Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Health Care False Claim Act to expand the definition of "health care insurer" to include automobile insurers providing personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage pays for medical expenses after car accidents, and this change brings auto insurers into the same legal framework as health insurers for false claim enforcement. Previously, the law applied only to health insurers and self-insured entities, but now false claims related to PIP benefits will be subject to the same standards. This directly affects auto insurance companies operating in Michigan that offer PIP coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 4714 updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for fraudulent insurance acts by amending Section 15a of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.15a). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of insurance fraud by establishing clearer sentencing standards for these offenses. It modifies existing sentencing structures to provide more defined parameters for judges when determining penalties in fraud cases involving insurance. The changes aim to standardize penalties for this specific crime category within Michigan's criminal justice system. The bill passed the Michigan House on September 16, 2025, with strong support.

Maddy summaryHB 4717 amends Michigan's criminal code by adding insurance fraud to the legal definition of racketeering under MCL 750.159g. This change directly affects cases involving insurance fraud, making it a specific type of racketeering offense rather than a separate crime. The key provision updates the statute to explicitly include insurance fraud within the broader racketeering definition used for prosecution. As a substantive policy change, this alters how such fraud cases are categorized and prosecuted under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 4715 protects individuals and entities that report suspected or confirmed insurance fraud from civil lawsuits, provided they act without malice and do not knowingly provide false information. It extends this immunity to insurers, their employees, private citizens cooperating with fraud investigations, and authorized agencies like the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill ensures those filing reports, sharing information, or testifying in fraud cases cannot be sued for libel, slander, or other civil claims related to their good-faith actions. This directly affects anyone involved in reporting or investigating insurance fraud within Michigan’s legal framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4719 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to adjust civil penalties for insurance violations. It increases the maximum fine for knowing violations from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation (capped at $50,000 total) and clarifies that violations include non-compliant filings under specific insurance chapters. The bill directly affects insurance professionals who breach the code, allowing the director to order fines, license suspensions, or cease-and-desist actions. It also specifies that fines under this section can be imposed alongside other penalties like restitution for certain violations.

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 4844 amends Michigan's Probate Code to clarify when juvenile courts have exclusive authority over minors under 18. It specifies situations where courts can handle cases involving minors who: (1) violate certain criminal laws (like weapons offenses or specific misdemeanors), (2) repeatedly miss school after counseling attempts, (3) face neglect or unsafe home environments, or (4) are homeless or run away. The bill defines key terms like "learning program" and "neglect" to align with existing state codes. This revision directly affects juvenile courts, prosecutors, and families navigating custody or welfare cases involving minors.

Maddy summaryHB 4362 requires law enforcement to share missing senior or vulnerable adult reports with local police, broadcasters, and newspapers, which must then broadcast a public alert with the person's description and relevant details. The state will establish a system using existing wireless emergency networks to send text alerts directly to mobile devices in the affected area. This alert system can only activate after law enforcement completes a report and receives approval from the state police. The bill creates a standardized process to rapidly disseminate information about missing individuals, aiming to improve public awareness and search efficiency.

Maddy summaryHB 4017 modifies workplace safety reporting rules by reducing the maximum penalty for failing to report a death if the death occurs on a family farm. It specifically lowers the penalty amount for employers who don't report fatalities involving certain individuals (like family members) working on their own farm. The bill affects employers in Michigan who operate family farms and are subject to workplace safety laws under MCL 408.1035. This change directly alters the penalty structure for reporting requirements related to farm-related workplace deaths.