Rep. Doug Wozniak

Maddy summaryHB 4879 updates Michigan's licensing rules for landscape architects by amending two sections of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.303a and 339.411) and removing outdated regulatory sections. The bill specifically repeals existing provisions related to landscape architect professional regulation (MCL 339.2201-339.2211) and part of another law (MCL 338.2215). These changes directly affect licensed landscape architects in Michigan by modifying their current regulatory framework. The bill focuses on streamlining the legal structure of the profession without specifying new requirements or restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4880 amends Michigan's 1966 law on construction contracts to prevent public entities (like cities, counties, and school districts) from requiring licensed landscape architects, architects, engineers, or contractors to cover the public entity’s own negligence. The bill makes it void for public contracts to force these professionals to pay for damages caused solely by the public entity’s mistakes. Instead, liability must align with each party’s share of fault, ensuring fairer risk distribution. This directly affects licensed professionals working on public infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and water systems.

Maddy summaryHB 4883 amends Michigan’s regulations for hearing aid dealers by modifying sections 303a and 411 of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.303a and 339.411) and removing outdated provisions related to hearing aid dealer licensing (repealing MCL 339.1301-339.1309 and MCL 338.2231). The bill directly affects licensed hearing aid dealers in Michigan by updating their regulatory requirements and eliminating obsolete rules. Key changes include streamlining licensing standards and removing redundant administrative sections from the code. This is a procedural regulatory update with no new policy requirements, focusing solely on modernizing existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 4884 amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.51a) to update the definition of "prescription" for hearing aids. The bill explicitly states that a prescription for hearing aids includes orders from licensed hearing aid dealers (under MCL 339.1301-339.1309), not just physicians. This change directly affects licensed hearing aid dealers by allowing them to provide hearing aids based on their own professional instructions, streamlining the sales process under tax law. The amendment clarifies existing tax code language without altering tax rates or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4885 amends Michigan's Public Health Code (sections 333.16807 and 333.17601) to clarify that fitting and dispensing hearing aids remains regulated under Article 13 of the Occupational Code (not speech-language pathology practice). The bill directly affects hearing aid professionals and dealers by aligning the Public Health Code with existing occupational regulations. It updates references to ensure consistency, specifying that hearing aid fitting/disposal falls under Article 13 (MCL 339.1301-339.1309), not speech-language pathology provisions. This is a technical correction to the code, not a new policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4886 amends the Use Tax Act (MCL 205.92b) to clarify that a "prescription" for hearing aids includes orders from licensed hearing aid dealers or salespersons. This directly affects licensed hearing aid dealers by allowing them to issue prescriptions under tax law, aligning their authority with medical professionals for tax purposes. The change specifically updates the definition of "prescription" in section 2b to include orders from hearing aid dealers licensed under Michigan's occupational code. This is a technical adjustment to the tax code's definitions, not a new tax or benefit.

Maddy summaryHB 4854 requires insurance agents to clearly disclose whether they represent the insurance company (insurer) or the customer (insured) during sales or application processes. Specifically, it mandates that agents of the insurer must state this on a form approved by the Insurance Director, and agents of the insured must similarly disclose their role. The bill directly affects insurance consumers and agents by eliminating ambiguity about whose interests the agent serves. This disclosure requirement aims to prevent confusion and ensure transparency in insurance transactions under Michigan's Insurance Code.

Maddy summaryHB 4856 requires Michigan public school districts and intermediate school districts to allow homeschooled or nonpublic school students to participate in extracurricular activities like sports teams, theater, band, and debate. It prohibits school boards from blocking these students' participation and mandates that districts avoid joining athletic conferences or associations with exclusionary policies. The bill defines an "eligible child" as one residing within the district, homeschooled or attending a nonpublic school, and meeting standard eligibility requirements. This directly affects homeschooled and nonpublic school students seeking access to school-run activities. The law amends the Revised School Code (MCL 380.1 et seq.) by adding Section 1290.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow pharmacists to sell ivermectin without a prescription in oral, tablet, or topical forms. Pharmacists and retail pharmacies would be directly affected, as they could make the drug available over-the-counter under specific conditions. Key requirements include that the drug must be manufactured under good manufacturing practices and clearly labeled with dosage instructions, contraindications, and safety information. The bill amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to create these provisions (sections 17771 and 17771a).

Maddy summaryHB 4017 modifies workplace safety reporting rules by reducing the maximum penalty for failing to report a death if the death occurs on a family farm. It specifically lowers the penalty amount for employers who don't report fatalities involving certain individuals (like family members) working on their own farm. The bill affects employers in Michigan who operate family farms and are subject to workplace safety laws under MCL 408.1035. This change directly alters the penalty structure for reporting requirements related to farm-related workplace deaths.