Rep. Sharon MacDonell

Maddy summaryHB 4130 amends Section 2 of Michigan's Animal Welfare Fund Act (MCL 287.992) by updating the definition of "State animal anticruelty laws" to explicitly include specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.49-750.70, 750.70a, and MCL 750.50(8) and (12)). This technical update ensures the fund act correctly references existing animal cruelty laws without creating new policies or funding. The bill affects how the Animal Welfare Fund Act applies to enforcement of current animal protection laws. It is a procedural clarification, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4109 clarifies that health club staff (including owners and employees) have no legal obligation to provide emergency medical assistance using on-site AEDs during health club incidents. It explicitly states this does not override Michigan's existing Good Samaritan law (1963 PA 17), which protects people who assist in emergencies. The bill requires companion bill HB 4108 to pass first before taking effect. This directly affects health club operations regarding medical emergency response protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 4096 expands worker's compensation protections for public safety workers by presuming that heart and respiratory diseases develop from job duties. It directly affects full-time, part-time, and paid-on-call members of fire, police, and public safety departments; county sheriffs and deputies; state police; conservation officers; and forest/motor carrier enforcement officers. The bill amends Section 405 to include these conditions as "personal injury" under the Worker's Disability Compensation Act, meaning they are presumed work-related unless proven otherwise. Before claiming benefits, applicants must first seek pension eligibility under Section 405(4), and benefits from the new presumption cannot overlap with employer-provided coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 4102 updates Michigan's physical therapy licensing rules to allow the state to join the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill amends existing licensing sections and adds new provisions (17820a and 17820b) to enable this participation. This change would let physical therapists licensed in Michigan or other compact states practice in Michigan without needing separate state licenses. The bill directly affects physical therapists seeking to work across state lines and Michigan residents needing physical therapy services. It creates a streamlined process for interstate practice under the compact agreement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan, formally recognizing the month-long observance of African American contributions to history and culture. It does not create new laws or allocate state resources; instead, it serves as a symbolic declaration by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor Black achievements and reflect on racial justice. The resolution cites historical context, including Dr. Carter G. Woodson's origins of Black History Month and President Ford's 1976 recognition. It encourages statewide awareness of African American milestones and the ongoing pursuit of equality, aligning with longstanding national observances.

Maddy summaryHB 4093 updates Michigan's Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act to correct an outdated reference in jury selection rules for eminent domain cases. It amends Section 12 (MCL 213.62) to properly reference current jury selection procedures under the Revised Judicature Act, replacing obsolete language. The bill directly affects property owners and government entities involved in condemnation proceedings where jury trials for "just compensation" are requested. This procedural update only takes effect if companion bill HB 4091 is enacted, ensuring alignment with related legislative changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4094 modifies Michigan's jury eligibility rules to remove disqualifications for most criminal records, allowing prospective jurors with past convictions to serve unless the crime is similar to the current case. It also prohibits excluding jurors based on protected statuses (such as race, gender, or religion under Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act) or using peremptory challenges for invalid reasons like a juror living in a high-crime neighborhood. The bill requires courts to deny peremptory challenges if protected status appears to be a factor, with specific examples of invalid justifications provided. These changes aim to address historical discrimination in jury selection while keeping the process accessible for all eligible residents.

Maddy summaryHB 4091 replaces local jury boards with a centralized state system for jury selection across Michigan courts. It directs the State Court Administrative Office (under the Supreme Court) to create a statewide jury pool using driver's license and state ID data provided by the Secretary of State, eliminating county-level processes. The bill mandates electronic transmission of jury lists to courts, establishes a standard juror questionnaire, and requires annual updates to the jury pool list. This change directly affects all Michigan courts (circuit, probate, district, and municipal) and potential jurors statewide by standardizing jury selection procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 4092 is a technical amendment to Michigan's Probate Code (MCL 712A.17) that corrects outdated references following a prior repeal. It updates procedural language about court hearings, including requirements for adjournments (e.g., 14-day written notice for continuances) and jury demands in non-criminal probate cases. The bill does not create new policies but ensures the code accurately reflects current law. It depends on the passage of companion bill HB 4091 to take effect, as noted in its enacting section. This is a procedural correction affecting court procedures in probate matters, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 11, 2025, as "White Shirt Day" in Michigan to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the United Auto Workers' (UAW) first contract with General Motors. It honors the UAW's history, including the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike, and recognizes the tradition of UAW members wearing white shirts to symbolize equality and respect for blue-collar workers. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no new policies or direct impacts on legislation or affected groups. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on February 11, 2025.