Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryHB 5019 requires juveniles convicted of specific crimes - including prostitution-related offenses (like violating sections 451, 454, or 462 of the Michigan Penal Code) - to provide DNA samples and secretor status for state law enforcement databases. It directly affects juveniles found responsible for these offenses, mandating DNA collection by juvenile agencies without requiring consent or a court order. The bill imposes a $60 fee on affected juveniles to cover DNA profiling costs, with funds directed to the state police forensic division. This amendment expands existing DNA collection requirements under the Juvenile Facilities Act to include additional prostitution and commercial sexual activity violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4988 amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to strengthen tenant remedies when landlords violate rental agreement rules. It allows tenants to sue for $250 (or actual damages) if a lease contains prohibited terms (Section 3 violation) or lacks required terms (Section 4 requirement), with higher $500 penalties for the latter. Key provisions include permitting immediate lawsuits if landlords had "actual knowledge" of violations (requiring written proof), clarifying joint lawsuits to prevent multiple $250 claims, and exempting landlords from penalties if violations stem from later court interpretations of existing laws. This directly affects renters facing illegal lease terms and landlords who may face lawsuits or fines.

Maddy summaryHB 4994 limits fees landlords can charge tenants under Michigan's Truth in Renting Act. It directly affects renters and landlords by prohibiting undisclosed or unreasonable fees, including processing or convenience fees for utility payments provided by third parties. The bill requires all fees (other than rent) to be clearly disclosed, reasonable, and tied to actual costs the landlord incurred. Landlords may no longer charge tenants extra for paying utilities through public utilities or third-party services. This policy change aims to prevent unexpected charges while ensuring fee transparency in rental agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 5017 amends Michigan's DNA Identification Profiling System Act to require permanent DNA retention for individuals arrested or convicted of specific prostitution-related misdemeanors, including window peeping for commercial sex, indecent exposure, and leasing property for prostitution. This expands the current law, which previously required DNA collection only for felony offenses or certain other misdemeanors, by adding these particular prostitution offenses to the list triggering mandatory DNA collection. The bill affects people charged with these specific misdemeanors who would not have previously required DNA retention under the law. It does not change DNA collection for felony offenses or other existing categories.

Maddy summaryHB 4993 amends Michigan's landlord-tenant law to expand notice requirements for landlords when tenants need to terminate leases early due to certain victims of violence. It directly affects tenants who are victims of violence (such as domestic abuse) and their landlords by requiring clearer, specific written notices about termination options. The bill modifies existing law (MCL 554.601b) to ensure landlords provide tenants with detailed information on how to end a lease early without penalty due to safety concerns. This change aims to make the process more accessible and transparent for vulnerable tenants seeking to leave unsafe housing situations. The bill is currently in committee review after its introduction on September 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5011 would allow juveniles who were victims of human trafficking to have related criminal records sealed. It amends Michigan’s existing expungement law (MCL 712A.18e) to specifically include offenses committed while a juvenile was a trafficking victim, removing a barrier that previously prevented sealing such records. The bill applies to juveniles with up to one felony-level offense or three misdemeanor-level offenses directly tied to trafficking, as defined under current law. This change would enable victims to clear records that might otherwise hinder education, employment, or housing opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for individuals charged with crimes who were victims of human trafficking. It allows defendants to argue that their criminal act was a direct result of being trafficked, applying to both felony and misdemeanor charges under Michigan law. To use this defense, the defendant must prove it by a "preponderance of evidence" (more likely than not). The bill amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to include this provision, directly affecting trafficking victims facing criminal charges for acts committed under coercion.

Maddy summaryHB 4996 requires Michigan's department to make publicly available a specific form summarizing tenant rights, as mandated by the Truth in Renting Act (1978 PA 454, MCL 554.643a). The bill directs the department to provide physical copies at its office and post the form online within 60 days of the form's creation by the state court administrative office. This affects landlords participating in the state's rent vending program and tenants who receive the form, ensuring they have clear access to their rights. The key provision is the mandated public availability of the tenant rights summary, not new restrictions on landlords or eviction protections.

Maddy summaryHB 4992 updates Michigan's landlord-tenant law to clarify communication requirements for security deposits. It requires tenants to provide updated contact information (mailing address, email, or phone) within 4 days after moving out, and landlords must send an itemized damage notice with repair costs within 15 days of move-out. Landlords must use methods tenants previously agreed to (like email or text) to send these notices, and tenants must respond within 7 days to dispute charges - failure to respond forfeits the right to dispute. If landlords miss the 15-day deadline, they must immediately refund the full security deposit. This directly affects all Michigan landlords and tenants in rental agreements involving security deposits.

Maddy summaryHB 4995 prohibits Michigan landlords from using a prospective tenant's credit score as the sole factor in lease decisions. The bill allows landlords to accept "reusable screening reports" (consumer reports prepared within 45 days by the tenant at their own expense) without charging an application fee, and requires landlords to disclose screening criteria in writing before accepting an application. Landlords who decline to accept such reports may charge a $25 or less fee only if they provide the required written disclosures to applicants. This law directly affects landlords and prospective tenants in Michigan's rental housing market by changing tenant screening practices and reducing fees for applicants who provide recent credit reports.