Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 4534 creates a diversion program allowing misdemeanor defendants with mental illness to receive outpatient treatment instead of criminal prosecution for certain offenses, including crimes against health professionals (MCL 750.81d). It requires a court assessment by a qualified health professional to determine eligibility, after which the defendant may be diverted into up to 90 days of outpatient treatment for standard misdemeanors or 180 days for "serious misdemeanors." Charges remain pending but must be dismissed 90 or 180 days after the treatment order, unless the defendant fails to comply with the treatment plan, which triggers civil proceedings under existing mental health code sections. The program directly affects defendants facing misdemeanor charges who meet clinical criteria for mental health treatment diversion.

Maddy summaryHB 4544 creates Michigan's Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Stakeholder Council to review and set price limits for prescription drugs. The Board will establish upper payment limits for brand-name, generic, biologic, and biosimilar drugs, requiring manufacturers to justify price increases above the Consumer Price Index. This directly affects drug manufacturers, health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and patients by limiting how much they can charge for covered medications. The law aims to improve drug affordability through state oversight, with the Board required to conduct annual reviews and set rules for pricing.

Maddy summaryHB 4535 amends Michigan's mental health court eligibility rules under the Revised Judicature Act. It clarifies that admission to mental health court is discretionary (not a right), excludes individuals charged with or convicted of first-degree murder, sexual assault, or child abuse, and expands eligibility for those in youth programs or with deferred prosecutions. The bill requires courts to conduct mandatory screenings covering criminal history, risk assessment, mental health evaluation, and special needs before admission. All screening information remains confidential and cannot be used in criminal prosecutions, except for unrelated criminal acts. This directly affects individuals facing eligible charges and courts determining program participation.

Maddy summaryHB 4541 updates Michigan's notary public requirements by mandating that the Secretary of State issue each appointed notary a unique identification number (Sec. 11(3)). The bill requires applicants to provide additional details in their applications, including driver's license numbers, business addresses, and disclosures about past criminal convictions or notary appointments (Sec. 15). It also specifies that the Secretary must verify applicants' qualifications using law enforcement databases like ICHAT to check criminal backgrounds. These changes directly affect individuals applying for or renewing notary commissions in Michigan, streamlining the process while adding standardized verification steps.

Maddy summaryHB 4531 requires all mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect (such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers) to complete department-developed training every three years on recognizing abuse/neglect and fulfilling reporting duties. This amendment to Michigan’s Child Protection Law updates Section 9 of the 1975 law, replacing the prior training requirement with a specific 3-year cycle. The bill directly affects professionals legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It focuses on ensuring consistent, updated knowledge about detection and reporting procedures through mandatory, recurring training.

Maddy summaryHB 4520, the "hunger-free campus act," creates a program to designate Michigan college and university campuses as "hunger-free" if they meet specific requirements. It directly affects all public and private institutions of higher education in Michigan, including tribal colleges, by requiring them to establish student-administration task forces, provide SNAP enrollment assistance, ensure access to food pantries or stigma-free food options, and hold hunger awareness events. The bill mandates annual student surveys on food insecurity and requires campuses to develop meal credit donation programs or free food vouchers. The program aims to address student hunger through concrete campus-level actions and partnerships, with the state department overseeing implementation and reporting.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares June 2025 as Dairy Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant dairy industry. It highlights Michigan's status as a top dairy producer (ranking sixth in milk production, first in milk per cow) and emphasizes the industry's economic impact ($26.73 billion annually) and role in providing nutritious food. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the dairy sector's contributions to Michigan's economy and public health.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 119) designates June 3, 2025, as "Brain Cancer Awareness Day" in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes the impact of brain cancer - highlighting its high mortality rate, significant costs, and effects on children and young adults - while honoring patients, families, and Michigan's research leadership in brain tumor treatment. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or policies; it is purely a commemorative statement to raise awareness and acknowledge ongoing efforts. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House on June 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4287 modifies Michigan's individual income tax code to adjust deductions for retirement and pension benefits. It increases the maximum deductible amount for retirement income to $42,240 for single filers and $84,480 for joint filers, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. This change directly affects Michigan taxpayers who receive retirement or pension benefits, allowing them to reduce their taxable income by a larger portion of those benefits while maintaining specific eligibility rules. The bill does not alter other tax provisions or include broadband-related funding as referenced in its title.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4519 designates the stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.) as the official insect of the state of Michigan. This bill creates a new act solely for this symbolic purpose.