Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by clarifying definitions for political terms and expanding reporting requirements for specific nonprofit groups. It formally defines "501(c)(4) organizations" and "527 organizations" as entities that are controlled, directed, or staffed by candidates, elected officials, their appointees, or their family members. Additionally, the legislation provides new definitions for concepts like "election cycle," "honorarium," and "fund raising event" to ensure consistent application of campaign finance rules. These changes directly affect political candidates, public officials, and the nonprofit organizations that interact with them by establishing clearer boundaries for what must be disclosed to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain political nonprofits, specifically 527 and 501(c)(4) organizations, to electronically register with the Michigan Secretary of State within 10 days of forming. The registration must include the organization's name, the names of its key leaders, and the elected officials or candidates they support. The Secretary of State will make this information publicly available on their website, while political party committees are exempt from these requirements. Organizations that fail to register face civil fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on their financial balance, and individual officials associated with non-compliant groups may also be fined up to $1,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's probate laws to create a streamlined process for trustees to settle trust accounts without requiring immediate court approval. Under the new rules, a trustee must provide beneficiaries and other interested parties with a detailed report of the trust's assets, receipts, and expenses, along with a notice explaining that any objections must be submitted in writing within 45 days. If no objections are received during this period, the trustee may distribute the remaining assets, and the recipients are barred from later challenging the account or bringing claims against the trustee. However, if a party does object, they can either resolve the issue through a written agreement or take the matter to court, and the bill also allows a successor trustee to rely on this process to avoid liability for failing to object.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls on Heidi Washington, the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections, to resign due to alleged failures in addressing dangerous working conditions within state prisons. The bill cites severe staffing shortages that have forced officers to work excessive overtime, leading to fatigue, safety risks, and a high rate of vacant positions across multiple facilities. It further alleges that the administration has ignored union concerns, blocked legislative funding for retention and training, and fostered a culture of retaliation against employees who report issues. Ultimately, the measure seeks to hold the director accountable for these conditions without proposing specific policy changes or new laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from carrying firearms within 100 feet of locations where absentee ballots are being counted during processing. The restriction applies to anyone not in law enforcement or holding a valid concealed carry license, while allowing exceptions for security personnel and those with owner permission. Violating this rule is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $100, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from possessing firearms at polling places, early voting sites, and within 100 feet of ballot drop boxes or clerk offices during election periods. The restrictions apply specifically while polls are open on election day and for 40 days before an election near drop boxes, though they do not apply to peace officers, licensed concealed carry holders, or people transporting firearms in vehicles. Violating these rules is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $100, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate laws to improve how courts handle guardianships and conservatorships for individuals who cannot manage their own affairs. It introduces a new process allowing judges to appoint a temporary guardian for up to six months when immediate action is needed to protect a person's welfare, even if formal notice to all interested parties has not yet been given. The legislation also clarifies the procedures for removing or replacing conservators and allows interested parties to request specific court orders, such as requiring financial reports or adjusting bond amounts. These changes are designed to streamline oversight and ensure quicker responses to situations where a guardian or conservator is not effectively performing their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's legal process for appointing guardians or conservators for individuals who may be incapacitated. It requires courts to inform petitioners about less restrictive alternatives before filing and mandates the appointment of a legal representative for the individual unless they already have one. The legislation also establishes stricter rules for medical evaluations, ensuring that detailed reports on an individual's condition and capacity are shared with relevant parties while keeping the full report confidential from the public record. Additionally, the bill guarantees the right to an independent medical evaluation and outlines specific content requirements for professional assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Domestic Violence Firearm Protection Act, establishes new procedures for removing firearms from individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence in Michigan. It requires courts to inform defendants at sentencing that they must surrender any guns or concealed pistol licenses they own within 24 hours of their conviction or release from jail. The law designates specific law enforcement agencies or licensed dealers to accept these items and mandates a follow-up hearing to verify that the surrender has occurred. If a defendant fails to turn over their weapons voluntarily, the court can issue a search warrant to locate and seize them. Additionally, the bill outlines how surrendered firearms will be stored and the process for their eventual return or disposal once the legal prohibition period ends.

Maddy summaryHB 6134 amends Michigan law to strengthen personal protection orders by explicitly requiring the removal of firearms from individuals subject to domestic relations orders. The bill mandates that courts issue orders prohibiting respondents from possessing or purchasing guns if they are found to have committed acts of domestic violence or abuse against a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, or household member. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the absence of a police report, medical documentation, or physical evidence of abuse should not prevent a judge from granting a protection order. These changes aim to provide clearer legal mechanisms for victims to secure their safety and ensure law enforcement has immediate access to information about firearm restrictions.