Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHR 148 is a ceremonial resolution declaring August 2, 2025, as Neighborhood Empowerment Day in Michigan. It honors community organizations, volunteers, and grassroots efforts that improve neighborhoods through initiatives like beautification, youth programs, and civic engagement. The resolution has no policy or funding mechanisms - it is a symbolic gesture recognizing existing community work, such as efforts by groups like ARISE Detroit! that mobilize residents for local revitalization. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging these volunteer-driven community achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 147) formally declares August 7, 2025, as Purple Heart Day in Michigan. It commemorates the anniversary of the Purple Heart medal's founding (August 7, 1782) and honors military personnel wounded or killed in combat. The resolution directs the state to recognize Purple Heart recipients' sacrifices and expresses appreciation through the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly honor veterans.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 146) symbolically declares August 3-9, 2025, as National Health Center Week in Michigan. It recognizes Michigan's community health centers, which serve over 675,000 residents across 450+ sites and provide primary care, behavioral health, and other services. The resolution honors these centers' role in improving health outcomes, supporting local economies ($1.7 billion impact), and addressing healthcare access barriers statewide. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares July 21-25, 2025, as Fibroids Awareness Week in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes uterine fibroids - noncancerous uterine tumors affecting many women, especially Black women - and aims to raise public awareness about their health impacts. The resolution has no policy or funding provisions; it simply encourages Michiganders to learn about fibroids and support affected individuals. It is a ceremonial measure introduced by Representative Morgan Foreman and adopted on July 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares July 2025 as Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month in Michigan to raise public awareness about birth defects affecting the lip and mouth (cleft lip/palate). It does not create new laws, funding, or services but aims to highlight the needs of individuals and families affected by these conditions. The resolution cites that orofacial clefts impact 1-2 in 1,000 newborns and can cause feeding, speech, and health challenges requiring medical care. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House on July 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4742 amends Michigan's environmental permit process to address projects in communities disproportionately affected by pollution (environmentally overburdened communities). It adds a new section (Subpart 2) requiring state agencies to consider community impacts when denying permits or imposing additional conditions for such projects. The bill also repeals the Environmental Permit Review Commission, which previously reviewed permit decisions. This directly affects developers seeking permits in these communities and state agencies responsible for environmental permitting under the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

Maddy summaryHB 4731 amends Michigan's Fireworks Safety Act to allow local governments to regulate when and where residents can use consumer fireworks on specific holidays (like New Year's Eve, Memorial Day weekend, July 4, and Labor Day weekend), while prohibiting them from banning fireworks sales. It requires retailers to provide clear notices about permitted usage times and local rules with each purchase. The bill also permits local ordinances governing temporary structures (like tents) used for fireworks sales, but does not allow bans on retail sales or transportation. This directly affects local governments, retailers, and residents by clarifying permissible usage windows and retailer responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 4390 expands Michigan's vehicle code to allow testing of oral fluid (such as saliva) for controlled substances, alongside blood, breath, or urine, when determining impairment. It directly affects commercial drivers who refuse chemical tests for controlled substances or alcohol while operating commercial vehicles. The bill adds a new definition of "other bodily fluid" to include oral fluid and creates a process for "preliminary oral fluid analysis" conducted by certified experts at the scene. This change updates existing suspension rules for commercial drivers who refuse testing, ensuring consistent enforcement for controlled substances alongside alcohol. The policy change specifically targets commercial motor vehicle operators who decline chemical tests for drugs or alcohol.

Maddy summaryHB 4710 increases Michigan's standard marriage license fee from $20 to $50. It requires counties to allocate $15 of each fee paid by applicants to fund circuit court family counseling services, specifically for domestic violence and child abuse support. Nonresident applicants must pay an additional $25 fee, which goes to the county general fund. The bill ensures these funds are used for established counseling services or returned to the county if services aren't available, with fee waivers available for undue hardship cases.

Maddy summaryHB 4712 creates a new program through which the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will reimburse eligible Michigan National Guard members for premiums paid toward Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental coverage. The program allows the department to award grants to qualifying members who apply using a department-provided form, covering premiums for these specific health plans. It directly affects Guard members who are not on active duty and lack other employer or private health insurance. The bill establishes the framework for administering these reimbursements but does not specify funding amounts or application deadlines.