Rep. Natalie Price

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's ethics rules to restrict former state legislators and top executive officials from lobbying on behalf of private interests for a set period after leaving office. Specifically, it prohibits former lawmakers from lobbying for one year after their term ends and extends this one-year ban to the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state. The law allows these individuals to continue lobbying for the state government or their former offices during this time but sets a financial threshold that, if exceeded, requires them to register as lobbyists. Violating these restrictions is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by fines, jail time, or both.

Maddy summaryHB 5581 amends Michigan's lobbying laws to clarify definitions and update spending thresholds for individuals and organizations engaging in lobbying activities. The bill specifically redefines who qualifies as a lobbyist or lobbyist agent by adjusting the annual expenditure limits and clarifying rules about group spending on food and travel. It also expands the list of state officials considered "executive branch officials" for lobbying purposes to include various department directors and commission members. Additionally, the legislation updates terminology to ensure consistency across the statute while maintaining exemptions for journalists and most public employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the force-feeding of any bird species in Michigan by requiring that food be delivered only through methods the bird would choose voluntarily. It defines force-feeding as using tubes or devices to force a bird to eat more than it would naturally, and it applies this rule specifically to poultry. Anyone violating this ban faces a civil fine of up to $1,000 for each day the violation continues, which can be pursued by county prosecutors or the state attorney general. The legislation does not impose criminal penalties for this specific violation and amends the state's Animal Industry Act to include this new restriction.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent Family Advisory Board within Michigan's Department of Corrections to improve visitation policies and family reunification efforts. The board will consist of 11 to 16 members, including representatives from the department, the legislative corrections ombudsman, current and former incarcerated individuals, and family members, who will meet regularly and hold public informational sessions. Additionally, the bill modifies hearing procedures by requiring that prisoners be granted access to video recordings of restricted visits before their evidentiary hearings, unless such access is deemed dangerous or disruptive. The department must also consult with the advisory board on any proposed changes to visitation policies and provide them with draft documents for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's public health code to strictly prohibit public bodies from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It defines specific scenarios where such use is forbidden, including procedures that could cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or involve invasive surgeries, while allowing exceptions for veterinary training on existing ailments and routine spaying or neutering. The legislation empowers the state department to inspect facilities and establish rules for animal care, and it imposes civil fines of up to $5,000 per day for each dog involved in a violation. Additionally, the bill creates a new Animal Research Advisory Board to oversee these standards and repeals previous sections of the code that are no longer needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Climate Resiliency Corps program in Michigan to train and employ residents in projects that address climate change, such as creating green infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture. The program would be managed by the Michigan Community Service Commission in partnership with local governments, nonprofits, universities, and other organizations, with a goal of placing at least 40% of participants in environmental justice communities. Selected corps members, who must be state residents at least 17 years old, would receive wages or stipends, scholarships, and workforce development training while working on approved resiliency projects. The legislation also creates a dedicated state fund to finance grants, scholarships, and the administrative costs of running the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new cancer cluster investigation program within Michigan's public health code to help identify unusual patterns of cancer cases linked to environmental exposures. It requires the state health department to create a registry for recording cancer diagnoses and mandates the development of a public-facing map that visually displays geographic variations in cancer incidence alongside potential environmental risks. The program emphasizes community engagement throughout the investigation process and requires the department to use CDC best practices and advanced statistical tools to analyze data. Additionally, the bill sets a schedule for the department to evaluate collected reports and publish annual summary findings for public access.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding the definition of abandoned vehicles and establishes clearer guidelines for towing rates and practices. It directly affects vehicle owners, towing companies, and law enforcement agencies by setting specific timeframes for when a vehicle is considered abandoned on public or private property. Key provisions include defining abandoned vehicles based on location and duration, requiring police to issue written notices before towing, and outlining a process for owners to contest towing fees or the classification of their vehicle as abandoned. The legislation also mandates that information about removed vehicles be entered into a state law enforcement network and made available on a public website. Additionally, it introduces new sections to clarify the responsibilities of towing agencies and repeals an outdated section of the vehicle code.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Energy Stability Fund within the state treasury to help cover energy costs for specific groups of people. The fund can receive money from any source, and the state treasurer will manage its investments while the Department of Health and Human Services oversees its use. Money in the fund will not be returned to the general budget at the end of the year and can only be spent to provide energy assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with qualified disabilities, and veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's school code to require that sex education in public schools be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and objective. It mandates that teachers instructing on these topics receive specific training and that school boards approve curricula through a process involving public hearings. The legislation also requires school districts to establish advisory boards with significant parent representation to oversee sex education programs. Additionally, it clarifies that such classes must be elective, allow parents to review course materials in advance, and provide an option for students to be excused without penalty.