Rep. Brenda Carter

Maddy summaryHB 4598 expands Michigan's Organized Retail Crime Act to specifically address new tactics used in theft. It adds provisions criminalizing the acquisition, alteration, or use of stolen gift cards (subsections i(i)-(iii)), fraudulent wireless device purchases (subsections h), and manipulating fire exit alarms (subsections g) as organized retail crime. The bill makes these acts felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fines, or both, and requires offenders to pay restitution to retailers and forfeit stolen merchandise. This directly affects retailers (through enhanced protections) and individuals committing these expanded theft methods, while clarifying that property representation as stolen is sufficient for prosecution.

Maddy summaryHB 5839 designates the Lunar New Year as a state holiday in Michigan. The bill defines the holiday based on the Chinese calendar and recognizes it as a celebration for people of Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and other East or Southeast Asian origins. This legislation creates a new act to formally acknowledge the date as a holiday within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's public health code to protect healthcare providers and pharmacies from disciplinary action when they comply with the Death with Dignity Act. It explicitly states that a licensee's good-faith participation in this act cannot be used as grounds for investigation or sanctions. Additionally, the bill clarifies rules regarding prescription record retention, confidentiality, and the process for pharmacies to issue copies of prescriptions to one another. These changes aim to provide legal clarity and protection for medical professionals while maintaining existing standards for patient record management.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to designate April 13 and April 14 of each year as official holidays in Michigan to recognize Vaisakhi, a significant holy day for Sikhs and Hindus. If passed, the legislation would formally acknowledge these dates as state holidays, allowing government employees and institutions to observe the day. The measure does not specify how businesses or private organizations must respond to the designation. It is a procedural bill that creates a new statutory definition for the holiday rather than mandating specific operational changes.

Maddy summaryHB 5841 proposes to officially recognize Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Ghadeer as designated holidays in Michigan. The bill defines these dates by their specific days in the Islamic Hijri calendar, establishing them as state-recognized observances. This legislation directly affects state employees and government operations by setting aside these specific days as holidays.

Maddy summaryHB 5827 amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish specific sentencing guidelines for crimes committed under the Death with Dignity Act. The bill directly affects judges and prosecutors by providing a structured framework for determining appropriate sentences in cases involving physician-assisted suicide. By modifying sections 13n and 16p of the state code, the legislation ensures that sentencing practices for these specific offenses are codified within existing legal procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 5838 proposes to officially designate Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, as a state holiday in Michigan. The bill defines the holiday as occurring on the new moon day of the eighth lunar month according to the Indic pūrṇimānta lunisolar calendar. This change would allow state employees to take time off for the observance, which is celebrated by Hindus and Jains.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Death with Dignity Act, would allow adults in Michigan with a terminal illness to request medication to end their lives in a humane and dignified manner. To qualify, a patient must be at least 18 years old, mentally capable, and diagnosed with a disease that is incurable, irreversible, and expected to cause death within six months. The process requires multiple safeguards, including two independent medical confirmations from different doctors, counseling sessions, and a written request witnessed by two individuals who are not related to the patient or involved in their care. If approved, the attending physician would prescribe the medication after ensuring the patient understands all risks and alternatives, while the law also provides immunity from legal or professional penalties for those who follow the act's procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 5828 prohibits health insurers in Michigan from denying or limiting coverage for individuals who intend to end their lives in accordance with the state's Death with Dignity Act. The bill amends existing insurance code sections to ensure that suicide clauses in long-term care and universal life policies do not apply to deaths resulting from this specific medical aid-in-dying process. By adding a new section to the insurance code, the legislation clarifies that ending one's life under the Death with Dignity Act is not considered a suicide for the purposes of insurance exclusions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a select committee to investigate the Interlochen Center for the Arts and its connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The committee would be tasked with examining the relationship between the arts center and the individual, potentially leading to further inquiries or recommendations. The measure is currently under consideration by the Michigan House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.