Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan State Department of Transportation to coordinate with local transit agencies to allow them access to park-and-ride lots as intermodal transfer points. It requires the department to prioritize these transfer points when working with transit agencies, regardless of whether the original lot construction included specific accommodations for them. Additionally, the bill mandates that the state develop a comprehensive ridesharing program and provides for annual funding to support these efforts. The primary change affects how park-and-ride facilities are utilized by public transportation systems to improve connectivity and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan law to automatically remove certain criminal convictions from public records without requiring individuals to file a formal application. It establishes specific timeframes and eligibility criteria for expunging misdemeanors and felonies, such as requiring seven or ten years to pass since sentencing or release from prison. The law includes strict limitations, such as capping the number of convictions that can be cleared and excluding serious offenses like assaultive crimes, crimes of dishonesty, and those involving minors. Implementation of these automatic expungements is scheduled to begin two years after the bill's effective date, pending necessary funding and technological setup by state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes new annual fees for individuals seeking or holding an interior design license in Michigan. Under the proposed changes, applicants would pay a $175 application processing fee, and licensed professionals would be required to pay a $125 yearly license fee. The legislation is contingent on the passage of a companion bill, meaning these fees will only take effect if both related measures are enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's domestic violence prevention laws to explicitly allow shelters to accept common household pets, such as dogs and cats, alongside victims and their children. By updating the definition of a "family or household member" and revising shelter requirements, the legislation ensures that emergency housing programs can accommodate animals as part of their crisis support services. Prime sponsors, which include local governments and nonprofit organizations, may use state funds to establish or maintain these inclusive shelter programs that offer counseling, legal aid, and other essential resources. The changes aim to remove barriers for victims seeking immediate safety by recognizing the emotional and practical importance of keeping pets during domestic violence situations.

Maddy summaryHB 6012 prohibits insurance companies in Michigan from denying, canceling, or raising premiums on residential property liability policies based solely on the breed or mix of dogs owned by the policyholder. The bill also bans insurers from asking about or investigating specific dog breeds when underwriting these policies. While the law restricts breed-based decisions, it allows insurers to continue adjusting rates or coverage based on other standard underwriting factors unrelated to dog breeds. This change applies to all residential property liability insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5583 amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to give the Secretary of State the authority to apply to the Ingham County circuit court for injunctive relief when a complaint alleges a violation of campaign finance rules. The bill establishes a formal process for citizens to file complaints against individuals or committees, requiring the Secretary of State to notify the accused party and allow for written responses and rebuttals before any legal action is taken. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the standards for waiving late filing fees due to specific hardships and sets strict timelines for the Secretary of State to issue rulings on requests for legal interpretations. This measure is designed to provide a structured mechanism for enforcing campaign finance laws while ensuring due process for those accused of violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program to help private-sector employees save for retirement through automatic payroll deductions. It creates a new oversight board and a separate trust fund to manage individual retirement accounts for enrolled workers, ensuring the money remains distinct from state funds. Employers that do not currently offer qualified retirement plans are required to participate by allowing employees to make automatic contributions from their paychecks. The legislation also sets up a separate administrative fund to cover the program's operational costs and defines the specific duties of the state officials who will run the system.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 2024 as Menopause Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the health and economic impacts of menopause on women. It recognizes that symptoms like hot flashes, memory loss, and anxiety can significantly affect daily life, work performance, and long-term health risks such as heart disease. The measure urges health workers to receive training on menopause, encourages the public and providers to access information about treatment options, and calls for additional research into managing these symptoms.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates a reference in Michigan's income tax law to align with a related measure that has not yet been passed. It does not create new taxes or change tax rates but instead modifies a specific section of the Income Tax Act of 1967. The bill's primary effect is contingent, meaning it will only take effect if a companion bill is also enacted into law. If it becomes active, it would adjust how certain revenue amounts are deposited into the state treasury for the Michigan transportation fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's governmental immunity laws to clarify when public employees and agencies are protected from lawsuits for injuries or property damage. It maintains broad immunity for officials acting within their authority unless their conduct involves gross negligence, while explicitly preserving existing protections for judges, legislators, and high-level executives. The legislation also defines specific exceptions, such as removing immunity for medical care provided in certain hospitals and ensuring liability remains for underground facility damage. Additionally, it establishes that public universities and school districts cannot claim immunity for criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees or agents.