Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 5251 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (Medicaid for low-income residents) to cover prescribed pediatric extended care for children. This specifically affects low-income children in Michigan who need specialized, long-term medical care beyond standard hospital stays. The bill amends state law to mandate this coverage under existing rules for pediatric extended care (Part 219A of the Public Health Code). The coverage would apply to children receiving medically necessary care as prescribed by a doctor. The bill is contingent on the passage of companion legislation (HB 5252).

Maddy summaryHB 5252 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to create a new licensing category for "prescribed pediatric extended care facilities," which provide specialized long-term medical care for children with complex health needs. The bill establishes specific licensing requirements for these facilities, including standards for staffing, medical oversight, and facility operations, directly affecting providers seeking to operate such services. Key provisions include adding Part 219A to the code and revising existing sections (20106, 20109, 20115, 20161) to incorporate these new requirements. This change aims to ensure consistent safety and quality standards for pediatric extended care facilities across the state. The bill is currently pending in the House Health Policy Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4044 designates the wood duck (*Aix sponsa*) as Michigan's official state duck. This symbolic bill establishes a state symbol without changing laws, policies, or affecting any specific group or community. It simply adds the wood duck to Michigan's list of official state emblems, following standard procedural naming practices for state symbols.

Maddy summaryHB 5537 prohibits the production, sale, or offering for sale of kratom (including all parts of the Mitragyna speciose plant and synthetic variants like 7-hydroxymitragynine) in Michigan. It directly affects businesses and individuals selling kratom products, imposing misdemeanor penalties that escalate based on severity: up to 90 days in jail and $5,000 fines for first offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat violations or sales to minors. Sales to anyone under 18 carry enhanced penalties, including up to one year in jail and $10,000 fines for first offenses. The law defines "kratom" broadly to cover all plant parts, extracts, and synthetic forms, making these activities illegal under Michigan's penal code.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses from charging fees to veterans or their families for obtaining military discharge records, specifically form DD214. It amends Michigan's consumer protection act to ban compensation for providing or assisting in obtaining this document, while allowing accredited government agencies, recognized veterans' organizations, and federal accredited individuals to receive payment for related services. The legislation also requires clear disclosures in advertisements for veterans' benefit events and prohibits businesses from guaranteeing specific benefit outcomes. The law applies to anyone engaged in trade or commerce but excludes state, county, city, and federal officials acting in their official capacities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires original equipment manufacturers of motorized wheelchairs to provide certain parts, tools, and documentation to owners and independent repair providers. It amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to add new provisions specifically addressing the rights of wheelchair owners and third-party repair technicians. The legislation aims to ensure that wheelchair owners and independent repair providers have access to necessary components and information needed for maintenance and repairs. This policy change directly affects wheelchair manufacturers, owners of motorized wheelchairs, and independent repair service providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Michigan to recognize the state's significant food and agriculture industry. The resolution highlights the sector's economic contributions, including over 805,000 jobs and billions in annual revenue from various crops like cherries, apples, and soybeans. It serves as a commemorative measure with no operational changes, encouraging citizens to celebrate the importance of agriculture to Michigan's economy.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 12, 2026, as Endometriosis Awareness Day in Michigan to raise public understanding of the condition. It does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the health challenges faced by individuals with endometriosis. The resolution encourages education and support for those affected by the disease without implementing new policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's vehicle code to require drivers to pass county road worker vehicles with the same caution and speed restrictions as they must when passing stationary emergency vehicles. It defines road work vehicles as those used for construction, maintenance, or utility work displaying flashing red or amber lights, and updates the legal definitions of authorized emergency vehicles to include these road service vehicles. Drivers must reduce their speed by at least 10 miles per hour and move at least one lane or two vehicle widths away from the stationary vehicle when possible, with penalties including civil fines for violations. The changes apply to all public roadways and align the treatment of road workers with that of police, firefighters, and other emergency responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of a work zone to include areas marked by temporary traffic control devices like cones, flares, or vehicles with rotating beacons, ensuring clearer boundaries for construction and road work areas. It strengthens penalties for moving violations in work zones by doubling fines for standard violations and introducing misdemeanor or felony charges when such violations cause injury or death to workers or other individuals. The bill applies these stricter penalties only when the violation involves three or more points and excludes cases where the injured or deceased person was negligent. Like related bills HB 5703 and HB 5704, this legislation requires all three to be enacted together to take effect.