Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 5024 amends Michigan's Child Protection Law to update the definition of "confirmed sexual exploitation" to explicitly include cases where a child is forced into prostitution or commercial sexual activity. This change directly affects child welfare agencies, courts, and legal advocates who investigate and respond to child abuse cases. The bill refines existing terminology to ensure consistent identification of exploitation incidents involving minors in commercial sex, aligning with broader child protection standards. It does not create new penalties but clarifies how such cases are documented and addressed within the state's child welfare system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's liquor control code to require server training for employees at alcohol-serving establishments, directly affecting bars, restaurants, and retail licensees. It establishes a "responsible vendor" program for licensees that complete mandatory training and maintain a 12-month violation-free record regarding serving to minors or intoxicated persons. The training curriculum covers identifying intoxication signs, handling minors, legal consequences, and recognizing prohibited activities like solicitation for prostitution or drug sales. Licensees must ensure trained supervisory staff are present during all service hours, with noncompliance risking license sanctions.

Maddy summaryHB 5025 amends Michigan's Human Trafficking Notification Act to expand where human trafficking notices must be posted. It requires adult entertainment establishments and property owners with court-ordered public nuisance findings related to prostitution, commercial sexual activity, or trafficking to display these notices. The bill also clarifies that public airports must post notices, building on existing requirements for rest stops, transit stations, and other locations. These changes take effect 90 days after enactment, directing the Department of Transportation to set posting standards. The bill does not alter prostitution laws but modifies notification obligations for specific venues and properties.

Maddy summaryHB 5026 clarifies who must register as a sex offender under Michigan's Sex Offenders Registration Act. It amends the definition of "convicted" to include specific cases: individuals under 18 who received juvenile dispositions for Tier III offenses (open to the public), out-of-state juvenile adjudications meeting age/offense criteria, and certain juvenile dispositions under Michigan's probate code. These changes ensure individuals meeting these specific conditions are subject to registration requirements. The bill directly affects people with certain past juvenile or out-of-state offenses that would classify them as Tier III offenders. It does not change registration periods or penalties, only refines the eligibility criteria for registration.

Maddy summaryHB 5022 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update terminology related to prostitution in nuisance laws. It replaces the terms "prostitute" and "prostitution" with the phrase "persons who provide or offer to provide commercial sexual activity" in Section 3801, which defines properties as nuisances when used for such activities. This change directly affects property owners, landlords, or managers of buildings, vehicles, or other spaces used for commercial sexual activity, as they could face nuisance charges under the updated law. The bill is contingent on the passage of companion bill HB 5016 and does not alter the underlying legal standards for nuisance designation.

Maddy summaryHB 5028 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to update legal references related to prostitution offenses. It replaces terms like "prostitute" with more neutral language in sentencing calculations under MCL 777.16w. This change affects judges and courts when determining penalties for individuals convicted of prostitution-related crimes. The bill modifies how these offenses are described in legal guidelines but does not alter the actual penalties for the crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 5023 amends Michigan's child care licensing law (1973 PA 116) to strengthen background checks for individuals seeking child care licenses, staff positions, or household membership in child care settings. It prohibits licensing for applicants with certain criminal convictions, including child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, drug offenses (with 7-year waiting periods), and violent misdemeanors (with 5-year waiting periods). The bill also adds disqualification for convictions related to human trafficking, prostitution-related activities, or firearm use in crimes. This directly affects individuals applying for child care roles or operating child care facilities. The bill requires criminal history checks under Section 5n and specifies disqualifying offenses and waiting periods, but does not address prostitution laws directly despite the title's reference.

Maddy summaryHB 5002 requires Michigan's unemployment agency to use simple, clear language in all communications with claimants and employers about benefits, taxes, and agency decisions. It mandates that explanations of denials, modifications, or benefit changes include specific facts about the case and the legal basis for the decision, all at a fourth-grade reading level. The bill also requires the agency to provide clear summaries of appeal rights and consolidate related decisions into single notifications. This directly affects individuals filing for unemployment and businesses managing unemployment tax accounts. The law aims to make the process more understandable without changing benefit eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares September 22-26, 2025, as Farm Safety and Health Week in Michigan. It recognizes the state's agricultural workforce (including approximately 44,000 farms) and aligns with the national observance focused on safety practices like equipment handling, rural roadway safety, and youth protection on farms. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities. The declaration serves to honor agricultural workers and promote safety awareness during peak farming season.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 modifies Michigan's public health code to require courts to order confidential STI and HIV testing for individuals arrested or convicted of prostitution, commercial sexual activity, or related offenses (such as MCL 750.448-455). The bill mandates that courts direct testing for sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, and HIV, with results reported to defendants and health departments. Courts must also order voluntary counseling about prevention, treatment, and protective measures for these conditions. This applies to all cases involving specified sex-related offenses under Michigan law, with testing conducted by licensed health providers.