Rep. Jennifer Conlin

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specific exception to governmental immunity in Michigan, allowing public universities, colleges, and school districts to be sued for criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees. Under the new provisions, an institution can be held liable if it was negligent in hiring, supervising, or training the employee, or if it knew or should have known about the misconduct and failed to report it to law enforcement. Additionally, liability may arise if the school district had prior knowledge of the employee's history of sexual misconduct and did not intervene to prevent further acts. The law clarifies that a criminal conviction is not required for a lawsuit to proceed, ensuring that victims can seek civil remedies even if the perpetrator avoids criminal charges.

Maddy summaryHB 6054 clarifies and updates Michigan's existing laws regarding returnable beverage containers, specifically defining terms like "returnable container" and "reverse vending machine" to ensure consistency in enforcement. The bill introduces new restrictions on manufacturers selling nonalcoholic beverages in 12-ounce metal and glass containers that are not designated for return, applying these rules based on sales volume and redemption rates tracked by the Department of Treasury. These sales restrictions are set to take effect 90 days and 450 days after the bill becomes law, with separate thresholds established for the Upper Peninsula. By amending existing sections and adding new ones, the legislation aims to streamline regulations on bottle deposits and recycling without changing the fundamental requirement for a 10-cent deposit on returnable containers.

Maddy summaryHB 6049 modifies the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct in Michigan, extending the time a victim has to file a claim to 10 years. This change applies to cases where the alleged conduct falls under specific criminal sexual offenses, regardless of whether a criminal prosecution was ever filed or resulted in a conviction. The bill defines "criminal sexual conduct" to include acts prohibited under specific sections of the Michigan penal code and clarifies that a dating relationship involves frequent, intimate associations with an expectation of affection. By updating these timelines, the legislation ensures that survivors have a longer window to seek damages for injuries sustained from such conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's existing bottle deposit law to clarify and expand the rules for dealers accepting and refunding deposits on returnable beverage containers. It requires dealers to provide a convenient method for anyone to return empty containers and receive cash refunds during specific operating hours, regardless of whether the person originally purchased the drink. The legislation also mandates that containers clearly display their refund value and the state name, while prohibiting the sale of certain metal containers that can be opened by detaching parts. Additionally, it allows for the creation of regional centers to handle container redemptions and sets a daily limit on the amount of empty containers a dealer must accept for refund.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's laws regarding the time limits for filing claims against the state government. It extends the deadline for submitting these claims to three years from the date the claim first arises, aligning the rule with other state statutes. The legislation also clarifies the attorney general's authority to seek guardianship or estate administration for minors or incapacitated individuals in cases involving the state. Additionally, the bill specifies that these new rules apply retroactively to certain pending legal actions and notes that it only becomes effective if two related Senate bills are also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's civil procedure rules to create an exception to the standard notice requirements for lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct. Currently, individuals must file a written notice with the Court of Claims within one year of an incident to sue the state, but this legislation would allow those filing such specific sexual conduct claims to bypass that initial filing step. The change directly affects victims of criminal sexual conduct who wish to pursue legal action against the state, removing the immediate administrative hurdle of submitting a preliminary claim. The bill is tied to another piece of legislation, meaning it will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Attorney General to send an annual written notice to all beverage dealers starting in January 2028. The notice will detail the dealers' responsibilities regarding container redemption and provide contact information for the consumer protection division. However, the bill does not take effect unless it is tied to and enacted alongside a companion bill, HB 6054.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes declaring June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month throughout the state of Michigan. It aims to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of LGBTQ+ residents while commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. The resolution encourages all Michiganders to acknowledge the value of diversity and the specific roles LGBTQ+ individuals play in the state's economy and communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's natural resources laws to update regulations on commercial fishing, including allowable catch limits and quota percentages for various fish species. It establishes stricter record-keeping requirements for fish dealers and mandates that commercial fishers report their catch immediately after each fishing season ends. The legislation also introduces new financial penalties for illegal fishing, requiring offenders to pay fines based on the weight of the fish taken, and sets a rule that commercial licenses will be permanently revoked if a fisher commits five specific violations within a five-year period. Additionally, the bill rescinds several outdated administrative rules related to commercial fishing operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the definitions and operational requirements for veterans treatment courts. It clarifies who qualifies as a veteran for these programs, including those with specific service-connected mental health conditions, and establishes a non-adversarial approach that integrates drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment with the justice system. To implement these courts, the legislation requires local courts to form formal agreements with prosecutors, defense attorneys, community providers, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure coordinated support and monitoring. Additionally, the bill allows for transferring eligible participants between jurisdictions to ensure access to these specialized programs when local options are unavailable.