Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of May each year in Michigan as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month. The legislation aims to increase public and medical knowledge about Huntington's disease, a progressive neurological condition that currently has no cure. By officially recognizing this time period, the state hopes to encourage greater understanding of the disease's challenges and support ongoing research efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for how fines are handled in certain state civil infraction cases related to environmental protection. Instead of directing these specific fines to public libraries, the legislation allows a portion of the revenue to be dedicated to a grant program assisting farmers impacted by PFAS contamination. The change applies only to fines resulting from violations of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, leaving other civil fine distributions unchanged. This measure requires the passage of two other related bills before it can take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to assist Michigan farmers whose land, crops, or water are contaminated with PFAS chemicals. The program would provide financial support for medical testing and care, purchasing or selling farmland, cleaning up contamination, and replacing lost income or mortgage payments. To receive funding, farmers must submit detailed applications outlining their financial history and a plan for how they intend to use the grant money, such as transitioning to alternative revenue streams or ceasing operations. The funds for these grants would come from a newly created state fund, potentially financed by increases in state civil infraction penalties. The legislation requires the department to create specific rules to administer the program and defines key terms like "agricultural land" and "contamination" to guide eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses that participate in round-up donation programs to clearly disclose which organization will receive the donated funds. By adding a new section to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, the legislation mandates that these disclosures be made prominently to ensure consumers understand where their money is going. The rule applies to any merchant offering a round-up option where a customer's purchase total is rounded up to the nearest dollar, with the difference donated to a charity or nonprofit. This change aims to increase transparency in charitable giving practices by preventing confusion about the recipient of the contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Child Custody Act to strengthen how courts handle parenting time when domestic violence or abuse is alleged. It requires judges to specifically consider certain evidence, such as protection orders, arrests, and victim assessments, while also establishing stricter rules for admitting expert testimony in these cases. The legislation further restricts courts from removing children from safe, bonded caregivers or ordering reunification therapy unless the treatment is proven safe and effective, and it mandates that courts address the abusive parent's behavior before blaming the other parent for a child's resistance to contact. These changes aim to ensure that decisions regarding custody and visitation prioritize the safety and well-being of children in families affected by violence or coercive control.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of highway M-11 in Kent County as the "Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive." The affected roadway stretches from the intersection with 3 Mile Road south to the bridge over the Grand River. By amending state highway naming laws, the legislation officially assigns this commemorative name to the route. The change applies immediately and does not alter any traffic rules or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's crime victim compensation law to explicitly include reimbursement for pet boarding expenses when a victim must relocate immediately following a crime. The legislation allows victims to receive up to $45,000 total for various out-of-pocket losses, with specific sub-limits for categories such as medical care, counseling, relocation, and funeral costs. By adding pet boarding to the list of eligible expenses, the bill ensures that pet owners can access funds to board their animals while they move to a safer location. The amendment applies to claims filed under the state's existing crime victim services program without changing the overall funding structure or eligibility criteria for other types of compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Court-Appointed Special Advocate program in Michigan to support children under the age of 18 involved in court proceedings. The legislation creates a structured system where trained volunteers, known as CASA volunteers, are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of these children. To ensure safety and quality, the bill mandates rigorous screening, including comprehensive background checks, and requires volunteers to complete specific training and undergo regular supervision. Additionally, the law outlines the responsibilities of program directors to manage operations and sets clear rules for when a volunteer can be dismissed from their role.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan law to automatically remove certain criminal convictions from public records without requiring individuals to file a formal application. It establishes specific timeframes and eligibility criteria for expunging misdemeanors and felonies, such as requiring seven or ten years to pass since sentencing or release from prison. The law includes strict limitations, such as capping the number of convictions that can be cleared and excluding serious offenses like assaultive crimes, crimes of dishonesty, and those involving minors. Implementation of these automatic expungements is scheduled to begin two years after the bill's effective date, pending necessary funding and technological setup by state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Used Motor Vehicle Warranty Act" to offer buyers of used cars a short-term cancellation option. It requires dealers selling used vehicles with a purchase price of $50,000 or less to provide customers with a contract that allows them to return the car without cause within two days of purchase. Under this agreement, buyers can drive the vehicle up to 150 miles and have it inspected by a mechanic of their choice during that two-day window. If a customer decides to cancel, they must pay a restocking fee that varies based on the vehicle's price, ranging from $175 to $500. The law excludes motorcycles, off-highway vehicles, and cars costing more than $50,000 from these requirements, and it does not apply to private sales between individuals.