Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryHB 5474 requires Michigan's Department of Corrections to proactively help prisoners obtain driver's licenses and state ID cards before release. Specifically, the department must collect required documents and photos 60 days prior to release, send them to the Secretary of State, and assist with social security verification. It creates a "reentry success fund" to cover these administrative costs, ensuring prisoners have essential identification for reintegration. This directly affects parolees and prisoners nearing release who need these IDs to access employment, housing, and other services.

Maddy summaryHB 5476 amends Michigan's Enhanced Driver License and ID Card Act to update applicant requirements and privacy protections. It requires applicants to provide updated documentation for name changes, citizenship, and Social Security numbers, while prohibiting enhanced IDs from displaying Social Security numbers. The bill clarifies that facial images and signatures may only be shared with law enforcement or federal agencies under specific legal authorities, not for general public access. It also maintains provisions allowing applicants to voluntarily add a communication access designation for law enforcement use, with strict privacy safeguards for retained documents.

Maddy summaryHB 5471 amends Michigan law to eliminate the fee for obtaining birth records for certain individuals. Currently, a $34 fee applies for a birth record search and certified copy, but this bill would waive that fee for specific categories of people. The exemption would apply to individuals not currently covered by existing fee waivers, such as veterans or adoption agencies. This change would allow these individuals to access their birth records without paying the standard charge.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 234) urges the Trump-Vance Administration to stop making threats against Denmark regarding Greenland. It directly addresses U.S. officials, emphasizing that Greenland is an autonomous territory within Denmark (recognized under international law) and that any political change must come from Greenlanders freely, without coercion. The resolution calls for diplomacy based on respect for sovereignty and international law, rather than threats or military pressure, to protect NATO alliance unity. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect but expresses congressional concern about actions undermining U.S. alliances and international norms.

Maddy summaryHB 5454 prohibits the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) in dry cleaning solvents in Michigan, directly affecting dry cleaning businesses, manufacturers, and sellers. The bill bans manufacturing PCE solvents after December 1, 2031; selling them after June 1, 2032; and using them after December 1, 2032. It creates a state fund to provide grants and resources for dry cleaners transitioning to safer alternatives, including cost-share programs and a buy-back program for existing PCE products. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will administer the fund and cost-share program. Violations could result in civil fines up to $10,000.

Maddy summaryHB 5051 amends Michigan's law to allow trained law enforcement officers and firefighters to administer epinephrine auto-injectors to individuals experiencing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), even without a prescription or prior allergy diagnosis. It requires responders to complete training on proper administration and permits eligible entities (like police departments or fire stations) to purchase and distribute epinephrine devices to their staff. The bill provides legal immunity from civil liability for entities and responders acting in good faith, unless their conduct involves gross negligence or willful misconduct. This directly affects first responders who may use the devices during emergencies and individuals suffering acute allergic reactions.

Maddy summaryHB 5053 requires medical control authorities to ensure all emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and personnel provide epinephrine or auto-injectors and are trained to recognize anaphylaxis, administer epinephrine, and properly dispose of devices. This directly affects EMS providers who deliver prehospital care across Michigan, mandating specific equipment availability and training protocols. The bill amends existing public health code requirements to strengthen emergency response capabilities for severe allergic reactions, with no changes to opioid antagonist or defibrillator requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5049 requires Michigan public schools to ensure trained staff can administer epinephrine auto-injectors during allergic emergencies. Schools with 10+ staff must have at least two trained employees (or one for smaller schools), and all schools must maintain at least two epinephrine auto-injectors. The bill mandates school policies for safe administration (by nurses or trained staff), reporting of all epinephrine uses to the state, and allows school districts to seek state reimbursement for unfunded costs. It directly affects all public K-12 schools in Michigan and students with severe allergies. The bill is tied to five companion bills (HB 5050-5054) that must also pass.

Maddy summaryHB 5054 modifies Michigan's school code to clarify protections for school staff administering epinephrine auto-injectors during emergencies and to streamline student access to necessary medical devices. It ensures school employees (including non-nurses) aren’t liable for civil damages or criminal charges when administering epinephrine in good faith during life-threatening situations, except for gross negligence. The bill also allows students with asthma or severe allergies to possess and use prescribed inhalers or epinephrine devices at school, on transportation, or at school events, provided they have written medical approval and an emergency care plan on file. These changes directly affect school staff, students with medical conditions requiring epinephrine or inhalers, and school administrators managing health protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 5050 allows schools, camps, sports leagues, and similar organizations to stock and administer EpiPen-like epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions. It permits trained staff (not just nurses) to use these devices in emergencies without needing a specific prescription for the individual, provided they believe someone is experiencing anaphylaxis. The bill requires staff to complete initial and biennial training on recognizing allergic reactions, storing, and using epinephrine devices. It also provides legal protection for organizations and trained individuals who follow these guidelines in good faith.