Rep. Sharon MacDonell

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to notify private well owners and nearby residents when tests detect unsafe levels of PFAS chemicals in their water. The legislation mandates that the department provide specific guidance on reducing exposure, along with free certified water filters, to those directly affected and to neighbors within a one-mile radius of the contaminated well. Additionally, the bill establishes a voluntary registry to send email alerts about future testing locations and dates, ensuring the public stays informed about potential water quality issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amendments to Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for violations of the Hazardous Products Act. By updating the relevant section of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it would establish or modify the standard sentencing framework for individuals charged with these specific offenses. The legislation directly affects prosecutors, judges, and defendants involved in cases concerning the improper handling or distribution of hazardous materials. As a procedural update to existing law, it aims to clarify how penalties are determined for these particular crimes without introducing new offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 5896 requires people who use sewage sludge or its derivatives on land to test these materials for PFAS chemicals before application and report the results to the state Department of Environmental Quality. The bill mandates that these tests use methods approved by the federal EPA and requires anyone who prepares biosolids to notify landowners and farmers about the specific PFAS levels found in the material. Additionally, the legislation provides exceptions for certain high-quality compost used in landscaping, allowing it to bypass some existing rules if it meets specific maturity and quality standards and is used in approved locations like parks or home gardens.

Maddy summaryMichigan's HB 5892, known as the Safe Cosmetics Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing cosmetic products containing specific hazardous chemicals starting January 1, 2027. The law bans intentionally added substances such as asbestos, certain phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and heavy metals, while also setting strict limits on lead content in both general and color cosmetics. To enforce these rules, the state Department of Health and Human Services can request compliance statements from manufacturers and impose civil fines of up to $10,000 for repeat violations. This legislation directly affects companies that produce, sell, or distribute cosmetics within Michigan, requiring them to ensure their products are free from the listed restricted ingredients.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that urges state and federal agencies to prioritize reducing workplace injuries and deaths in Michigan. It calls on the Michigan Department of Labor, the state and federal occupational safety organizations, and other responsible parties to take all necessary actions to improve worksite safety. The resolution cites statistics on annual workplace fatalities and emphasizes the importance of protecting workers while honoring those who have been injured or killed on the job.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks residents, employers, and community groups in Michigan to raise awareness about workers' rights and workplace protections. It highlights the importance of these rights for economic stability and directs attention to existing resources provided by state agencies like the Bureau of Employment Relations and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The bill specifically encourages promoting these rights during Workplace Rights Week, which is scheduled for April 27 through May 1, 2026. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to facilitate this outreach.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions of wetlands and related terms within Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to improve clarity and consistency. It specifically expands the list of wetland types considered 'rare and imperiled' and establishes a schedule for the Department of Natural Resources to review and recommend changes to this list every five years. The legislation also refines technical definitions for concepts like 'exceptional wetland,' 'fill material,' and 'wetland functions and services' to better guide future conservation and restoration efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Michigan state constitution to guarantee every person an inherent right to a clean environment, including clean water, air, and soil. It establishes that the state and all its agencies must act as trustees for natural resources, which are declared the common property of all people, including future generations. The amendment would require the government to protect these rights equitably for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or location, and it allows citizens to directly enforce these rights in court. If approved by voters, this change would legally bind the state to conserve and maintain natural resources while preventing any actions that infringe upon environmental rights.

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.