Rep. Sharon MacDonell

Maddy summaryHB 5454 prohibits the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) in dry cleaning solvents in Michigan, directly affecting dry cleaning businesses, manufacturers, and sellers. The bill bans manufacturing PCE solvents after December 1, 2031; selling them after June 1, 2032; and using them after December 1, 2032. It creates a state fund to provide grants and resources for dry cleaners transitioning to safer alternatives, including cost-share programs and a buy-back program for existing PCE products. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will administer the fund and cost-share program. Violations could result in civil fines up to $10,000.

Maddy summaryHB 5429 is a supplemental appropriations bill that allocates additional state funding for the autism navigator program. It directly affects the program by providing dedicated financial resources to support its operations and services. The bill creates a new appropriation act to fund this specific initiative within the state budget for fiscal year 2026. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, and it remains pending in the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on December 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4262 empowers Michigan's attorney general to investigate and enforce violations of the state's Event Online Ticket Sales Act. It directly affects online ticket sellers who misrepresent ticket prices, availability, or fees. Key provisions include imposing civil fines of up to $5,000 per violated ticket, allowing the attorney general to seek court injunctions against ongoing violations, and enabling recovery of fines and restitution. The bill adds enforcement tools to the existing ticket sales law without changing the underlying consumer protections.

Maddy summaryHB 5404 amends Michigan's guardianship and conservatorship laws to strengthen oversight of professional guardians and conservators. It requires criminal background checks, court-approved bonds, and limits compensation sources for these appointed fiduciaries. The bill also mandates visitation schedules for professional guardians to check on wards and prohibits delegation of key decisions like medical or financial choices. These changes directly affect professional guardians/conservators, the individuals under their care (wards), and courts managing these cases. The bill focuses on ensuring accountability and proper care through specific procedural requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5408 requires veterinarians to disclose specific information to animal owners before prescribing or dispensing medication. This includes the drug name, usage instructions, storage details (if available), common side effects, and relevant manufacturer warnings. Veterinarians must provide this either orally or in writing and document the disclosure method in the animal’s medical record. The requirement does not apply if the manufacturer hasn’t provided side effect information for the specific animal species. This bill directly affects veterinarians and animal owners in Michigan by standardizing medication disclosure practices.

Maddy summaryHB 5405 allows individuals applying for Michigan's medical assistance program to pay family members or household members for personal care services (like home maintenance, meal prep, or transportation) without risking disqualification. It creates two types of agreements: "qualified" (written, signed, and detailing services) and "affirmed" (oral or partial written with verification), both requiring payments at local fair market rates. The state must accept these payments as legitimate, preventing penalties for "divestment" (counting them as asset transfers that would affect eligibility). This directly affects seniors and disabled residents using family for care while seeking medical assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 5421 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to create a new exception allowing victims of stalking to qualify for benefits if they leave employment due to stalking. Currently, an exception exists for domestic violence victims under Section 29(a)(iv), but this bill replaces "domestic violence" with "stalking" in that provision. The change means individuals who leave jobs to escape stalking would no longer be disqualified from benefits, directly affecting stalking victims who might otherwise lose unemployment eligibility. This policy update modifies the disqualification rule without altering other existing provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5422 amends Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act (2018 PA 338) to clarify and expand permissible uses of accrued sick time for workers. It specifically updates Section 4(1) to allow sick time for medical care related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or violent crime; school meetings about a child's health or disability; and public health emergencies. The bill also refines notice requirements for employers, permitting advance notice up to 7 days for foreseeable absences. This amendment directly affects Michigan workers covered under the existing sick time law, ensuring clearer access to time off for health, family, and safety needs.

Maddy summaryHB 5423 prohibits Michigan employers from taking adverse actions (like firing, refusing to hire, or harassing) against employees who are victims of violent crimes or involved in related legal proceedings. It directly protects employees and their family members who experience violent crimes, ensuring employers cannot retaliate for attending court, requesting workplace adjustments (such as schedule changes or safety modifications), or seeking help. Employers must post notices about these protections and provide them to all employees in their primary language. Employees can file lawsuits within three years to seek remedies like reinstatement, back pay, or damages if their rights are violated.

Maddy summaryHB 5397 eliminates a tax exemption for data center equipment under Michigan's Use Tax Act. It repeals Section 4cc, which previously allowed data center businesses to claim an exemption from use tax on equipment purchases. This change means data center operators will now pay the standard use tax on qualifying equipment instead of claiming the exemption. The bill directly affects data center businesses that previously utilized this tax exemption.