Rep. Tom Kuhn

Maddy summaryHB 5601 is a budget bill that allocates state funding for Michigan's government operations during the 2026-2027 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2027). It provides specific appropriations to the legislature, executive branch, and key departments including the attorney general, state, treasury, technology, and civil rights. The bill outlines how these funds can be spent and details the handling of fees and income collected by state agencies. This bill directly affects all state agencies receiving funding by establishing their financial resources for the upcoming fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 5590 requires freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities (which use pressurized oxygen chambers for medical treatment) to obtain state licensure. It directly affects facility owners, operators, medical directors, and safety coordinators by mandating specific qualifications, safety protocols (like NFPA 99 compliance), and accreditation standards. Facilities must publicly display licenses, accreditation, FDA-approved treatment indications, and safety rules, and provide patients with written information about risks, benefits, and insurance coverage limitations. The bill also requires facilities to document compliance with safety standards and patient consent forms detailing FDA-approved uses.

Maddy summaryHB 5593 creates a dedicated "hyperbaric oxygen therapy inspection fund" in the state treasury to cover costs for inspecting freestanding specialized oxygen therapy facilities. The fund is financed solely by licensing fees paid by these facilities, and the state Department of Health administers it to ensure inspections occur. Money from the fund can only be used for inspecting such facilities under the Public Health Code, with no other purposes allowed. This bill directly affects facility operators (through fees) and state health inspectors (through funding), with no broader policy changes beyond this specific inspection mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 5496 imposes a 32% excise tax on the purchase price of wireless communications devices (like smartphones) sold primarily for use by individuals under 18 years old, effective January 1, 2026. The tax is collected at the point of sale by retailers, similar to other state taxes, and applies only to devices that support internet, apps, or multimedia - excluding basic telephones. All tax revenue flows into a new "Children's Mental Health and Safety Fund" in the state treasury, which must be used exclusively for mental health and safety programs for children as defined by existing law. The fund’s money remains available annually and cannot be redirected to the general state budget.

Maddy summaryHB 5543 increases the annual funding for grade crossing surface improvements from $3 million to $6 million per year by amending Section 10(1)(b) of Michigan's Transportation Fund Act (MCL 247.660). This change directs more state transportation funds toward safety and surface repairs at railroad crossings - locations where roads intersect train tracks - across Michigan. The bill specifically adjusts the allocation within the state trunk line fund, ensuring doubled resources for maintaining these critical infrastructure points. It does not alter other funding mechanisms but directly affects how money is distributed for grade crossing safety upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 5507 amends Michigan’s Clean Drinking Water Access Act to require all public schools to implement stricter lead testing and filtration for drinking water. Schools must create a management plan within 24 months, install filtered bottle-filling stations (1 per 100 occupants) or filtered faucets in specific areas, and conduct annual lead testing to ensure levels stay below 5 parts per billion. If lead exceeds 5 ppb, schools must immediately shut off the source, notify parents, and develop a remediation plan. Full compliance, including shutting off non-filtered water outlets, is required by the 2028-2029 school year, contingent on state funding appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 5051 amends Michigan's law to allow trained law enforcement officers and firefighters to administer epinephrine auto-injectors to individuals experiencing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), even without a prescription or prior allergy diagnosis. It requires responders to complete training on proper administration and permits eligible entities (like police departments or fire stations) to purchase and distribute epinephrine devices to their staff. The bill provides legal immunity from civil liability for entities and responders acting in good faith, unless their conduct involves gross negligence or willful misconduct. This directly affects first responders who may use the devices during emergencies and individuals suffering acute allergic reactions.

Maddy summaryHB 5053 requires medical control authorities to ensure all emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and personnel provide epinephrine or auto-injectors and are trained to recognize anaphylaxis, administer epinephrine, and properly dispose of devices. This directly affects EMS providers who deliver prehospital care across Michigan, mandating specific equipment availability and training protocols. The bill amends existing public health code requirements to strengthen emergency response capabilities for severe allergic reactions, with no changes to opioid antagonist or defibrillator requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5049 requires Michigan public schools to ensure trained staff can administer epinephrine auto-injectors during allergic emergencies. Schools with 10+ staff must have at least two trained employees (or one for smaller schools), and all schools must maintain at least two epinephrine auto-injectors. The bill mandates school policies for safe administration (by nurses or trained staff), reporting of all epinephrine uses to the state, and allows school districts to seek state reimbursement for unfunded costs. It directly affects all public K-12 schools in Michigan and students with severe allergies. The bill is tied to five companion bills (HB 5050-5054) that must also pass.

Maddy summaryHB 5054 modifies Michigan's school code to clarify protections for school staff administering epinephrine auto-injectors during emergencies and to streamline student access to necessary medical devices. It ensures school employees (including non-nurses) aren’t liable for civil damages or criminal charges when administering epinephrine in good faith during life-threatening situations, except for gross negligence. The bill also allows students with asthma or severe allergies to possess and use prescribed inhalers or epinephrine devices at school, on transportation, or at school events, provided they have written medical approval and an emergency care plan on file. These changes directly affect school staff, students with medical conditions requiring epinephrine or inhalers, and school administrators managing health protocols.