Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 4268 amends Michigan's Campaign Finance Act to give the Secretary of State authority to seek court orders (injunctive relief) to stop campaign finance violations. It adds specific circumstances for waiving late filing fees, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or loss of records, and requires the Secretary to provide public notice and comment periods for official interpretations of the law. The bill also establishes clear deadlines for handling complaints about violations, including requirements for signed complaints with factual certifications and structured timelines for responses and rebuttals. These changes aim to improve enforcement transparency and streamline compliance for campaign finance reporters.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 52) symbolically declares March 2025 as National Social Work Month within the state of Michigan. It recognizes the social work profession's contributions to community well-being, crisis response, mental health support, and advocacy - particularly during events like the pandemic. The resolution has no policy or funding mechanisms; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Michigan House of Representatives with no direct impact on laws, regulations, or services. It does not impose new requirements or alter existing programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 21, 2025, as Rosie the Riveter Day in Michigan to honor women who worked in factories during World War II, particularly in Michigan's Willow Run and Detroit facilities. It does not create new laws or obligations but encourages residents, schools, businesses, and organizations to observe the day through educational activities and community events. The bill specifically recognizes these women's contributions to wartime production and their role in advancing workplace equality. It is a symbolic gesture with no direct regulatory impact on individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares April 7-13, 2025, as National Public Health Week in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes the work of public health professionals across the state, including those protecting water safety, conducting screenings, and preventing disease. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of public health contributions. It directly honors public health workers in Michigan but has no binding effect on legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 51) is a symbolic request urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to release $56 million in FEMA disaster relief funds already allocated to Michigan. It directly affects Michigan's emergency management agencies, local governments, and nonprofits that rely on these funds for disaster response, recovery, and public safety programs. The resolution states delays in releasing these funds strain state resources and risk disrupting critical emergency services following natural disasters. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change funding policy but formally requests federal action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 21, 2025, as "Abolitionist Day" in Michigan to honor the state's history in the anti-slavery movement. It specifically recognizes Laura Smith Haviland, an Adrian, Michigan abolitionist who aided freedom seekers via the Underground Railroad and was inducted into the National Abolition Hall of Fame. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely commemorative. It directly affects Michigan residents by establishing an official state observance day. The resolution was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors the 50th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a global nonprofit providing family support during children's healthcare. It recognizes RMHC's network of 385 houses, 270 family rooms, and 40 care mobiles that offer lodging, meals, and medical services to families, including five locations in Michigan. The resolution has no binding effect or new policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, expressing legislative appreciation for RMHC's work. It was introduced and adopted by the House on March 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 47) symbolically declares March 16-22, 2025, as "Sunshine Week" in Michigan. It recognizes the national observance focused on promoting government transparency and public access to information, aligning with the 20th anniversary of the initiative. The resolution has no policy changes or new requirements - it simply affirms the state's commitment to open government principles through a formal declaration. It directly affects all Michigan residents by highlighting the importance of transparency in state operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4243 amends Michigan's Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act to include regional airport authorities as covered public employers under the law. This means employees of regional airport authorities (such as those managing airports across the state) will now be subject to the same health insurance contribution rules as other public employees, like state workers or school district staff. The bill clarifies that these authorities must contribute to health insurance costs for their employees, following the same framework as other public employers defined in the existing law. It does not create new benefits but ensures airport authorities comply with the same health insurance contribution requirements as other public entities.

Maddy summaryHB 4250, the "Public Library Freedom to Read Act," requires Michigan public libraries (excluding school and district libraries) to adopt policies governing material selection and removal. It mandates that libraries establish clear standards for adding or removing books, DVDs, and other materials, and creates a formal process for residents to request reconsideration of materials. Crucially, the law prohibits libraries from removing materials based on an author’s protected characteristics (like race or religion) or the material’s viewpoint, allowing removal only if material is legally obscene or unprotected by the First Amendment. Libraries must adopt compliant policies within 90 days, and residents or the attorney general can seek court orders to enforce the law or restore removed materials. This directly affects public libraries and residents seeking to challenge library collections.