Access to Facilities Act, prohibits Michigan state and local government agencies from allowing federal immigration officers into nonpublic areas unless a court issues a judicial warrant. The law specifically targets the conduct of government employees, requiring them to refuse entry to private spaces without a warrant based on probable cause. However, the legislation includes exceptions that allow access without a warrant during criminal investigations, when there is an immediate threat to public safety, or when emergency medical care is needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the certification or recertification of certain individuals as local corrections officers in Michigan if they have worked for specific federal immigration agencies between September 1, 2025, and January 20, 2029. The law directly affects people seeking to become local corrections officers on or after January 1, 2005, by adding a new requirement that they must not have been employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services during that three-year window. While the bill maintains existing requirements for U.S. citizenship, age, and high school education, it introduces this specific employment restriction to prevent federal immigration workers from transitioning into local correction roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Shielding Information for Lawful and Ethical Disclosure Act, prevents Michigan government agencies from sharing large amounts of personal data with federal immigration officials without specific authorization. It defines "bulk disclosure" as transferring data on multiple people without reviewing each case individually and allows such sharing only if a court order exists, the transfer serves a specific law enforcement purpose, or it is immediately necessary to protect health and safety. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal departments and officers, while giving the state attorney general the power to seek court orders to stop illegal data sharing.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals who worked for specific U.S. immigration agencies between September 1, 2025, and January 20, 2029, from becoming or remaining state correctional officers in Michigan. It requires all correctional officers to be certified or recertified by the Michigan Commission of Corrections, but explicitly excludes those with recent employment at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services from this requirement. The law applies to anyone seeking certification or recertification after six months from the act's effective date, ensuring that only eligible candidates meet the state's training standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws to regulate pet shops, animal shelters, and dog breeding facilities by requiring them to undergo state inspections and obtain licenses. It establishes clear definitions for different types of facilities, such as small-scale and large-scale breeding kennels, and mandates that all adopted dogs, cats, and ferrets be altered, or spayed/neutered, unless specific exceptions apply. The legislation also creates a requirement for veterinarians to issue health certificates for animals sold by pet shops or breeders, ensuring they are free from visible communicable diseases. By amending existing statutes and adding new sections, the bill aims to standardize procedures and minimum requirements across the state to improve animal welfare and public safety.