Rep. Sharon MacDonell

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in Michigan to honor the community's contributions to the state. It recognizes the nearly 400,000 Arab Americans living in Michigan, who have been part of the state since the late 1800s and have made significant impacts in areas like business, medicine, and industry. The resolution encourages residents to participate in events celebrating Arab American culture and achievements. This measure is a symbolic gesture that does not alter laws or require funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2026 as Multiple Birth Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the unique challenges and needs of families with twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples. The measure aims to increase public understanding of risks associated with multiple births, such as preterm delivery and low birth weight, while encouraging parents to connect with support networks like local clubs and medical professionals. By officially recognizing this month, the state legislature intends to foster community education and resources for expectant and current parents of multiple children.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as National Donate Life Month within the state of Michigan to honor organ and tissue donors. It aims to recognize the generosity of individuals registered with the Michigan Organ Donor Registry and highlight the life-saving impact of their contributions. The resolution does not alter laws or funding but serves as a formal declaration of appreciation to be shared with relevant donor registry partners.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month throughout the state of Michigan. It encourages parents, schools, businesses, and financial institutions to organize programs and activities focused on personal finance education during that month. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the importance of financial knowledge to help citizens manage money effectively.

Maddy summaryHB 4658 amends Michigan's Judges Retirement Act to allow judges to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement payments. Specifically, it permits judges to direct retirement payments to a trust established under federal law (42 USC 1396p(d)(4)(A) or (C)) instead of only designating family members like spouses or children. This change helps beneficiaries with disabilities maintain eligibility for government assistance programs while still receiving retirement benefits. The bill affects only judges participating in Michigan's judges' retirement system who choose to use this trust option.

Maddy summaryHB 4660 would allow Michigan public school employees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement benefits, expanding current options. Currently, beneficiaries must be immediate family members (spouse, child, parent, or sibling), but this bill would explicitly permit special needs trusts. The change directly affects retirees who wish to provide for dependents with disabilities through legally structured trust arrangements. This amendment to Section 85 of Michigan's Retirement Act would update beneficiary designation rules without altering payment amounts or retirement eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 4659 allows Michigan state employees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement benefits, expanding current options that only permitted family members (like spouses or children). This change directly affects state employees with disabled family members who rely on government benefits, as naming a trust protects beneficiaries' eligibility for programs like Medicaid without disrupting retirement payments. The bill amends Section 31 of the State Employees' Retirement Act to explicitly include special needs trusts in the list of permitted beneficiaries, replacing the current restriction to family relationships. This policy change ensures retirement benefits can continue to support disabled dependents while maintaining their access to public assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4657 allows Michigan state police retirees to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary for their retirement payments. The bill amends the State Police Retirement Act to explicitly permit the retirement system to pay benefits directly to such a trust upon written direction from the retiree or their designated beneficiary. This change affects state police members who have established special needs trusts under federal law (42 USC § 1396p(d)(4)(A)/(C)) and wish to provide for dependents with disabilities. The key provision replaces previous restrictions that required individual beneficiaries, enabling trusts to receive payments without requiring the retiree to name a specific person.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls for an investigation into a February 2026 missile strike on a primary school in Iran that reportedly killed over 100 children. It urges the House and Senate Armed Services committees to examine how the attack occurred, focusing on potential intelligence errors and decision-making processes that may have violated international laws of war. The bill also demands the resignation of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, arguing that he bears responsibility for the actions of the Department of War. By requesting these specific actions, the resolution seeks to address alleged war crimes and prevent future incidents involving civilian casualties.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to boost funding for maintaining, repairing, and building new subsidized housing. It also requests that these agencies ensure public housing authorities strictly follow federal and state laws regarding health, safety, and living conditions. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws or allocate money but serves to formally urge these organizations to take specific actions.