Rep. Jason Woolford

Maddy summaryHB 4780 designates the second Saturday of September each year as "Michigan's Day of Recovery" to recognize Michiganders living with substance use disorders and the recovery community organizations that support them. The bill acknowledges that approximately 638,000 residents face substance use challenges, with only about 127,600 receiving treatment, while recovery organizations - providing long-term support - remain significantly underfunded. This legislation creates a formal state observance date but does not include new funding or policy changes for treatment programs. It is currently pending in the House Committee on Government Operations after being introduced on August 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4789 expands Michigan's "Right to Try Act" to specifically cover personalized experimental treatments based on a patient's genetic data (like gene therapies or custom vaccines). It allows eligible patients with advanced, life-threatening, or severely debilitating illnesses - who have exhausted all FDA-approved treatments - to access these individualized treatments after obtaining written consent from their physician and providing detailed risk disclosures. The bill clarifies that manufacturers aren't required to provide such treatments but may charge for production costs, and it prohibits health insurers from denying coverage solely for recommending these treatments. This affects patients with serious conditions who qualify under the new definition of "individualized investigational treatment" and their healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryHB 4781 amends Michigan's Whistleblowers' Protection Act to strengthen penalties for employers who retaliate against employees reporting violations. It increases the civil fine for violations from $500 to $2,000 per offense and requires employers to pay triple back wages to affected employees. The bill directly impacts workers who report wrongdoing (whistleblowers) and employers who retaliate, ensuring greater financial accountability. All collected fines must be deposited into the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 4762 allows youth aged 16 or older to work in residential building construction under specific safety conditions. It requires minors to hold an OSHA 10-hour certification, complete a state-approved trades program, and work under direct supervision by a qualified adult (21+ with OSHA certification and 2+ years experience). The bill prohibits work on structures over 6 feet tall (like roofs or scaffolding) and restricts employment to single-family home renovations. This directly affects 16+ year olds seeking construction work in Michigan, expanding opportunities while prioritizing safety through mandatory training and supervision.

Maddy summaryHB 4764 expands eligibility for the Christopher R. Slezak first responder presumed coverage fund to include full-time, part-time, and on-call county medical examiners, deputy medical examiners, and medical examiner investigators. It presumes that certain cancers (including respiratory, skin, breast, and prostate cancers) are work-related for these medical examiners if they have 60+ months of service and were exposed to fire/rescue hazards during their duties. This shifts claims from employers to the special fund, requiring medical examiners to suspend employer claims while receiving benefits from the fund. The change takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies only to cancer diagnoses after that date. The bill does not alter existing coverage for firefighters, police, or other first responders.

Maddy summaryHB 4763 amends Michigan's Public Safety Officers Benefit Act (2004 PA 46) to expand eligibility for benefits by modifying the definition of "public safety officer." It specifically adds county medical examiners, deputy county medical examiners, and medical examiner investigators to the list of qualifying roles, alongside existing categories like law enforcement officers and firefighters. The bill also clarifies that "firefighter" now explicitly includes part-time or volunteer members of fire departments. These changes ensure these additional public safety personnel qualify for benefits such as medical coverage and survivor support under the act. The bill was introduced on August 13, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Insurance.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR L) would require Michigan public schools, colleges, and state-funded athletic programs to determine eligibility for sports based solely on biological sex assigned at birth, not gender identity. It prohibits using medical procedures to alter sex characteristics or considering gender identity for athletic participation. The amendment allows individuals to sue in Michigan circuit court to enforce this rule, with prevailing plaintiffs entitled to attorney fees. It directly affects all state-operated or funded athletic events and participants in Michigan. The bill does not address other aspects of sports participation or non-athletic programs.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR K) proposes allowing either Michigan legislative house to suspend a member's salary or expense allowance by a two-thirds vote when the member acts unethically or is excessively absent from regular sessions. It amends Article IV, Sections 12 and 16 of the state constitution to establish this process, requiring the house to document the suspension reason in its journal with voting records. The change directly affects state legislators who face disciplinary action for misconduct or attendance issues. If approved, this would give legislative bodies a formal mechanism to withhold compensation for specific violations, rather than relying solely on expulsion.

Maddy summaryHB 4748 prohibits interference with lawful hunting or fishing in Michigan by banning specific disruptive acts. It explicitly forbids using devices like drones to alter animal behavior, blocking hunters, recording individuals with intent to harass, or tampering with equipment. Violations carry fines up to $2,500 or up to one year in jail for repeat offenses, plus potential revocation of hunting/fishing licenses. This law directly affects hunters, anglers, and anyone engaging in activities that disrupt others’ lawful wildlife pursuits.

Maddy summaryHB 4756 amends Michigan's Capitol Historic Site Act to allow licensed individuals (including those with out-of-state permits) to carry concealed pistols inside the state capitol building. It specifically requires that such individuals present their concealed pistol license to capitol security officers or legislative sergeants at arms upon request. This bill directly affects licensed gun carriers who currently face restrictions within the capitol building. The change removes the existing prohibition on concealed carry in the capitol, aligning with the commission's role in managing the site without restricting licensed carry.