Rep. Regina Weiss

Maddy summaryHB 5431 allocates supplemental funding for Michigan public schools, primarily targeting districts affected by drinking water emergencies. It provides $10 million from the state school aid fund and $4.8 million from the general fund (2025-2026) for districts with at least 4,500 students (or 2,600+ post-2016) in cities with declared water emergencies, to hire staff like nurses and mental health workers and provide related services. The bill also allocates $12.5 million for educator talent programs through intermediate districts. All funds require reporting on service usage and must be expended by 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 5436 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover hearing aids and related services for qualifying enrollees. It mandates coverage up to $3,000 per hearing aid every 36 months (adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index starting in 2026), including evaluations, fittings, repairs, and related devices like earmolds. To qualify, an enrollee must be evaluated for hearing loss by an audiologist and medically confirmed as a hearing aid candidate by an otolaryngologist. Insurers may apply existing cost-sharing (like deductibles) but cannot exceed the $3,000 cap per device.

Maddy summaryHB 5439 creates the "Homeless Advocacy Fund" within Michigan's Department of Treasury, funded by money from the state's individual income tax system (specifically Section 435 of the 1967 Income Tax Act). The fund will provide annual support to the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness for programs, policy improvements, and direct services aimed at ending homelessness. All money in the fund must be used solely for this purpose, with unspent funds rolling over each year instead of expiring. The bill requires companion legislation (HB 5440) to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5438 modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to waive fees for vital records (such as birth, marriage, or death certificates) when individuals are fleeing or attempting to flee a dangerous situation, including domestic violence or abuse. This directly affects people escaping immediate threats who need these documents to establish identity, access services, or secure housing. The bill adds a specific provision to MCL 333.2891, requiring state agencies to provide these records at no cost in such circumstances. The change aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent vulnerable individuals from obtaining essential identity documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 5437 amends Michigan's identification card law (MCL 28.292) to add optional features for cardholders. It requires the Secretary of State to provide information about organ donation registries and allow individuals to indicate organ donor status via a heart symbol on their ID card. The bill also permits veterans to add a veteran designation (with verification) and includes space for emergency medical information stickers. The bill does not address fee waivers for domestic violence victims as suggested in its title; the provided text focuses solely on ID card content specifications, not fee changes. The bill is currently in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5429 is a supplemental appropriations bill that allocates additional state funding for the autism navigator program. It directly affects the program by providing dedicated financial resources to support its operations and services. The bill creates a new appropriation act to fund this specific initiative within the state budget for fiscal year 2026. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, and it remains pending in the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on December 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5428 amends Michigan's school aid law to clarify rules for virtual courses. It allows students in grades 6-12 to take up to two virtual courses per term without special approval, with exceptions requiring district determination of the student's best interest. School districts must publish virtual courses in district or statewide catalogs, provide mentors for enrolled students, and cover costs using foundation allowance funds (capped at 6.67% of target foundation allowance). The bill also lists specific, non-negotiable reasons districts may deny virtual course enrollment (e.g., grade level, insufficient prerequisites, or course quality) and requires written denial notices with appeal processes.

Maddy summaryHB 5440 would allow Michigan taxpayers to voluntarily contribute $5 or more from their state income tax refund to a new "homeless advocacy fund" starting with the 2026 tax year. The bill amends the tax code to add this specific checkoff option on income tax forms, alongside existing charitable designations like the Children's Trust Fund. Funds designated for this new fund would be distributed directly to homelessness services, with the requirement that the fund must raise at least $50,000 annually to remain on the tax form. This change affects all Michigan taxpayers who file individual income tax returns and choose to allocate a portion of their refund to this new cause.

Maddy summaryHB 4282 amends Michigan's liquor licensing law (MCL 436.1513) to change requirements for businesses selling alcohol for on-premises consumption. It directly affects restaurants, bars, and similar establishments seeking or holding licenses to serve alcohol at their locations. The bill modifies specific statutory provisions governing these licenses but does not specify new categories or additional restrictions. This change alters the existing legal framework for these permits without altering broader licensing categories.

Maddy summaryHB 5409 amends Michigan's Crime Victim Compensation Act to include temporary pet boarding costs as an eligible expense for victims relocating due to a crime. The bill adds subsection (l) to section 11, allowing up to $2,500 per claimant for pet boarding when immediate relocation is necessary for safety or well-being. This directly affects crime victims who own pets and must move quickly after a crime, expanding existing coverage that previously excluded pet-related costs. The change does not alter the $45,000 total award limit or other compensation categories. The bill was introduced in December 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.