Rep. Regina Weiss

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's State Housing Development Authority to make a standard form summarizing tenant rights (mandated under the Truth in Renting Act) available within 60 days of its creation. The form must be accessible in the Authority's office and on its website. It directly affects renters by ensuring they can easily find their rights information without needing to contact the court. The bill does not change tenant rights but streamlines access to an existing, court-created form.

Maddy summaryHB 5002 requires Michigan's unemployment agency to use simple, clear language in all communications with claimants and employers about benefits, taxes, and agency decisions. It mandates that explanations of denials, modifications, or benefit changes include specific facts about the case and the legal basis for the decision, all at a fourth-grade reading level. The bill also requires the agency to provide clear summaries of appeal rights and consolidate related decisions into single notifications. This directly affects individuals filing for unemployment and businesses managing unemployment tax accounts. The law aims to make the process more understandable without changing benefit eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 modifies Michigan's public health code to require courts to order confidential STI and HIV testing for individuals arrested or convicted of prostitution, commercial sexual activity, or related offenses (such as MCL 750.448-455). The bill mandates that courts direct testing for sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, and HIV, with results reported to defendants and health departments. Courts must also order voluntary counseling about prevention, treatment, and protective measures for these conditions. This applies to all cases involving specified sex-related offenses under Michigan law, with testing conducted by licensed health providers.

Maddy summaryHB 5016 updates Michigan's penal code by replacing outdated terms like "prostitute" and "prostitution" with modern, less stigmatizing language such as "person engaged in commercial sexual activity." It specifically amends Section 167 to remove "common prostitute" from the definition of a disorderly person, changing the language to focus on conduct rather than labeling individuals. This bill directly affects how the law refers to and potentially prosecutes individuals involved in commercial sexual activity under current statutes. The changes aim to align terminology with contemporary legal standards without altering the underlying criminal penalties for related offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4205 amends Section 1111 of Michigan's Liquor Control Code (MCL 289.1111) regarding the definition of "qualified premises" for liquor licenses. The bill aims to update eligibility criteria for locations seeking liquor licenses, which would directly affect businesses (like restaurants or retail stores) applying for or renewing such permits. The specific changes to the "qualified premises" definition are not detailed in the provided context, as the bill only references the amended statute. Without further description of the proposed definition changes, a complete policy summary cannot be provided. This is a substantive bill, not procedural, but the core mechanism remains unspecified in the available information.

Maddy summaryHB 4204 would amend Michigan law to allow breweries to permit dogs inside their establishments at the brewery's discretion, provided certain conditions are met. The bill directly affects breweries and their patrons by changing existing liquor license rules (MCL 289.6101) regarding animal access. Key provisions require breweries to set their own policies for dog entry while complying with unspecified conditions outlined in the bill. This is a procedural change to licensing rules, not a broad policy shift, and does not alter other animal or public access regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Michigan. It commemorates Michigan's service members missing in action or held as prisoners of war since World War II, honoring their sacrifice and the state's commitment to finding and repatriating them. The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a ceremonial observance.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a resolution passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to condemn all forms of political violence and reaffirm the body's commitment to civility, safety, and peaceful democratic engagement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement expressing the House's stance against violence targeting public officials and citizens. The resolution cites recent incidents of political violence across the U.S., including attacks on elected leaders and events like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. It will be transmitted to the President, Michigan Governor, and congressional leaders as a non-binding expression of the House's values.

Maddy summaryHB 4874 requires the Michigan legislature to appropriate at least $12.3 million annually starting fiscal year 2026 for supplemental payments to rural school districts meeting specific criteria defined in existing law (MCL 388.1622d). This bill directly affects eligible rural and isolated school districts by guaranteeing additional state funding beyond their regular school aid. The key provision mandates a fixed annual appropriation for these districts, ensuring consistent supplemental support beginning in 2026. The bill does not change how districts operate or define "rural districts," but rather establishes a dedicated funding stream for them. It is currently in the introduction phase, referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4875 mandates annual state funding of at least $125 million starting in fiscal year 2026 to cover school transportation costs for students. It directly affects Michigan public school districts by requiring dedicated state appropriations for pupil transportation, as defined under existing state school aid law. The bill creates a permanent funding mechanism ensuring consistent support for school bus services and related operational costs. This provision applies specifically to transportation services for students, not general school funding. The bill is currently under review in the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on September 11, 2025.