Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to create standardized parole guidelines that help the parole board make objective, evidence-based release decisions. The new rules mandate that these guidelines consider specific factors such as the nature of the offense, institutional behavior, prior criminal history, and statistical risk assessments while prohibiting decisions based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, the legislation strictly limits the circumstances under which the parole board can deny parole to individuals who otherwise qualify for release, requiring written justification for any such departures. The bill also establishes a structured review schedule for prisoners denied parole and ensures that those denied based on incomplete programming receive a chance to complete it before being reconsidered.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to update the definitions of terms used in animal cruelty laws, such as "adequate care," "shelter," and "neglect." It specifically clarifies what constitutes proper shelter for dogs, detailing requirements for doghouses and prohibiting the use of inadequate spaces like crawl spaces or wire crates. The legislation also defines "animal control" and "animal protection" shelters to distinguish between government-run facilities and those operated by private organizations. By refining these legal definitions, the bill aims to provide clearer standards for what constitutes proper animal treatment and neglect.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Crime Victim's Rights Act to ensure that victims of crime receive specific notices regarding their rights during the resentencing of prisoners. It requires prosecutors to inform victims about their ability to submit impact statements detailing physical, emotional, and economic harm, as well as their views on restitution and sentencing. The legislation also mandates that victims be notified about the availability of pre-sentence reports and the details of upcoming sentencing hearings. Additionally, these notification requirements apply to cases involving juveniles, ensuring consistent treatment of victims across different types of criminal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Revised Judicature Act to clarify how existing personal protection orders apply to animal abuse cases. It directly affects individuals seeking legal protection from domestic violence or stalking by explicitly adding provisions that allow courts to restrain a respondent from injuring, killing, or neglecting an animal owned by the petitioner. The key mechanism involves expanding the list of prohibited behaviors to include specific acts against pets intended to cause mental distress or exert control over the victim. Additionally, the bill ensures that courts cannot refuse to issue an order solely because there is no police or medical report, while prohibiting mutual orders unless both parties independently petition for them. These changes aim to strengthen legal recourse for victims by formally recognizing animal cruelty as a relevant factor in domestic safety restraining orders.

Maddy summaryHB 6185 amends Michigan's firearm laws to require federally licensed dealers to sell guns with a trigger lock or a secure storage container, unless the buyer provides their own safety device or the firearm is an antique. The bill also mandates that dealers provide free safety brochures and warning notices to purchasers and retain records of these transactions for six years. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that firearm manufacturers and producers are generally immune from civil lawsuits by local governments, except in cases involving specific contract breaches or product defects that cause injury to government employees or property. This provision aims to limit liability for manufacturers while reserving the right for the state attorney general to bring certain legal actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act to require local labor unions representing casino employees to register with the state board and submit detailed personal information about their designated officials and staff. The new provisions mandate that unions provide extensive data, including full names, addresses, compensation details, criminal history, and photographs for these individuals, with the option to use existing U.S. Department of Labor reports to satisfy some requirements. Additionally, the legislation establishes a disqualification process that allows the board to bar union officers from negotiating wages or collecting dues if they have convictions for specific crimes such as gambling, theft, fraud, or prostitution, provided there is clear and convincing evidence of a pattern of behavior. Information submitted under this section is exempt from public disclosure under the state's freedom of information act, and the board retains the authority to waive disqualifications or rescind bans based on a finding that justice requires it.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's corrections code to improve mental health care and HIV testing for incarcerated individuals. It requires facilities to create detailed discharge plans for people leaving prison who are receiving mental health services, including specific assessments, medication continuity, and connections to community care. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all incoming prisoners undergo HIV testing within 60 days of arrival, with positive results triggering specific housing protocols and counseling. The bill also establishes requirements for staff exposure to blood or body fluids and calls for ongoing education programs on HIV prevention and treatment within correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates two specific stretches of Michigan highways as memorial roads to honor fallen law enforcement officers. It names a section of Interstate 75 in Saginaw County the "Trooper Joel E. Popp Memorial Highway" and a portion of M-53 in Macomb County the "Officer Leroy Imus Memorial Highway." The legislation also requires that signs for the M-53 memorial be placed at two specific intersections to mark the location. Additionally, the bill removes an existing section from the state's memorial highway act that is no longer needed for this designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Michigan to provide clear written notices to customers when making significant changes to their automobile or homeowners policies, such as cancellations, non-renewals, or premium increases of more than 10%. If a policyholder requests details, the insurer must explain the specific principal factors behind the decision rather than using vague terms like "poor loss history" or simply citing internal models. The law also mandates that these notices and explanations be sent directly to the insured and, when applicable, to independent insurance agents who represent the customer. These transparency requirements will apply to policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and do not replace existing rules regarding policy cancellations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's insurance laws to clarify which actions by insurance companies do not count as unfair trade practices like discrimination or rebating. It specifically exempts life insurance bonuses, premium adjustments based on group loss experience, and free or discounted value-added services that help with risk management, health, or financial wellness. The law requires that any such services be fair, reasonable in cost, and directly related to the insurance coverage while ensuring customers receive necessary contact information. Additionally, the bill grants the state director authority to create rules that protect consumer data privacy and prevent unfair discrimination in the implementation of these changes.