Rep. Donni Steele

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to create a legal framework for clinical trials involving ibogaine, a substance used to treat substance use disorders. It directly affects researchers, healthcare providers, and participants by establishing specific rules for how these studies can be conducted within the state. The legislation adds new sections to the code that define the requirements for obtaining approval, ensuring participant safety, and reporting data for these trials. By updating existing laws and adding new provisions, the bill aims to facilitate regulated medical research on ibogaine while maintaining oversight by state health authorities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2026 as Dairy Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant dairy industry. The measure highlights the sector's economic contributions, including its role in food production, job creation, and public health through nutritious dairy products. By adopting this symbolic declaration, the legislature aims to celebrate the achievements of local dairy farmers and processors while promoting awareness of the nutritional benefits of dairy consumption.

Maddy summaryHB 5636 designates a specific segment of Telegraph Road (US-24 between 9 Mile Road and 14 Mile Road) as the "Deputy Claude Wilson Memorial Highway." This bill is purely commemorative, naming a roadway section in honor of Deputy Claude Wilson without altering any traffic laws, funding, or infrastructure. It amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act by adding Section 123 to formally establish the highway name. The bill has been introduced but not yet acted upon by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the deputy secretary of state to take over as the chief election officer if the current secretary of state runs for another elected office. Under this change, the incumbent secretary would be barred from supervising or administering the election in which they are a candidate, though they would keep other duties like managing election audits. The deputy secretary would assume full supervisory control over local election officials during that specific election cycle.

Maddy summaryHB 5281, the "Third-Party Litigation Funding Transparency Act," regulates third-party funding of civil lawsuits by requiring funding companies to register with the state, disclose all terms to clients, and cap fees at 36% annually. It directly affects litigation funding companies and attorneys who use these services, mandating clear disclosure of costs and prohibiting hidden fees. The bill excludes pro bono nonprofits, health insurers, and traditional loans from its rules, focusing specifically on commercial funding arrangements where funders share in lawsuit proceeds. It establishes civil penalties for violations and gives state officials authority to enforce these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to voluntarily release documents and information regarding her past work with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), specifically concerning the organization's alleged payments to extremist groups. The bill is based on a federal indictment that accuses the SPLC of fraudulently diverting donor money to fund individuals associated with hate groups while claiming to fight them. It highlights Benson's previous roles as an undercover investigator and board member at the SPLC during the period of the alleged misconduct, suggesting she may possess unique knowledge of these operations. The resolution calls for her to publicly address her involvement to ensure transparency and avoid any appearance of impropriety, citing her prior refusal to comply with a separate subpoena as a reason for this request.

Maddy summaryHB 5091 amends Michigan's Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act by clarifying key definitions used in financial reporting. It specifically defines terms like "public officer" (including state legislators, the governor, attorney general, and county officials in large counties), "earned income," "gift," and "liabilities" for disclosure purposes. These definitions will directly affect elected state officials and certain county leaders who must file annual financial disclosures. The bill does not change reporting requirements but ensures consistent understanding of terms used in the disclosure forms. It focuses on standardizing terminology rather than creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 4303 designates May of each year as "Chaldean American Month" in Michigan to recognize the contributions of Chaldean, Assyrian, and Syriac Americans to the state and nation. The bill is purely symbolic, creating no new policies, funding, or obligations. It directly affects the Chaldean American community by formally honoring their cultural and historical contributions through this annual designation. The bill has advanced through committee stages but remains pending final legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's laws regarding false reports and threats of terrorism. It directly affects individuals who make communications about terrorism, clarifying that a person can be charged even if they lack the actual intent or ability to commit the threatened act. The key provision states that knowingly making a false report of terrorism or threatening violence with reckless disregard remains a felony punishable by five to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The bill is currently tied to a companion measure, meaning it will not take effect unless that related legislation is also passed.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4477 mandates that public school districts and public school academies provide water safety instruction to students. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, students will receive age- and grade-appropriate water safety instruction as part of their physical education courses, covering topics such as proper use of flotation devices and awareness of water conditions. The Department of Education is tasked with developing a model water safety program for schools by December 2025. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services will create a multilingual informational notice on water safety, which all public and nonpublic schools must distribute annually to parents or legal guardians starting October 2026. The bill also grants civil liability immunity to institutions and individuals involved in developing and distributing this informational notice.