Rep. Regina Weiss

Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the experiences of children in the foster care system and honor the caregivers who support them. The resolution aims to increase public understanding of the challenges these children face and to celebrate the efforts of foster families, kinship caregivers, and child welfare professionals. By officially recognizing this month, the legislature encourages continued community involvement and support for youth in foster care without changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month specifically within the state of Michigan. The resolution serves as a symbolic declaration to encourage residents to increase public awareness and support for individuals living with these conditions. It does not alter laws, allocate funding, or create new programs, but rather promotes education and prevention efforts through a formal state proclamation.

Maddy summaryHB 5972 requires local governments in Michigan to notify the Secretary of State about specific election-related changes, such as modifications to how winners are determined, shifts between at-large and district-based elections, and plans to remove voters from registration lists. The bill mandates that these notices be submitted within set timeframes and must be posted on the state's website in an accessible format. If a local government fails to provide the required notifications, the Secretary of State must publicly list the violation on the website for at least one year. These new requirements are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028, after the Secretary of State consults with relevant organizations and voting rights advocates.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 14, 2026, as Hmong Special Guerrilla Units Veterans Remembrance Day in Michigan. It honors Hmong veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and later fled Laos as refugees. The resolution aims to recognize their historical contributions and sacrifices while promoting public awareness of their role in American history.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute by repealing an older act and creating a new entity to manage election data. The institute will be a partnership between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and funding most operations while the state covers initial setup costs. Its primary functions include collecting, archiving, and providing free public access to a wide range of nonpartisan election data, such as precinct-level results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and district maps. The database must maintain this information for at least 12 years before public release and permanently for archival purposes, while also offering research, training, and technical assistance to local governments and scholars. Additionally, the bill mandates that the institute implement cybersecurity standards comparable to those used by the state's technology department.

Maddy summaryHB 4557 modifies requirements for the Michigan Merit Examination, a standardized test taken by high school students in Michigan. The bill amends two sections of state law (MCL 388.1622p and 388.1704c) and repeals another section (MCL 388.1704b) related to the exam. These changes would directly affect Michigan high school students who are required to take the exam as part of their academic requirements or for college eligibility. The specific policy adjustments are not detailed in the provided context, but the bill focuses on altering the existing legal framework governing the exam.

Maddy summaryHB 4556 modifies specific requirements related to the Michigan Merit Examination (MME), a standardized test for high school students. The bill directly affects Michigan public high school students and school districts administering the MME. It changes certain provisions under the existing law (MCL 380.1279g) governing the exam's requirements, though the exact nature of the modifications isn't detailed in the provided context. The bill is currently pending in the Michigan House of Representatives after being referred to the Education and Workforce Committee and reported with a substitute.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a formal apprenticeship program for massage therapists in Michigan. It directly affects massage therapy schools and training programs by establishing a structured pathway for students to learn the trade under licensed professionals. The legislation amends existing public health laws to authorize the state board to set rules for this new training system and adds a specific section to the code to govern the program. By updating the legal framework, the bill aims to standardize how massage therapists are trained and certified within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Fund to provide disability benefits to specific first responders and public safety workers who develop PTSD from work-related traumatic events. It allows eligible individuals, such as firefighters, police officers, and 911 dispatchers with at least five years of service, to suspend claims against their employers and instead seek compensation from the fund if they meet the criteria. The legislation establishes a legal presumption that the PTSD arose from employment, which can only be overturned by clear and convincing medical evidence proving non-work-related causes or an incorrect diagnosis. Additionally, the bill sets strict timelines for processing claims, requiring hearings within 90 days and decisions within 30 days, while also defining which high-stress situations qualify as traumatic events.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Temporary Laborer Rights Act, establishes new regulations for temporary labor agencies, their clients, and the workers they employ in Michigan. It requires agencies to provide workers with clear written notices detailing job duties, pay rates, and meal or equipment costs before they start work. The law also mandates that agencies keep detailed records of transactions for seven years and makes these records available to workers upon request. Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies and clients from charging workers for meals they do not eat or for transportation to and from job sites. Finally, it includes provisions to prevent retaliation against workers who exercise their rights under the new rules.