Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryHB 4586 modifies Michigan's concealed pistol licensing law by lowering the minimum age requirement from 21 to 18 years old. The bill specifically amends Section 5b(7)(a) of the state's firearm licensing act (MCL 28.425b), which previously required applicants to be 21 or older. This change directly affects individuals aged 18-20 seeking concealed pistol licenses, allowing them to apply without needing a parent or guardian. The bill does not alter other requirements like background checks, training, or fees.

Maddy summaryHB 5203 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.13k) to establish specific penalties for disclosing private medical information related to abortions. It directly affects healthcare providers, clinics, or others who share confidential abortion-related details without authorization. The bill creates new sentencing parameters for such disclosures within the criminal code, requiring judges to consider these guidelines when determining penalties. The legislation is currently under review by the Health Policy Committee after its November 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 4301 expands Michigan's definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" in the Vehicle Code (MCL 257.2 and 257.698) to include specific new categories. It adds vehicles owned by the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System during emergencies, clarifies that road service vehicles (like tow trucks) may use flashing amber lights while assisting disabled vehicles, and allows federally recognized nonprofits to use emergency lights during disaster response. The bill also clarifies when certain colored lights (red, blue, amber, green) may be used on emergency vehicles, including for snow removal, spill response, and funeral processions. This directly affects emergency responders, road service providers, and nonprofit organizations during crisis operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4302 creates an exception to Michigan's commercial driver license (CDL) requirements for authorized emergency vehicles operated by the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. This means drivers operating these specific emergency vehicles do not need to obtain the standard CDL or related endorsements required for commercial vehicles. The bill amends Michigan's Vehicle Code (MCL 257.312e) to explicitly exempt these vehicles from the general CDL rules. The exception directly affects personnel operating emergency vehicles under the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, allowing them to operate without meeting standard CDL qualifications.

Maddy summaryHB 4108 amends Michigan's tort law to grant legal immunity to individuals who provide emergency bleeding control during medical crises. It directly protects ordinary citizens (not just professionals) who act in good faith to stop severe bleeding, such as at accident scenes or public events. The key provision shields these helpers from lawsuits for unintentional harm caused while applying bleeding control techniques, like using tourniquets or pressure dressings. This change applies specifically to bleeding control efforts during emergencies, not general emergency assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 4847 removes a legal requirement for health club staff to provide emergency medical assistance using on-site AEDs (automated external defibrillators). It directly affects health club owners, operators, and employees by granting them immunity from liability if they do not render such aid. The bill amends existing law to clarify that health clubs have no duty to use AEDs during medical emergencies on their premises. This change does not impact other emergency medical service laws (like 1963 PA 17) but specifically limits health clubs' obligations regarding AED use. The bill passed the House in 2025 and is now moving through committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 4937 creates a new "backup shooter" license for bear hunting in Michigan, allowing a secondary hunter to participate if the primary hunter is unable to hunt. This directly affects bear hunters who hunt in groups or partnerships, providing flexibility when the main hunter cannot participate. The bill amends existing law to establish this license type, specifying eligibility and usage rules for backup shooters during bear hunting seasons. The change updates hunting regulations to accommodate group hunting scenarios without requiring a separate license for each participant.

Maddy summaryHB 4857 amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to strengthen confidentiality protections for emergency service providers receiving critical incident stress management (CISM) services. The bill ensures conversations between first responders (such as police, firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers) and CISM teams remain private, preventing disclosure in court, investigations, or other proceedings. Exceptions include situations where a provider poses an imminent threat to themselves or others, reports abuse, or explicitly waives confidentiality. This change directly affects emergency workers accessing mental health support after traumatic incidents, ensuring they can seek help without fear of their disclosures being used against them. The law applies to all CISM services provided under the existing framework, including peer support, debriefings, and referrals.

Maddy summaryHB 4220 amends Michigan's veterinary practice law (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding a new section (18818) that establishes requirements for the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. The bill directly affects veterinarians and pet owners by defining the legal obligations within this relationship. Key provisions require veterinarians to maintain clear communication and documentation when providing care, ensuring patient welfare and professional accountability. The bill passed the House overwhelmingly (84-17) and was transmitted to the Regulatory Affairs Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 4221 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify and strengthen regulations for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. It specifically restricts the use of titles like "veterinarian," "DVM," or "veterinary surgeon" to only licensed professionals, and prohibits veterinary technicians from diagnosing diseases, prescribing treatments, or performing surgery. The bill ensures that only authorized individuals may use protected titles or practice within their licensed scope. These changes directly affect licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and the public by maintaining clear standards for veterinary care.