Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 164) addresses the July 2025 detentions of 16 Hmong and Laotian refugees in Michigan by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who were unexpectedly taken into custody during routine check-ins and later deported to Laos without adequate notice or due process. It demands federal transparency regarding the legal basis for these detentions, urges ICE to provide timely legal counsel and family notification for detainees, and calls for case-by-case reviews of individuals with strong Michigan ties. The resolution specifically highlights concerns about rapid transfers across facilities and the lack of a U.S.-Laos repatriation agreement requiring travel documents. It is directed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Michigan’s congressional delegation, seeking improved oversight and humane treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 4827 amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to require businesses to clearly disclose automatic renewal terms in consumer contracts. It specifically mandates that companies must prominently state conditions for free trials or services, such as how to cancel before charges apply, to prevent misleading consumers. This directly affects subscription-based businesses, app providers, and any service using automatic renewal clauses. The key provision requires transparent, upfront disclosure of renewal mechanics - like pricing, timing, and cancellation steps - before consumers agree to the contract. This change aims to reduce unexpected charges by ensuring consumers understand renewal terms from the start.

Maddy summaryHB 4826 requires businesses selling services or goods with automatic renewal provisions to clearly disclose key terms in consumer contracts using 14-point type. This includes details on renewal periods, pricing changes (like after free trials), cancellation procedures, and a method to cancel easily (e.g., website link or toll-free number). Businesses must also send electronic reminders 30-60 days before renewal and provide 30 days to cancel after notice. The law applies to most consumer contracts but excludes telecom/broadband services regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission and certain insurance contracts. It aims to prevent surprise charges and make cancellation straightforward for consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 4817 names a specific segment of I-75 in Troy (between Long Lake Road and Square Lake Road) as the "Specialist 4 Keith Lavoie Memorial Highway" to honor a military veteran. This bill amends Michigan's memorial highway law (2001 PA 142) by adding a new section designating this highway portion. The change is purely ceremonial with no policy, funding, or regulatory effects. It directly affects the highway signage and public recognition in that Troy location.

Maddy summaryHB 4818 amends Michigan school district bonding rules to clarify what bond proceeds can fund. It prohibits using bonds for technology-related expenses like software upgrades, training, maintenance, consumables (e.g., ink, toner), or repairs outside warranties. School districts can still use bonds for physical infrastructure - such as building construction, buses, athletic fields, or facility upgrades - but only for the initial purchase and setup of technology hardware and software, as narrowly defined in the bill. The amendment also requires independent audits of bond spending within 120 days of project completion.

Maddy summaryHB 4820 requires state agencies to first offer surplus motor vehicles to foster youth aged 16 or older in transition programs before selling them to the public. This applies to all surplus vehicles owned by state agencies and uses a voucher system for the initial offer. The bill amends Section 267 of Michigan's Management and Budget Act to implement this requirement. It directly affects eligible foster youth seeking affordable transportation and state agencies handling vehicle disposal.

Maddy summaryHB 4047 creates a new legal cause of action allowing individuals to sue media organizations that falsely depict them engaging in sexual conduct. The law directly affects media companies publishing such false content and individuals whose reputations were harmed by the inaccurate depictions. It establishes specific procedures for filing these lawsuits within the civil court system. The bill became law on August 26, 2025, after approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4048 adds a new sentencing guideline for distributing intimate deepfake sexual images with aggravating circumstances, classifying it as a Class F felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison. This directly affects individuals convicted of disseminating such deepfakes, particularly those with prior offenses under Michigan law. The bill amends sentencing guidelines in Chapter XVII of the Michigan Penal Code to specifically address this crime, establishing a clear penalty framework for courts to apply. It became effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on August 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4797 creates a grant program to provide funding to public broadcast stations in Michigan, directly affecting local public radio and TV stations that serve educational, cultural, or civic needs. The bill requires stations to apply with documentation about their local service, financial need, and how funds will maintain public interest programming. It establishes a "public media fund" in the state treasury, appropriating $13 million for fiscal year 2025 to award grants of up to $1.5 million per station for programming, staffing, or infrastructure. The Michigan Department of Education administers the program, prioritizing stations demonstrating commitment to noncommercial, community-focused broadcasting.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (not a binding law) reaffirming support for the existing 22nd Amendment, which limits U.S. presidents to two terms. It does not change any law or affect any individuals, as the two-term limit has been part of the Constitution since 1951. The resolution states that all presidents since its ratification have respected the limit and rejects any efforts to undermine or weaken the amendment. It is a non-binding statement of congressional support, not a new policy or legislative action.