Rep. Sharon MacDonell

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan State Police to create a standardized set of response terms and a color-coding system for schools by July 1, 2026. The new rules will guide how public and nonpublic schools, along with local law enforcement, communicate during specific incidents occurring on school property. By establishing a uniform language and visual code, the legislation aims to improve coordination between schools and police when handling emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan law requires all employers with at least one full-time employee to display a specific poster in a visible area of their workplace. The poster must provide contact information and details about various services available to veterans, including mental health support, job training, tax benefits, and resources from both state and federal agencies. The state departments of labor and military and veterans affairs will create and distribute this poster for free to help businesses comply with the new requirement. The rule takes effect on April 2, 2025, aiming to ensure veterans are aware of the assistance they can access through their employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan school districts to allow Native American students to wear traditional clothing and bring culturally significant items during school ceremonies. It defines these ceremonies to include events like graduations and honor society meetings, while ensuring that any prohibited weapons or dangerous items remain banned. The law specifically protects the right of Indigenous individuals to express their cultural and ancestral traditions within the educational setting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies operating in Michigan to cover mental health screenings for new mothers during the postpartum period. The law directly affects health insurers and the women who receive their coverage, ensuring these specific screenings are included in their policies. It achieves this by amending the state's insurance code to mandate compliance with existing public health guidelines regarding postpartum care. The measure becomes effective on April 2, 2025, provided a related companion bill is also enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan election procedures to allow the Board of State Canvassers to use statistical random sampling when checking signatures on ballot initiatives and other petitions. It establishes rules for verifying voter registration and signature authenticity, creating a rebuttable presumption that a signature is invalid if the voter was not registered or did not live in the correct district at the time of signing. The legislation also requires the board to refer signatures that appear obviously fraudulent to the Attorney General for further investigation. Additionally, it sets specific deadlines for declaring petitions sufficient and mandates that the board complete its review at least two months before the relevant election.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's education savings program rules to align with recent changes in federal tax law. It specifically allows account owners to use their savings for qualified expenses related to apprenticeships and student loan interest, in addition to traditional tuition and fees. The legislation also clarifies that withdrawals used for these new purposes remain tax-free, provided they meet other federal requirements. By amending state tax definitions, the law ensures that the program continues to offer tax benefits consistent with current national standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new scholarship program in Michigan to help individuals who face financial hardship become doulas, providing continuous support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, prove Michigan residency, and commit to serving as a doula in a health professional shortage area or with a medically underserved population. The program awards up to $3,000 per person to cover training costs such as books and workshop fees, with funds drawn from a dedicated state treasury account. Recipients must use the money to complete approved doula training and provide proof of their work or training progress within six months, or they must repay the award.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Protection from Intimate Deep Fakes Act" to provide legal remedies for individuals harmed by nonconsensual deep fake images depicting sexual conduct. It allows victims to file civil lawsuits against anyone who creates or shares these realistic but fake videos, provided the creator knew or should have known the content would cause harm and was made using artificial technology rather than physical impersonation. The law defines specific protections for identifiable individuals and clarifies that consent is not a valid defense unless it is documented in a clear, signed agreement describing exactly what the fake image entails. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for where lawsuits can be filed and ensures that plaintiffs can use pseudonyms to protect their privacy during legal proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 5590 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to include specific provisions for crimes committed against animals. This change directly affects judges and prosecutors by providing updated rules for determining sentences in cases involving animal cruelty. The bill revises existing legal statutes to ensure that penalties for harming animals are clearly defined within the state's criminal code. By linking this measure to a companion bill, the legislation aims to standardize how such offenses are handled in the judicial system.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes committed against animals. It amends an existing section of the state's criminal procedure code to update how judges determine penalties in these cases. The legislation does not create new crimes but instead modifies the rules used to calculate sentences when animal abuse or neglect is charged.