Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute by repealing an older act and creating a new entity to manage election data. The institute will be a partnership between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and funding most operations while the state covers initial setup costs. Its primary functions include collecting, archiving, and providing free public access to a wide range of nonpartisan election data, such as precinct-level results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and district maps. The database must maintain this information for at least 12 years before public release and permanently for archival purposes, while also offering research, training, and technical assistance to local governments and scholars. Additionally, the bill mandates that the institute implement cybersecurity standards comparable to those used by the state's technology department.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Fund to provide disability benefits to specific first responders and public safety workers who develop PTSD from work-related traumatic events. It allows eligible individuals, such as firefighters, police officers, and 911 dispatchers with at least five years of service, to suspend claims against their employers and instead seek compensation from the fund if they meet the criteria. The legislation establishes a legal presumption that the PTSD arose from employment, which can only be overturned by clear and convincing medical evidence proving non-work-related causes or an incorrect diagnosis. Additionally, the bill sets strict timelines for processing claims, requiring hearings within 90 days and decisions within 30 days, while also defining which high-stress situations qualify as traumatic events.

Maddy summaryHB 5942 amends state law to establish stricter rules for public utilities in Michigan when they seek to raise rates or change their pricing schedules. The bill requires gas, electric, and steam utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before implementing any rate increases that would cost customers more money. It mandates that utilities provide advance notice to all affected customers and hold public hearings to allow for input, while also setting specific deadlines for the commission to review and decide on these applications. Additionally, the legislation outlines a process for utilities to request temporary relief from rate hikes and specifies how refunds and interest must be handled if proposed rates are later rejected or reduced. These changes directly impact utility companies and their customers by creating a more transparent and regulated framework for rate adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Fund within the state treasury to provide financial support for workers' compensation claims related to PTSD. The legislation establishes the fund's management structure, allowing the state treasurer to invest assets and the director to oversee audits and expenditures for approved claims and administrative costs. It mandates that any unpaid claims be prioritized for payment if the fund runs low and requires the director to notify the legislature if the money is projected to be insufficient within 60 days. Additionally, the bill mandates annual and quarterly reports to the legislature detailing claim statistics, payment amounts, and future cost estimates.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in the state of Michigan. It is a commemorative resolution that does not change laws or affect daily operations, but instead formally recognizes the date to honor victims of the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide. The measure builds on Michigan's existing 2002 recognition of the genocide and aims to promote awareness and remembrance within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 4-10, 2026, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in Michigan. It aims to highlight the importance of recognizing postpartum depression and other maternal mental health issues among women of all backgrounds. The resolution encourages the public and healthcare providers to share information about warning signs and available resources during this designated period. By setting aside this specific time frame, the bill seeks to reduce stigma and promote awareness rather than implementing new laws or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 4-8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week throughout Michigan. It directly affects teachers, students, parents, and the general public by encouraging them to recognize and thank educators for their contributions. The resolution contains no new laws or funding, but rather serves as a formal declaration to honor the teaching profession.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Michigan's representatives in Congress to support H.R. 7459, a bill designed to create a federal Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund. The proposed fund would provide permanent money for coastal projects, such as beach nourishment, to help manage erosion along the Great Lakes. By encouraging the delegation to back this legislation, the bill aims to ensure a steady source of funding for protecting shorelines and public property. It does not directly allocate money itself but serves as a formal request to influence the congressional delegation's stance on the funding bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan PFAS action response team (MPART), a new state entity dedicated to addressing contamination from PFAS chemicals, commonly known as 'forever chemicals.' The team will be composed of directors from various state departments, including environmental protection and health services, who will work together to identify affected sites, develop cleanup plans, and coordinate public health responses. MPART is authorized to conduct investigations, hire experts, share information with local and federal agencies, and recommend changes to existing laws to better manage environmental and public safety threats related to PFAS.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Citizen's Advisory Working Group within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to assist with PFAS contamination efforts. The group will be made up of current or former residents from communities affected by PFAS contamination, and its members will serve without pay but can receive reimbursement for necessary expenses. The group's main duties include advising the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team on community outreach, reviewing existing strategies, and making recommendations to improve public awareness of health risks related to PFAS.