Rep. Regina Weiss

Maddy summaryHB 5181 requires mediation for specific worker's compensation claims before they proceed to formal hearings. It applies directly to workers filing claims for medical benefits only, claims where the worker has returned to work, or claims without an attorney, as well as cases the agency identifies as suitable for mediation. The bill mandates that the agency schedules mediation meetings, provides claimants with clear benefit estimates, and explains their rights before the session. Unresolved claims under $10,000 must go to a small claims division, while larger claims go to a magistrate. Failure to participate in required mediation prevents a party from moving forward with their claim.

Maddy summaryHB 5182 amends Michigan's worker compensation law to clarify injured workers' access to medical care. It requires employers to provide payment for treatment from a worker's chosen doctor within 10 days of notice, or face a $100 daily penalty (capped at $25,000). The bill also establishes a preauthorization process for medical treatments, requiring employers to respond to requests within 10 business days or risk delays in care. These changes directly affect injured workers seeking medical treatment and employers/carriers responsible for covering costs under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 5177 expands Michigan's workers' compensation coverage to include specific volunteer roles by amending the definition of "employee" in the Worker's Disability Compensation Act. It directly affects on-call members of volunteer underwater diving teams, safety patrol officers (including school volunteers), volunteer civil defense workers, and on-call members of life support agencies who are injured while performing duties - whether paid or unpaid. The bill ensures these volunteers receive full workers' compensation benefits, including wage replacement calculated using the state average weekly wage at the time of injury. This change extends existing protections to these volunteer groups without altering their status as non-employees under other laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5174 amends Michigan's probation law to prohibit courts from delaying sentences for defendants convicted of domestic violence offenses who have prior similar offenses, such as assault or domestic violence. The bill specifically blocks delayed sentencing under certain circumstances for repeat offenders in these cases, directly affecting individuals facing domestic violence or assault charges with prior convictions. Key provisions include requiring courts to impose supervision fees ($30/month without electronic monitoring, $60/month with it) for delayed sentences and defining "assaultive crime" and "interpersonal violence" to clarify coverage. The law also allows fee waivers for indigent defendants and specifies that these fees cannot overlap with existing supervision costs. This changes how courts handle probation eligibility for domestic violence cases without altering sentencing penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 5171, the "Household Water Lien Prohibition Act," prohibits water authorities from placing or acquiring liens on residential properties for water, sewage, or stormwater management services. It directly affects residential property owners by preventing service providers from using liens to collect unpaid bills, and water authorities by banning this practice. The bill dissolves all existing liens for these services created under the repealed 1939 law (MCL 123.161-123.167), which previously allowed such liens. This replaces the old law with a new prohibition, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 4254 prohibits public bodies (like state agencies, universities, or local governments) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It specifically bans methods that would cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or invasive procedures (such as surgery), with exceptions for veterinary training with owner consent and routine procedures like spaying/neutering. The bill establishes civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per violation for noncompliance, enforced by county prosecutors or the attorney general. Named "Queenie's Law," it amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add these protections for dogs used in experimental purposes.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges the Wayne County Airport Authority to stop plans for a cigar bar in Detroit Metropolitan Airport's McNamara Terminal. It opposes seeking an exemption from Michigan's smoke-free law, which has banned indoor smoking at DTW since 2010. The resolution highlights concerns about secondhand smoke risks to travelers, employees (over 18,000 at DTW), and the fact that only 3.5% of adults smoke cigars. It does not change laws but formally requests the airport authority halt these plans.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 15, 2025, as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in Michigan. It directly honors families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss - impacting all Michiganders who experience these losses or support affected individuals. The bill aims to raise public awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, encouraging communities and professionals (like healthcare workers and educators) to provide more compassionate support. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge these experiences.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 9, 2025, as PANDAS Awareness Day in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) to promote public awareness about these conditions. The resolution does not create new laws or provide funding - it joins national and state-level recognition efforts to support affected children and families through education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 15, 2025, as a day of remembrance for the 1900 Burt Lake Burnout in Michigan. It commemorates the forced displacement and burning of homes of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians by county authorities acting for a land speculator. The resolution directly honors the Burt Lake Band and acknowledges this historical injustice as part of Michigan's history. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy or legal effect beyond recognizing the event.