Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 5354 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to allow pharmacists and community-based organizations to dispense or administer opioid antagonists (like naloxone) under standing orders issued by the chief medical executive during public health emergencies or when prescription requirements conflict with public health needs. It specifies conditions for issuing these orders - such as protecting public health during emergencies or ensuring access without individual prescriptions - and requires detailed documentation in each standing order. The bill also provides liability protection for pharmacists, community organizations, and health department staff acting under these orders, unless the action involves willful misconduct or gross negligence. Standing orders expire after 1 year (for non-emergency uses) or 6 months (for emergencies), with extensions requiring public justification on the state health department website.

Maddy summaryHB 4809 amends Michigan's highway law to establish a tolling enforcement program for bridges. The bill adds new sections (820a and 820b) to the existing statute governing bridge tolls under MCL 257.219, creating a framework for enforcement. It directly affects bridge toll operators and drivers using toll bridges in Michigan by defining how toll violations will be handled. The bill is currently in committee review after passing its first reading and committee recommendation. (Note: The context provides the bill's title and procedural status but does not detail specific enforcement mechanisms or affected parties beyond the general scope described.)

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 224) urges the Trump-Vance administration to reverse its denial of federal disaster relief funding for northern Michigan residents affected by a March 2025 ice storm. It specifically requests the full amount of funding requested under the Stafford Act for individual assistance, public utilities, and hazard mitigation after the storm caused widespread infrastructure damage and hardship. The resolution is non-binding and serves only to formally express congressional support for affected communities, directing copies to the President, FEMA, and Michigan's congressional delegation. It does not alter funding decisions or create new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 5309 amends Michigan's Child Custody Act to clarify custody presumptions in specific disputes. It establishes that courts generally presume custody should go to parents unless a parent has been absent for 3 years (with exceptions for military service, incarceration, or medical reasons), and shifts the burden of proof to the party opposing parental custody. The bill also specifically prohibits awarding custody to a biological parent convicted of criminal sexual conduct against the child, unless the child (if old enough) consents, and clarifies that this does not affect the parent's child support obligations. These changes directly affect parents, guardians, and third parties involved in child custody cases where sexual offenses are alleged or proven.

Maddy summaryHB 5333 increases penalties for environmental violations related to landfills under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It raises the maximum administrative, civil, and criminal fines for landfill owners or operators from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation (or per day of ongoing violation), and increases the total administrative fine cap for landfill operators from $100,000 to $1,000,000. The bill amends specific sections (5529, 5530, 5531) to implement these higher fines for violations including failure to obtain permits, noncompliance with permits, or other regulatory breaches. These changes directly affect landfill operators by imposing significantly higher financial penalties for violations. The bill does not create new requirements but increases enforcement consequences for existing regulatory breaches.

Maddy summaryHB 4301 expands Michigan's definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" in the Vehicle Code (MCL 257.2 and 257.698) to include specific new categories. It adds vehicles owned by the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System during emergencies, clarifies that road service vehicles (like tow trucks) may use flashing amber lights while assisting disabled vehicles, and allows federally recognized nonprofits to use emergency lights during disaster response. The bill also clarifies when certain colored lights (red, blue, amber, green) may be used on emergency vehicles, including for snow removal, spill response, and funeral processions. This directly affects emergency responders, road service providers, and nonprofit organizations during crisis operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4302 creates an exception to Michigan's commercial driver license (CDL) requirements for authorized emergency vehicles operated by the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. This means drivers operating these specific emergency vehicles do not need to obtain the standard CDL or related endorsements required for commercial vehicles. The bill amends Michigan's Vehicle Code (MCL 257.312e) to explicitly exempt these vehicles from the general CDL rules. The exception directly affects personnel operating emergency vehicles under the Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, allowing them to operate without meeting standard CDL qualifications.

Maddy summaryHB 4108 amends Michigan's tort law to grant legal immunity to individuals who provide emergency bleeding control during medical crises. It directly protects ordinary citizens (not just professionals) who act in good faith to stop severe bleeding, such as at accident scenes or public events. The key provision shields these helpers from lawsuits for unintentional harm caused while applying bleeding control techniques, like using tourniquets or pressure dressings. This change applies specifically to bleeding control efforts during emergencies, not general emergency assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 4483 requires Michigan concealed pistol license holders to have a QR code printed on their license. This QR code links directly to a reciprocity website maintained by the Michigan Attorney General, which shows which states recognize Michigan licenses. The bill amends existing law to add this QR code as a standard feature on all concealed pistol licenses issued under Michigan's licensing system. It affects all current and future concealed carry license holders by providing a quick digital reference for out-of-state reciprocity.

Maddy summaryHB 4482 requires Michigan's Department of Attorney General to update a website every 60 days showing which states recognize Michigan concealed pistol license holders' permits. This directly affects Michigan residents who hold concealed carry licenses and wish to carry firearms in other states. The bill adds a new provision (Section 5q) to existing law, mandating regular website updates to display current reciprocity agreements. It does not change licensing requirements or permit holders' rights, only ensuring accurate, up-to-date information is publicly available. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on information transparency for license holders.