Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Michigan distributes revenue from the state recreation passport fee, which is a charge added to vehicle registration for residents who use state parks and forests. The primary change adjusts the percentage of remaining funds allocated to state parks based on how many people purchased the passport in the previous year. If fewer than 55% of eligible residents bought a passport, a larger share of the leftover money goes to capital improvements and marketing, whereas a higher participation rate directs more funds toward general park operations and maintenance. Additionally, the bill updates the fixed dollar amounts for specific accounts to automatically increase with inflation and clarifies how the state estimates potential revenue from vehicle owners who are currently exempt from the fee.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's penal code to strengthen protections and procedures for minors involved in human trafficking cases. It establishes a legal presumption that children under 18 are coerced into sex or labor trafficking offenses, shifting the burden to the prosecution to prove otherwise if they wish to avoid this classification. The legislation also mandates that law enforcement immediately report suspected trafficking involving minors to the Department of Health and Human Services, which must then begin an investigation within 24 hours. Additionally, the bill clarifies how prior convictions affect sentencing severity and outlines specific evidence types courts can use to verify a defendant's criminal history. These changes directly impact law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and the Department of Health and Human Services in handling cases involving child victims of trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's laws on expunging criminal convictions by clarifying how multiple offenses are counted and adjusting the waiting periods before individuals can apply to have their records set aside. Under the new rules, crimes committed within a 24-hour window and stemming from the same incident will be treated as a single offense unless they involve assault, weapons, or carry a maximum penalty of ten years or more. The legislation also establishes specific waiting times based on the severity of the crime, ranging from three years for standard misdemeanors to seven years for serious felonies, and requires applicants to have no pending charges or new convictions during those waiting periods. Additionally, the bill mandates that expungement applications include detailed personal information, a certified record of the convictions, and a $50 processing fee paid to the state police.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow honorably discharged veterans and active-duty military members free entry into state parks and public boating access sites. It requires these individuals to display a special hangtag, sticker, or form issued by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs after their status is verified, rather than paying the standard recreation passport fee. The change applies to resident vehicles entering these locations and does not affect nonresident vehicle entry rules or other existing fee exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for people charged with crimes if they can prove they committed those acts because they were victims of human trafficking. Under the new rule, a defendant must show by a "preponderance of the evidence" that their criminal behavior was a direct result of being trafficked. This provision applies to both felony and misdemeanor charges and allows courts to consider the trafficking victim status as a reason for the offense. The law takes effect 90 days after it is signed into legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 5849 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the legal definitions and references regarding prostitution within the state's nuisance laws. The bill modifies specific sections of the law to ensure consistency with current terminology and statutes concerning commercial sexual activity and related offenses. It classifies buildings, vehicles, and other locations used for prostitution as nuisances and holds owners or operators accountable for maintaining such spaces. This change is a technical update to existing legal frameworks rather than a new criminal prohibition, and it requires the passage of a companion bill to become effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Education to create and distribute informational notices about sextortion to school districts, academies, and their staff, students in grades 6 through 12, and parents. The notices must explain the legal definition of sextortion, include the relevant state law, and provide contact details for the state police office of school safety. Additionally, school boards are mandated to develop educational policies on the topic and hold at least one annual meeting to share free resources on sextortion from federal and national organizations. The legislation defines sextortion as a form of child sexual exploitation where an adult threatens to share a minor's nude or sexual image unless they provide more content, engage in sexual activity, or pay money.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan e-bike transportation incentive program to provide financial assistance for purchasing electric bicycles. It creates a process where the state issues discount vouchers to residents who are at least 18 years old and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as participating in certain assistance programs or having a household income below 300% of the federal poverty level. Qualified residents receive a voucher worth up to $300, while income-qualified residents receive up to $600, both capped at 90% of the bike's price and limited to one per person. The program requires retailers to register with the state and mandates that vouchers be redeemed within one year, with the initiative set to end on December 31, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's child care laws to strengthen background check requirements for staff, household members, and license applicants. It establishes specific rules that automatically disqualify individuals from working in child care if they refuse background checks, provide false information, or have convictions for crimes such as child abuse, sexual offenses, domestic violence, and certain felonies involving harm or fraud. The legislation also sets time limits on how long past felony or misdemeanor convictions must have occurred before an individual becomes eligible to work in a child care setting.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's public health code to clarify and expand testing and counseling requirements for individuals charged with or convicted of prostitution and related offenses. It mandates that courts order medical examinations for sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV for defendants at various stages of the legal process, including arrest, pre-trial release, and after conviction. The law also requires that test results be shared with defendants and health departments for partner notification, while ensuring that counseling and testing services are provided confidentially. Additionally, the bill specifies that victims of sexual offenses can request expedited testing within 48 hours of a defendant's custody or indictment.