Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's public health code to clarify definitions and reporting requirements related to elevated blood lead levels in children. It establishes specific thresholds for what constitutes an elevated level, requiring that a child's blood lead concentration meet or exceed 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or the current reference value set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The legislation also creates a new role for certified "EBL investigators" who must study a child's living environment to identify lead sources and provide reports on how to remove those exposures. Additionally, the bill defines terms such as emergency renovation operations and encapsulation to ensure consistency in how lead hazards are managed. The law will only take effect if a separate, related bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Liquor Control Code to prevent the Liquor Control Commission from using certain past violations to deny, suspend, or revoke liquor licenses. Specifically, it states that if at least two years have passed since a violation occurred, the commission cannot consider it when making licensing decisions. The law defines a "qualified violation" as any breach of the liquor code that is not a criminal offense or a state civil infraction. This change aims to ensure that older, non-criminal mistakes do not permanently bar individuals or businesses from holding liquor licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability of individuals in Michigan to have their criminal convictions set aside, specifically adding a provision for people who were convicted of crimes while being victims of human trafficking. Under the new rules, a person who was a victim of human trafficking can apply to clear any conviction they received as a direct result of that trafficking, provided they still meet the general limits on the number of offenses that can be expunged. The legislation also clarifies how certain deferred and dismissed charges are counted toward these limits and defines specific types of crimes, such as assaultive offenses and domestic violence, that are subject to stricter restrictions. By amending existing state law, the bill allows eligible individuals to petition the court for relief without changing the fundamental eligibility criteria for other applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's DNA identification profiling laws to require the permanent collection of DNA samples from individuals arrested for specific sex-related offenses, including prostitution and commercial sexual activity. It mandates that law enforcement collect these samples after an arrest but before sentencing, with the resulting DNA profiles retained in the state database unless the charges are dismissed or the person is acquitted. Additionally, the legislation imposes a $60 assessment fee on those convicted of these crimes, with the collected funds distributed between local law enforcement agencies and the state justice system to cover sample collection costs. The bill also clarifies that individuals do not need to provide a new sample or pay the fee if the state already possesses their DNA profile from a prior arrest for the same types of offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 5847 amends Michigan's Fourth Class City Act to update the language regarding a city's power to regulate prostitution and commercial sexual activity. The bill replaces the term "prostitution" with "commercial sexual activity" in the list of general powers granted to city councils to prevent vice and immorality. This change allows local governments in fourth-class cities to pass ordinances targeting these activities using more modern terminology. The legislation does not create new crimes or penalties but clarifies the scope of existing municipal authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan courts to seal eviction records under specific circumstances to protect tenant privacy while maintaining public access to certain serious cases. It mandates that records be kept private if a tenant has paid all owed rent, if no eviction order was issued, or if the eviction occurred during the state of emergency declared in 2020. Conversely, the law keeps records public if an eviction order was issued multiple times within three years or if the eviction was based on severe issues like illegal drug activity, health hazards, or physical violence. Additionally, the bill allows for the automatic sealing of eviction records seven years after a judgment becomes final, unless the case involves the prohibited serious reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's health care laws to create a clear process for designating a surrogate to make medical decisions for adults or emancipated minors who cannot do so themselves. It establishes a specific priority list for potential surrogates, starting with out-of-state designations, followed by spouses, adult children, parents, and siblings, while excluding individuals subject to protective orders or pending abuse charges. The legislation requires that a surrogate's authority ends when the patient regains decision-making capacity and mandates that the surrogate sign an acceptance form confirming they will act in the patient's best interest without receiving payment. Additionally, the bill allows patients to disqualify specific individuals from serving as surrogates and ensures that surrogates are informed of the patient's known treatment preferences.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Youth Rehabilitation Services Act to require DNA samples from minors under state supervision who are found responsible for specific crimes involving prostitution, child enticement, or indecent exposure. Under the new rules, youth agencies must collect these samples without the minor's consent or a prior court order, and the collected data can only be shared with law enforcement or in specific legal and research contexts. The legislation also mandates a $60 fee for these minors to cover the costs of DNA profiling and retention, unless the state already possesses their genetic information from a previous case.

Maddy summaryHB 5735 modifies Michigan's high school graduation requirements by updating the specific credits students must earn to receive a diploma. The bill mandates that graduates complete four math credits, three social science credits, and one credit in health, physical education, or arts, while also requiring two credits in a language other than English or equivalent coursework. Additionally, it introduces a new requirement for students entering eighth grade in 2023 to complete a half-credit personal finance course that can count toward math, arts, or language requirements. These changes apply to all public school districts and public school academies in the state, ensuring a standardized curriculum for graduation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's post-conviction DNA testing laws to allow certain felony defendants to request new trials based on DNA evidence. It establishes specific criteria for petitions, such as requiring proof that biological material exists, was not previously tested, or can be tested with more accurate modern technology. The legislation outlines the court's responsibilities to order testing, cover costs for indigent defendants, and determine whether the results warrant a new trial or the inclusion of the defendant's DNA in state databases.