Rep. Joe Aragona

Maddy summaryHB 4012 allows ambulances in Michigan to transport injured police dogs or retired police dogs needing emergency veterinary care, provided no human emergencies require immediate transport. It requires a police officer to accompany the dog during transport and defines "retired police dog" as a dog retired due to age or disease after law enforcement service. The bill directly affects police departments, ambulance services, and veterinary facilities by clarifying ambulance protocols for these animals. It amends Michigan's Public Health Code to ensure such transport is permitted under specific conditions without prioritizing human emergencies. The bill passed the Michigan House with 61-43 support in September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4853 creates a 50% tax credit for Michigan teachers and school administrators who spend on classroom supplies, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. The credit covers up to $2,000 for single filers or $4,000 for joint filers, directly benefiting educators in public schools, public school academies, or state-approved nonpublic schools. Eligible supplies include books, technology, art materials, lab equipment, and classroom projects. Any credit exceeding the taxpayer’s annual tax bill cannot be refunded. This policy change aims to offset out-of-pocket expenses for educators directly involved in classroom instruction.

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 summaryHB 4842 updates Michigan's requirements for driver education instructor training programs. It mandates that approved programs must include exactly four specific courses covering driver task analysis, classroom development, vehicle skills, and practicum, with each course requiring at least 2 semester hours and 3 weeks of instruction. The bill also sets detailed qualifications for instructors, requiring either a master's degree in education or 1,500 classroom hours, 500 behind-the-wheel hours, and 3.5 years of teaching experience. These changes directly affect colleges, universities, and training providers seeking approval to offer instructor preparation programs, as well as individuals pursuing driver education instructor certification.

Maddy summaryHB 4841 requires medical facilities and funeral directors to obtain written parental authorization before disposing of fetal remains from pregnancies ending before 20 weeks gestation or weighing under 400 grams. It directly affects parents of early miscarriages or stillbirths, as well as hospitals, clinics, and funeral professionals handling such remains. The bill mandates that parents may choose burial, cremation, or donation, and specifies that facilities violating this must pay fines up to $50,000 for repeated offenses. This amendment to Michigan's Public Health Code updates existing procedures for final disposition of early fetal remains without altering abortion laws.

Maddy summaryHR 160 is a ceremonial House resolution congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first American-born pope. It recognizes his historic significance for American Catholics and commends his lifetime of service, humility, and commitment to pastoral care. The resolution does not enact policy or affect any individuals or groups; it is purely symbolic. It was introduced and adopted by the House on September 3, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summaryHB 4832 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to establish a new licensure process for anesthesiologist assistants (AAs), directly affecting AAs seeking to practice in the state and the Michigan Board of Medicine. The bill adds new sections defining AA qualifications, supervision requirements, and scope of practice, while updating existing licensing statutes to include AAs as a distinct licensed profession. Key provisions require AAs to complete state-approved education programs and work under physician supervision, with specific standards for training and clinical responsibilities. This bill is procedural in nature, creating the regulatory framework for AA licensure rather than changing patient care standards. It was introduced on August 27, 2025, and referred to the Health Policy Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring immediate removal from office for any elected public officer convicted of a felony during their term. It would amend Michigan's state constitution to automatically vacate the position upon a felony conviction, bypassing current processes that may allow officers to remain in office pending appeals. The change directly affects elected officials like state legislators, mayors, and county commissioners who face felony convictions while serving. The amendment must be approved by voters at the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4781 amends Michigan's Whistleblowers' Protection Act to strengthen penalties for employers who retaliate against employees reporting violations. It increases the civil fine for violations from $500 to $2,000 per offense and requires employers to pay triple back wages to affected employees. The bill directly impacts workers who report wrongdoing (whistleblowers) and employers who retaliate, ensuring greater financial accountability. All collected fines must be deposited into the state general fund.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR K) proposes allowing either Michigan legislative house to suspend a member's salary or expense allowance by a two-thirds vote when the member acts unethically or is excessively absent from regular sessions. It amends Article IV, Sections 12 and 16 of the state constitution to establish this process, requiring the house to document the suspension reason in its journal with voting records. The change directly affects state legislators who face disciplinary action for misconduct or attendance issues. If approved, this would give legislative bodies a formal mechanism to withhold compensation for specific violations, rather than relying solely on expulsion.