Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryHB 4094 modifies Michigan's jury eligibility rules to remove disqualifications for most criminal records, allowing prospective jurors with past convictions to serve unless the crime is similar to the current case. It also prohibits excluding jurors based on protected statuses (such as race, gender, or religion under Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act) or using peremptory challenges for invalid reasons like a juror living in a high-crime neighborhood. The bill requires courts to deny peremptory challenges if protected status appears to be a factor, with specific examples of invalid justifications provided. These changes aim to address historical discrimination in jury selection while keeping the process accessible for all eligible residents.

Maddy summaryHB 4091 replaces local jury boards with a centralized state system for jury selection across Michigan courts. It directs the State Court Administrative Office (under the Supreme Court) to create a statewide jury pool using driver's license and state ID data provided by the Secretary of State, eliminating county-level processes. The bill mandates electronic transmission of jury lists to courts, establishes a standard juror questionnaire, and requires annual updates to the jury pool list. This change directly affects all Michigan courts (circuit, probate, district, and municipal) and potential jurors statewide by standardizing jury selection procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 4092 is a technical amendment to Michigan's Probate Code (MCL 712A.17) that corrects outdated references following a prior repeal. It updates procedural language about court hearings, including requirements for adjournments (e.g., 14-day written notice for continuances) and jury demands in non-criminal probate cases. The bill does not create new policies but ensures the code accurately reflects current law. It depends on the passage of companion bill HB 4091 to take effect, as noted in its enacting section. This is a procedural correction affecting court procedures in probate matters, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4075 amends Michigan's minimum wage law to gradually increase the hourly wage for most workers. It sets specific rates starting at $10.00 in 2019, rising to $20.00 by 2030, with annual adjustments for inflation beginning in 2022. The inflation adjustment uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) and takes effect January 1 each year, unless unemployment exceeds 8.5% in the prior year. This bill directly affects low-wage workers and employers across Michigan who must comply with the updated wage schedule.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 11, 2025, as "White Shirt Day" in Michigan to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the United Auto Workers' (UAW) first contract with General Motors. It honors the UAW's history, including the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike, and recognizes the tradition of UAW members wearing white shirts to symbolize equality and respect for blue-collar workers. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no new policies or direct impacts on legislation or affected groups. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4040 bans most noncompete agreements between employers and workers in Michigan, directly affecting employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers. It prohibits employers from entering into, obtaining, enforcing, or even claiming that noncompete agreements apply to workers, except for two specific cases: (1) business owners selling their business, or (2) high-earning workers (over 200% of the federal poverty line for a family of three) with agreements limited to one year. The bill voids illegal agreements and allows workers to sue for damages, including lost wages and legal costs, if employers try to enforce prohibited terms. It specifically preserves agreements protecting trade secrets or restricting solicitation for qualifying high-earning workers.

Maddy summaryHB 4036 removes an expiration date (sunset provision) from Michigan's distance education reciprocal exchange program, which allows colleges and universities to share courses across state lines. The bill repeals Section 7 of the 2015 Higher Education Authorization and Distance Education Reciprocal Exchange Act (MCL 390.1697), making the program permanent. This directly affects Michigan colleges and out-of-state institutions participating in the reciprocal course-sharing agreement, ensuring the program continues without needing annual renewal.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 13) introduced by Michigan Representative Jasper Martus and adopted on January 29, 2025. It honors the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, recognizing his life, presidency, post-presidential humanitarian work through the Carter Center, and receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. The resolution expresses the Michigan House of Representatives' tribute to Carter's "spirit of humanitarianism" and commitment to "peaceful solutions" and "compassion in governance." It directs that copies be sent to the Carter family as a symbol of Michigan's esteem for his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns President Trump's January 20, 2025, pardons of individuals convicted for crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including 26 people from Michigan. It is a symbolic statement (not a law) expressing disapproval of pardoning those involved in the violent insurrection that injured officers and caused significant damage. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Matt Koleszar and sent to the President and Michigan congressional delegation for acknowledgment. It does not alter legal outcomes or impose new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares January 2025 as National Stalking Awareness Month in Michigan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies; instead, it symbolically recognizes stalking as a serious crime and acknowledges efforts by victim services and law enforcement. The resolution highlights Michigan's legal definition of stalking and relevant statistics (like 18,000 stalking reports in 2022) to underscore the importance of public awareness. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on January 28, 2025.