Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's public health laws to require that donors of breast milk be tested for HIV before their milk is used. It applies to licensed facilities that collect human tissues or body fluids for introduction into a human body, ensuring that all potential donors are screened for the presence of HIV or antibodies to HIV. If a test result is positive, the milk cannot be used unless specific emergency exceptions apply, such as when testing is not possible due to exigent circumstances and both the donor and recipient provide written informed consent. Additionally, the law mandates that facilities must inform donors of any positive test results and holds violators civilly liable for damages caused by failing to comply with these testing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework for history museum authorities in Michigan, specifically allowing counties to create these public corporate bodies to support historical museums located in cities with populations over 500,000. The legislation outlines the procedures for forming an authority, including the requirement for a majority vote by county commissioners and public notice, while defining the board's composition and powers to enter into contracts and manage operations. A key provision grants these authorities the ability to levy a property tax of up to 0.4 mill for a maximum of 20 years, but only if approved by a majority of voters in the county. The funds raised through this tax must be used exclusively to support nonprofit entities that provide services to the designated history museums, and the bill also mandates that board meetings be open to the public and records be accessible.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's state housing development authority to update rules regarding the sale prices of affordable housing units. It allows the authority to make loans for projects where the average purchase price is capped at a specific limit relative to the average purchase price of similar units in the area. The changes primarily affect nonprofit housing corporations, cooperatives, and developers who build or rehabilitate homes for low- and moderate-income individuals. By adjusting these pricing constraints, the legislation aims to provide more flexible financing options while maintaining affordability standards for residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan school districts and academies to inform parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. Starting in October 2025, schools must send out a specific notice to all families, which can be done via email or mail. The state education department will provide this notice in English, Spanish, and Arabic on its website, and schools must post links to these pages on their own sites. The legislation also includes a provision protecting schools and officials from lawsuits related to distributing this information. Finally, the bill will only become active if another related piece of legislation, House Bill 5450, is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's public health code to explicitly allow licensed pharmacists to prescribe and dispense certain contraceptives. The law defines key terms such as "emergency contraceptive" and "hormonal contraceptive patch" to clarify which medications are covered under this new authority. By adding a new section to the statute, the legislation formalizes the pharmacist's role in providing these reproductive health services without requiring a separate referral from a physician.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan State Police to create a standardized set of response terms and a color-coding system for schools by July 1, 2026. The new rules will guide how public and nonpublic schools, along with local law enforcement, communicate during specific incidents occurring on school property. By establishing a uniform language and visual code, the legislation aims to improve coordination between schools and police when handling emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Enhanced Driver License and Enhanced Official State Personal Identification Card Act to clarify the information applicants must provide and how their data is handled. It requires individuals applying for these IDs to submit proof of citizenship, a completed application with personal details, and a fee, while also allowing them to opt out of voter registration on the form. The legislation outlines specific rules for capturing facial images and signatures, limits their use to authorized law enforcement purposes, and mandates that Social Security numbers remain hidden on the front of the cards. Additionally, it establishes procedures for verifying applications, retaining records for a set period, and managing designations for individuals with communication impediments.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan law requires all employers with at least one full-time employee to display a specific poster in a visible area of their workplace. The poster must provide contact information and details about various services available to veterans, including mental health support, job training, tax benefits, and resources from both state and federal agencies. The state departments of labor and military and veterans affairs will create and distribute this poster for free to help businesses comply with the new requirement. The rule takes effect on April 2, 2025, aiming to ensure veterans are aware of the assistance they can access through their employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan school districts to allow Native American students to wear traditional clothing and bring culturally significant items during school ceremonies. It defines these ceremonies to include events like graduations and honor society meetings, while ensuring that any prohibited weapons or dangerous items remain banned. The law specifically protects the right of Indigenous individuals to express their cultural and ancestral traditions within the educational setting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies operating in Michigan to cover mental health screenings for new mothers during the postpartum period. The law directly affects health insurers and the women who receive their coverage, ensuring these specific screenings are included in their policies. It achieves this by amending the state's insurance code to mandate compliance with existing public health guidelines regarding postpartum care. The measure becomes effective on April 2, 2025, provided a related companion bill is also enacted.