Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryHB 6233 allows specific state law enforcement officers, including corrections staff, conservation officers, and certain state police personnel, to voluntarily transfer from the general state employees' retirement system to the Michigan State Police Retirement System. Eligible employees must submit a written election between August 4, 2027, and October 17, 2027, which becomes effective on January 3, 2028, and is irrevocable once filed. The bill permits these individuals to transfer their personal contributions and vested employer contributions from the general system to purchase service credit in the state police system. This legislation only takes effect if two related bills, HB 6234 and HB 6235, are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 6234 allows certain law enforcement officers who were first hired after a specific date to purchase service credit for time previously worked under the state employees' retirement system. This provision applies to members covered by sections 4(1)(b), (d), and (f) of the State Police Retirement Act, enabling them to count their prior civilian service toward their law enforcement retirement benefits. To qualify, officers must pay an amount equal to the actuarial value of that service, with payments made through tax-deferred or additional payment methods established by the retirement system. The bill sets a deadline of October 17, 2027, for initiating these purchases and requires completion within four years, while also stipulating that this act overrides any conflicting provisions in collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 6235 expands the definition of who can join Michigan's state police retirement system to include certain law enforcement officers hired after June 7, 2027, as well as those who previously left the state employees' retirement system. The bill allows these new members to purchase credit for prior service under the state employees' retirement system and treats them as if they first became members after June 9, 2012. This change ensures that officers in eligible positions, such as conservation officers and state police motor carrier officers, have access to specific retirement benefits and tier structures similar to those available to earlier hires.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan constitutional amendment would require the legislature to present passed bills to the governor within 14 calendar days of final passage, or by noon on December 31 in an even-numbered year, whichever comes first. It also mandates that proposed constitutional amendments be filed with the secretary of state within the same 14-day window or by the end of the legislative session deadline. The resolution clarifies that the governor has exactly 14 days to consider a bill and specifies that if the governor does not return a vetoed bill within that period, it becomes law automatically. These changes aim to establish strict timelines for legislative actions to prevent bills from lingering without official executive review or public filing.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 342 urges the U.S. House of Representatives to reject Amendment 041 to the BUILD America 250 Act, a provision that would shield rideshare and delivery companies from vicarious liability for injuries or damages caused by their drivers. The resolution argues that this amendment would prevent victims from holding platforms accountable under state law unless the company is found to be grossly negligent or criminally wrongdoers, citing concerns about sexual assault cases on these apps. By blocking this federal preemption, the bill aims to preserve states' authority to regulate liability and ensure companies can be held responsible for harms arising from their operations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution amends Rules 16 and 19 of the Joint Rules to establish specific deadlines for processing legislation in the state legislature. It requires that enrolled bills be presented to the Governor, or constitutional amendments filed with the Secretary of State, within 14 calendar days of final passage or by December 31 of an even-numbered year, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the resolution mandates that passed bills be transmitted to the other legislative chamber within 30 minutes of a vote unless a motion for reconsideration is pending. These changes also set similar filing deadlines for bills where the Governor's veto has been overridden or where the Governor fails to act within the constitutional timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires K-5 teachers and literacy support staff in Michigan to complete specific professional training focused on reading and literacy instruction by the 2029-2030 school year. The legislation designates a single state-approved provider to deliver the training, which must cover evidence-based reading methods, assessment strategies, and a multitiered system of supports for addressing learning difficulties. School districts must report annual compliance data to the state department, which will publish public reports on implementation progress and recommend funding adjustments as needed. The training includes mandatory components on phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and data-driven decision-making, with phased implementation beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryHB 4103 adds a new section to Michigan's health occupations law to implement an occupational therapy licensure compact. This bill allows occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, and vice versa for therapists from other compact states. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines, reducing barriers to practice. The compact mechanism establishes standardized licensing requirements among participating states, streamlining the process for therapists to provide services in multiple jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4104 updates Michigan's occupational therapy licensing rules to join a multi-state licensure compact. This would allow occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill modifies existing law to align with the compact's standards and adds new sections for implementation. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines within the compact.

Maddy summaryHB 4042 exempts food vendors at temporary outdoor events like festivals, fairs, and community celebrations (e.g., chili cook-offs or cultural festivals) from standard food safety regulations that apply to permanent food service establishments. Specifically, it removes the requirement for these vendors to comply with the Michigan Food Code, food safety audits, and sanitation assessments during their temporary operations. This change directly affects food concession operators at events defined as "festivals" or "fairs" under the bill, including those held by local organizations or agricultural societies. The exemption applies only to the temporary nature of these events, not to permanent food service locations like restaurants or grocery stores. This is a technical amendment to existing law, not a new policy.