Rep. Bob Bezotte

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates a specific stretch of M-53 in Macomb County as the "Officer Leroy Imus Memorial Highway" to honor a fallen law enforcement officer. The legislation affects the Michigan State Transportation Department by amending state laws to recognize this new name for the road segment running from 17 Mile Road to Hall Road. Once signed into law, the change immediately updates official records and signage to reflect the memorial title.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 2024 as Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the challenges faced by children with birth defects affecting their lips or mouths. The resolution aims to increase public understanding of the medical and developmental needs of these infants, who often require surgeries, speech therapy, and special feeding techniques. By officially recognizing this month, the state legislature intends to draw attention to the condition without mandating any specific actions or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Sex Offender Registration Act to update how the law defines who must register and under what circumstances. It clarifies that individuals convicted in tribal or military courts must register, while those whose convictions have been expunged or set aside are exempt. The legislation also expands the definition of "custodial authority" to include various roles such as teachers, school employees, and correctional staff who exploit their position to coerce victims into sexual contact. Additionally, the bill specifies new criteria for when juvenile disposition orders or out-of-state adjudications require registration, particularly for offenses involving victims aged 14 or older that would classify the offender as tier III. These changes aim to ensure the registration system covers a broader range of legal outcomes and specific abuse scenarios without altering the core requirements for existing registrants.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish specific sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of committing fraudulent acts against insurance companies. It directly affects prosecutors, judges, and defendants involved in insurance fraud cases by providing a structured framework for determining appropriate prison terms and fines. The legislation updates existing laws to ensure consistent and standardized penalties for these financial crimes, replacing previous vague directives with clearer statutory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's insurance code to protect individuals and organizations from legal liability when they report suspected or confirmed insurance fraud. It allows people, insurers, and agencies to share information with fraud detection groups like the National Insurance Crime Bureau without fear of being sued for libel, slander, or other civil claims, provided they do not act with malice or knowingly spread false information. The law also shields these entities from lawsuits when they publish official reports or comply with court orders related to fraud investigations. Ultimately, the measure aims to encourage cooperation in fighting insurance fraud by removing the risk of civil lawsuits for those acting in good faith.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Health Care False Claims Act to explicitly include automobile insurers that provide personal injury protection coverage within its definition of a "health care insurer." By making this change, the law ensures that these auto insurers are subject to the same rules and penalties as other health insurance providers regarding the submission of false or deceptive claims for benefits. The update does not alter the existing definitions of what constitutes a false claim or the penalties for fraud, but rather expands the scope of entities to which those rules apply.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of racketeering in Michigan to explicitly include insurance fraud. It directly affects individuals and organizations accused of committing organized crime schemes that involve defrauding insurance companies. By adding insurance fraud to the list of qualifying offenses, the law allows prosecutors to charge such activities as part of a broader pattern of criminal behavior rather than isolated incidents. This change aims to provide law enforcement with clearer tools to investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes that target the insurance industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's insurance code to establish clear civil penalties for individuals or entities that violate insurance regulations without a specific penalty already defined. It requires the insurance director to provide a hearing before imposing fines, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation depending on whether the violation was intentional, with a maximum total fine of $50,000. In addition to monetary penalties, the director may suspend, limit, or revoke licenses for non-compliance and can impose a $20,000 fine for knowingly ignoring cease and desist orders. The bill also allows the director to reopen previous penalty decisions if facts or laws have changed and permits the use of court injunctions to stop ongoing violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's insurance laws by increasing penalties for individuals who commit fraudulent insurance acts, such as filing false claims. It establishes a tiered system where punishments range from misdemeanors to felonies based on the total amount of fraud involved, the number of false claims made, and whether the offender has prior convictions. Under the new rules, fines can be up to three times the amount of the fraudulent claim, and sentences can extend up to 20 years in prison for the most serious cases. Additionally, the legislation requires courts to notify licensing authorities when a practitioner or insurer is found guilty of fraud and mandates that restitution be paid to victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Michigan to file a report with the state director whenever they reasonably suspect fraud involving a policyholder or a claim. The law mandates that these reports include specific details about the alleged fraudulent act and the parties involved, allowing the director to investigate and refer cases to prosecutors if necessary. However, insurers are not required to submit these forms if their initial investigation finds no fraud or if they lack reasonable grounds to believe a crime occurred. Additionally, the bill ensures that authorized agencies must cooperate with the director by providing any relevant documents or evidence upon request.