Rep. Sharon MacDonell

Maddy summaryHB 4559 amends the Michigan Public Health Code to update sentencing guidelines for crimes involving the sale or manufacture of drugs with misleading labels that result in death or serious injury. The bill clarifies that individuals convicted of these offenses under specific intent to kill or cause harm face mandatory life sentences without parole, but it explicitly exempts those cases from mandatory sentencing if they are subject to resentencing proceedings. This legislative change ensures that existing resentencing mechanisms can still be applied to individuals whose cases fall under these new provisions. The bill also includes a provision stating that this section does not prevent individuals from being charged with or punished for other laws violated during the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to create standardized parole guidelines that help the parole board make objective, evidence-based release decisions. The new rules mandate that these guidelines consider specific factors such as the nature of the offense, institutional behavior, prior criminal history, and statistical risk assessments while prohibiting decisions based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, the legislation strictly limits the circumstances under which the parole board can deny parole to individuals who otherwise qualify for release, requiring written justification for any such departures. The bill also establishes a structured review schedule for prisoners denied parole and ensures that those denied based on incomplete programming receive a chance to complete it before being reconsidered.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Crime Victim's Rights Act to ensure that victims of crime receive specific notices regarding their rights during the resentencing of prisoners. It requires prosecutors to inform victims about their ability to submit impact statements detailing physical, emotional, and economic harm, as well as their views on restitution and sentencing. The legislation also mandates that victims be notified about the availability of pre-sentence reports and the details of upcoming sentencing hearings. Additionally, these notification requirements apply to cases involving juveniles, ensuring consistent treatment of victims across different types of criminal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new chapter within the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to establish a formal Center for Microenterprise Development. The legislation defines a microenterprise as a small business with 10 or fewer employees and outlines the role of nonprofit organizations that provide training, technical assistance, or loans to these businesses. By adding specific definitions for terms like "economic development project" and "green chemistry," the bill sets the framework for the fund to support small-scale industrial, commercial, and agricultural ventures. The changes amend existing state laws to ensure the fund can officially recognize and assist these smaller enterprises through structured development programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates December 9-15, 2024, as Computer Science Week in Michigan to highlight the importance of computer science education and its role in economic growth and innovation. The measure encourages schools, universities, and businesses to organize activities that expose students to computer science concepts and provide teachers with professional development opportunities. It also specifically supports initiatives aimed at increasing participation among female students and other groups underrepresented in the field.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals in Michigan to create a legally valid power of attorney using two-way real-time audio-visual technology, such as video calls, instead of requiring all parties to be physically present in the same room. To use this method, the person signing the document must interact directly with witnesses via video and audio, have that interaction recorded and kept for at least three years, and clearly state their location and the specific document being signed during the session. The legislation also updates definitions within the state's Uniform Power of Attorney Act to clarify terms like "electronic" and "record" to ensure these digital processes are properly recognized. These changes aim to make it easier for people to manage their financial and legal affairs remotely while maintaining safeguards to prevent fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to require courts to inform people considering guardianship about alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship, conservatorship, and supported decision-making. Supported decision-making is defined as a process where individuals with incapacities work with trusted friends, family, or professionals to understand their options and make their own decisions. The legislation also mandates that a guardian ad litem be appointed to represent the individual in incapacity hearings if they do not have their own legal counsel. These changes aim to ensure that individuals facing potential guardianship are fully informed about less restrictive options before a court order is issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Judicial Protection Act, establishes new safety and privacy measures for judges in Michigan and their immediate family members. It allows judges to request that government agencies and private entities stop sharing specific personal details, such as home addresses, phone numbers, and financial information, with the public. To enforce this, the law creates a formal process where judges can submit written requests to remove or prevent the posting of this sensitive data. The protections apply to state, federal, and tribal court judges within the state, as well as their spouses, children, parents, and other relatives living at the same address.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Michigan to provide clear written notices to customers when making significant changes to their automobile or homeowners policies, such as cancellations, non-renewals, or premium increases of more than 10%. If a policyholder requests details, the insurer must explain the specific principal factors behind the decision rather than using vague terms like "poor loss history" or simply citing internal models. The law also mandates that these notices and explanations be sent directly to the insured and, when applicable, to independent insurance agents who represent the customer. These transparency requirements will apply to policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and do not replace existing rules regarding policy cancellations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's mental health code to establish a legal framework for supportive decision-making agreements, allowing individuals with developmental disabilities to enter into contracts where trusted friends, family, or professionals assist them in understanding choices without removing their legal authority. The legislation requires courts to prioritize these less restrictive alternatives over traditional guardianship whenever possible, ensuring that any restrictions on a person's personal liberty or financial management are the minimum necessary for their protection. By defining supportive decision-making as a collaborative process that respects an individual's right to make their own decisions, the bill aims to promote maximum self-reliance and independence while still providing safeguards against neglect, exploitation, and abuse.