Rep. Joe Aragona

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to clarify how courts should review administrative rules. It establishes that publishing a rule in the official register creates a legal presumption that the rule was properly adopted and filed, and it requires courts to take judicial notice of rules that have become effective. Additionally, the bill instructs judges to exercise independent judgment when determining if an agency acted within its legal authority, specifically prohibiting deference to an agency's interpretation of ambiguous laws. These changes directly affect state agencies that create regulations and the courts that adjudicate challenges to those regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to require that administrative hearings be conducted with a fresh, independent review of the facts rather than relying solely on an agency's initial decision. It mandates that courts conduct a new, independent examination of evidence when reviewing agency decisions, instead of deferring to the agency's original judgment. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the process for challenging a hearing officer's impartiality and ensures that any disqualification does not unnecessarily delay the case unless it would cause significant harm to a party. These changes directly affect state agencies, hearing officers, and individuals involved in administrative contested cases by altering how decisions are made and reviewed.

Maddy summaryHB 5818 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to update definitions and establish a new Joint Committee on Regulatory Oversight and Administrative Review. The bill clarifies terms like 'agency' and 'major rule' while creating a formal process for the new committee to review proposed rules and issue objections. It also modifies requirements for how agencies publish rules, handle contested cases, and manage public comment periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan state agencies to submit all legislative reports to the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. The department must then create a free, searchable public website to publish these reports within 90 days of the bill taking effect. The change applies to any report that state agencies are legally required to send to the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 5574 prohibits approaching within 25 feet of a first responder who is lawfully performing their duties after being verbally warned not to approach, if the person intends to interfere, threaten, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who target first responders (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) during emergency operations. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 60 days in jail or $500 fines, but become felonies causing injury (up to 2 years) or death (up to 15 years), with fines up to $7,500. The law focuses on preventing direct obstruction or harm during critical incidents, not general public behavior.

Maddy summaryHB 5576 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address crimes targeting first responders. It adds intimidation or harassment of individuals based on their actual or perceived employment as a first responder (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) to the list of offenses that warrant enhanced sentencing. The bill changes Section 16t of the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16t) to require courts to consider this factor when determining sentences for such crimes. This directly affects individuals convicted of threatening or harassing first responders, ensuring their actions are treated with greater severity under sentencing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5575 defines specific terms related to harassment of first responders in Michigan law. It adds a new section to the penal code clarifying that "first responder" includes law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The bill defines "harass" as intentionally causing substantial emotional distress through a course of conduct with no legitimate purpose. This creates a clear legal standard for prosecuting harassment against these public safety workers, directly affecting their protection under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Michigan to issue occupational licenses without requiring individuals to take new exams if they already hold valid licenses in other states. To qualify, applicants must prove their out-of-state license has been active for at least one year, they passed any required exams, and they have no history of disciplinary action or pending complaints related to unprofessional conduct. The department retains the option to require a state-specific law exam and must process these applications within 90 days. This measure aims to streamline licensing for professionals moving between states while maintaining standards for public safety and professional conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals who hold valid out-of-state licenses for skilled trades to obtain Michigan licenses without taking the state's standard examination. To qualify, applicants must prove their foreign license is in good standing, they have held it for at least one year, and they have no history of disciplinary action or pending investigations in their home state. The department may still require applicants to pass an exam on Michigan-specific laws if such an exam is part of the standard licensing process for that trade. Additionally, the bill sets a 90-day deadline for the state to either issue or deny the license application once all documents are received.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to streamline the licensing process for health professionals who already hold valid credentials in other U.S. states or Canadian provinces. It allows these out-of-state applicants to receive a Michigan license without taking additional examinations if they meet specific criteria, such as having held their current license for at least one year and working in a role that aligns with their existing qualifications. The legislation also creates a separate pathway for veterans, military members, and their dependents to obtain initial licensure without an exam by proving their out-of-state credentials are equivalent to Michigan standards. Additionally, the bill sets a 90-day deadline for the state department to approve or deny applications under these new provisions.