Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 5266 creates Michigan's Office of Veteran Homelessness within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to coordinate support for homeless veterans. The office will identify, align, and connect veterans to existing state, federal, and local resources and programs addressing homelessness, including mental health, substance use, and housing services. It establishes a $1 million Veteran Homelessness Fund for the office's operations and requires annual reports detailing the scope of veteran homelessness, resource gaps, and recommendations for improvement. The bill directly affects homeless veterans in Michigan by streamlining access to services and improving coordination across government programs.

Maddy summaryHR 217 is a House resolution urging the U.S. Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and funding for non-technology mental health treatments for veterans and servicemembers with psychological trauma from military service. It specifically highlights promising approaches like buddy-to-buddy programs, clinical psychedelic therapy, outdoor therapy, and service animal access, while also calling for resources to support families affected by veterans' behavioral health challenges. The resolution does not create new law or funding but formally requests federal agencies focus on these alternative treatment options. It was introduced by Rep. Mike McFall and referred to the Government Operations Committee in November 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 3 is a Michigan legislative resolution urging Congress to amend two federal laws (38 U.S.C. § 5304 and 10 U.S.C. § 12316) that currently prevent National Guard and reserve members from receiving both active duty pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously. Under current law, veterans must choose between these two payments, forcing them to waive disability benefits to maintain reserve pay or vice versa. If enacted, the amendment would allow service members to receive both payments concurrently, supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities who serve part-time in the reserves or National Guard. This resolution is a recommendation to Congress, not a law, and does not change existing policy.

Maddy summaryHB 5223 prohibits retail box stores (over 20,000 sq ft) and membership warehouse clubs from using "dynamic pricing" on digital price tags. This means stores cannot change prices based on time of day, weather, customer location, or purchase history. The bill requires uniform pricing for all customers, mandates clear display of membership requirements and discounted prices if applicable, and requires stores to keep price change records for 12 months. It directly affects large retail chains using digital pricing systems in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 5222 prohibits Michigan retail grocery stores from using dynamic pricing for food, which means they cannot change prices based on time of day, weather, or customer data like location or purchase history. The bill allows price adjustments only for spoilage, restocking, or time-limited promotions if made by employees, applied uniformly, and clearly posted. Grocery stores must keep detailed price change records for 12 months and make them available to authorities upon request. Violations would be enforced under Michigan's Consumer Protection Act, directly affecting all grocery retailers operating in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 5224 amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act (MCL 445.903(z)) to explicitly prohibit grocery retailers from using dynamic pricing that charges consumers prices grossly exceeding those of similar goods or services. This makes such pricing practices a violation under existing law, directly affecting grocery stores and shoppers. The bill applies the current standard against "grossly excessive" pricing to dynamic pricing scenarios without creating new pricing rules. It does not alter the existing definition but clarifies that dynamic pricing must comply with the existing prohibition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 212) requests that the U.S. Congress adopt Section 143 from H.R. 3838 (the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act). Section 143 would require the Air Force to maintain at least 162 A-10 aircraft until 2029 and mandate reports to Congress about transition plans before retiring the fleet. It specifically aims to prevent an operational gap at Michigan's Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where A-10s were scheduled for retirement in 2026 but replacement F-15EX fighters won't arrive until 2028. The resolution does not change policy itself but urges Congress to incorporate these protections into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 209) formally declares November 2025 as "National Alzheimer's Awareness Month" within Michigan. It recognizes Alzheimer's disease as a critical health issue affecting over 200,000 Michiganders and 385,000 caregivers, citing it as the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only top-10 cause with no cure or prevention. The resolution serves as a symbolic recognition - without creating new laws, funding, or mandates - to honor those impacted by Alzheimer's and support ongoing research and awareness efforts. It aligns with the national observance established since 1983 but applies specifically to Michigan's legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution designating November 2025 as "Michigan Assisted Living Month." It recognizes assisted living communities for providing care to seniors, supporting families, and contributing to Michigan's economy (with 4,300+ facilities and a $2.5 billion industry). The resolution has no policy changes, funding, or direct impact on residents or providers - it serves only as a formal acknowledgment. Introduced and adopted by the House on November 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5204 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover prescription drugs for advanced metastatic cancer without first forcing patients to fail other treatments or prove prior drug failures. It directly affects patients diagnosed with advanced metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread beyond its original site) and their health insurance plans. The law prohibits insurers from imposing conditions like "fail first" requirements or demanding proof of previous drug ineffectiveness before approving coverage for these drugs or related symptoms. This applies to all health insurance policies covering prescription drugs for such cancer cases. The bill defines "advanced metastatic cancer" and "associated conditions" (symptoms or side effects worsening without treatment) to clarify coverage requirements.