Rep. Donni Steele

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4471 proposes to allow retired county employees to be employed in a county sheriff's office. The key provision is that these individuals would be able to work in such a role without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance or pension benefits. This bill directly affects county retirees who may wish to return to employment within a sheriff's department. It amends section 12a of 1851 PA 156, which concerns the powers and duties of county boards of commissioners regarding employee benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 4187 modifies Michigan's corporate income tax law by adjusting how the tax base is calculated and clarifying revenue distribution. It requires corporations to add back certain taxes and expenses previously deducted for federal purposes (like state taxes or related-party royalties) and eliminates deductions for oil/gas and mineral-related income and expenses. For the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the bill directs $800 million of corporate tax revenue to the Michigan taxpayer rebate fund, while other years’ revenue flows to the general fund. This directly affects corporations operating in Michigan and the state’s budget allocation process.

Maddy summaryHB 4833 modifies the number of judges for several Oakland County district courts in Michigan. It reduces the number of judges in the 48th district (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills area) from 3 to 2, and in the 50th district (Pontiac) from 4 to 3, effective when a vacancy occurs or an incumbent does not seek re-election. The bill applies directly to residents of these specific communities by changing court staffing levels under defined conditions. These changes are administrative adjustments to court structure, not new policies affecting broader public services.

Maddy summaryHB 4703 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover group prenatal care services for policyholders. This directly affects health insurers offering coverage in the state and pregnant individuals seeking prenatal care. The bill defines "group prenatal care services" as evidence-based, group-based visits that include health assessments, social support, education, and peer interaction in a family-centered setting. Insurers must now provide this coverage for group prenatal care under their health insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the state of energy emergency in Michigan by an additional 77 days, effective July 1, 2026. The measure allows the sale of E15 fuel in several counties where current regulations previously restricted it to lower vapor pressure gasoline. By suspending these fuel requirements, the extension aims to increase fuel supply options and help manage rising gas prices for consumers and businesses. The resolution requires approval from both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4704 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (like Medicaid) to cover group prenatal care services starting from its effective date. This directly affects pregnant individuals enrolled in Michigan's medical assistance program by making evidence-based group prenatal care available at no extra cost. The bill defines "group prenatal care" as a series of visits in a group setting that includes health assessments, social support, education, and peer interaction in a family-centered environment. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services must add this coverage to the program under Section 109t of the Social Welfare Act.

Maddy summaryHB 5145 changes documentation requirements for Michigan's public assistance programs, including food assistance. It replaces self-attestation with verifiable documents for applicants to prove identity (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate), income (e.g., pay stub, tax return), and Michigan residency (e.g., utility bill, lease). The bill requires applicants to upload these documents via the MI Bridges online portal before eligibility is determined. It also mandates that the department use alternative verification methods if documents are missing, rather than automatically denying benefits. This bill directly affects individuals applying for or renewing public assistance benefits in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to change the rules for preliminary examinations in Michigan criminal cases, which are early court hearings to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a felony trial. Currently, the bill would allow prosecutors and defense attorneys to introduce certain reports, such as drug test results and forensic lab findings, without needing the original author to testify in court. The legislation also establishes a specific timeline where these relaxed evidence rules would take effect on January 1, 2027, replacing the current requirement that live testimony be available for most evidence. By removing the application of standard evidence rules for future cases, the bill aims to streamline the process of deciding whether a defendant should be held for trial.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the penalties for the crime of terrorism in Michigan by updating the language in the state penal code. It directly affects individuals charged with knowingly and premeditated acts of terrorism, ensuring the statute clearly mandates life imprisonment without parole if the act results in death. The legislation also maintains existing provisions that allow for a fine of up to $100,000 or a prison term of at least 25 years for other terrorism-related convictions. These changes aim to clarify the legal consequences for those convicted of terrorism under current laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5520 requires Michigan's Department of Education to approve 3+ reading assessments for schools that minimize instructional time loss and provide timely results. It mandates school districts to implement literacy coaches by 2027 who support teachers in evidence-based reading instruction, data analysis, and intervention for struggling readers in grades K-3. The bill also directs the department to develop dyslexia expertise, provide professional learning on structured literacy, and update the Michigan Dyslexia Handbook every 5 years. These provisions directly affect school districts, K-3 teachers, students needing reading support, and parents through improved reading instruction and assessment practices. The bill focuses on systemic changes to address reading deficiencies using research-backed methods.