Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's medical assistance program to require coverage for mental health screenings during the postpartum period for eligible individuals. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum people receiving state-funded healthcare by ensuring their mental health needs are addressed as part of their medical services. The key provision mandates that the state pay for these screenings under the existing medical assistance plan, aligning with federal standards for reasonable charges. This change expands the scope of covered services without altering the broader structure of hospital, nursing home, or pharmaceutical benefits already available under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5060 eliminates the Michigan Economic and Social Opportunity Act of 1981, which previously established a state bureau and commission focused on reducing poverty and promoting self-sufficiency for low-income individuals. By repealing the 1981 law, the bill removes the legal framework that designated community action agencies and defined the powers and duties of the department, bureau, and commission. This change effectively dissolves the specific administrative structure created by the 1981 act, altering how these entities operate within the state government. The legislation affects the state's organizational setup for economic and social services but does not create new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's drainage laws to increase the annual spending limits for inspecting and repairing county and intercounty drains. It allows officials to spend up to $10,000 per mile of drain each year without needing a special vote from local governments, with this amount automatically adjusted annually for inflation. If repair costs exceed this limit, the bill requires approval from the affected local townships or cities before additional funds can be used. The legislation also clarifies how surplus funds are managed and ensures that property owners are notified before assessments are levied for major repairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal framework in Michigan to handle the division of "heirs property," which is real estate owned by multiple relatives who inherited it without a formal agreement. It establishes specific rules for courts to follow when these properties are contested, requiring judges to first determine if the land qualifies as heirs property before deciding how to split it. Under the new provisions, courts must order professional appraisals to set a fair market value unless all owners agree on a price or the cost of an appraisal is deemed too high. The legislation also mandates that plaintiffs post a sign on the property during legal proceedings to notify potential heirs and requires that any appointed evaluators be impartial and not involved in the case.

Maddy summaryThis law changes how ballot questions for constitutional amendments, citizen laws, and referendums are numbered and tracked in Michigan. It requires the Secretary of State to assign a unique number to each question at least 60 days before an election, using a specific format that includes the election year and the order in which petitions were filed. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of State post updates on petition status online every month and notify petitioners immediately when their petitions are approved or rejected. Additionally, it clarifies when different types of ballot questions are considered "filed" for the purpose of determining their sequence on the ballot. These rules affect election officials, the Secretary of State, and citizens who submit petitions to place issues on the ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan election laws to require petitioners proposing constitutional amendments or ballot initiatives to include a clear, impartial summary of their proposal's purpose. The new rules limit this summary to 100 words and mandate that it use plain language understandable to the general public without creating bias. Additionally, the bill establishes a review process where the Board of State Canvassers must approve or reject the petition form and summary within 30 days, and it clarifies the specific legal standards for determining whether a proposed amendment alters or abrogates existing constitutional provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4900 updates Michigan laws regarding how courts collect money owed through legal judgments by clarifying definitions and adjusting collection procedures. The bill specifically affects creditors seeking to garnish wages or seize property, as well as individuals whose earnings are subject to such collection efforts. Key changes include refining the definition of "garnishable earnings" to account for specific insurance deductions and establishing a new $1 fee that plaintiffs must pay to the third party holding the debt when serving a garnishment order. Additionally, the legislation clarifies when garnishment proceedings can begin against government entities and individuals who owe money for labor performed.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow the state to use statistical random sampling to verify the signatures on petitions submitted by groups seeking to form a new political party. Instead of requiring every single signature to be manually checked, election officials would randomly select a portion of the signatures to validate, which could speed up the process for new parties. The measure directly affects citizens attempting to establish new political organizations and the election authorities responsible for processing their paperwork. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis law requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover the cost of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum individuals. The coverage applies to devices delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed within the state and is subject to standard cost-sharing requirements like deductibles and co-pays. This change directly affects pregnant and postpartum patients who need to monitor their blood pressure as part of their care.