Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 4873 mandates annual state funding of $610 million for Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), beginning in fiscal year 2026. This program provides early childhood education and care for preschool-aged children, primarily affecting low-income families and communities with limited access to early learning services. The bill requires the legislature to appropriate this specific amount each year, guaranteeing stable funding for GSRP as defined under existing law (MCL 388.1632d). It does not create new eligibility rules but ensures consistent financial support for the existing program.

Maddy summaryHB 4877 requires Michigan's legislature to appropriate annual funds starting in fiscal year 2026 for public schools to support at-risk pupils, as defined under existing law. Each school would receive 35% of its base foundation allowance (the standard funding amount under the State School Aid Act) specifically for these students. The bill directly affects all public schools in Michigan by mandating dedicated supplemental funding for at-risk pupils, tied to their existing state funding allocation. This policy change creates a new, recurring funding mechanism for targeted student support beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 4871 increases Michigan's funding for free school meals, allocating up to $200 million for the 2024-2025 school year to cover costs not reimbursed by federal programs. It requires participating public schools (serving pre-K-12) to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, maximize federal reimbursement through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), and collect family income data to determine eligibility. Schools must also offer accommodations for dietary needs like gluten-free, vegetarian, and allergy-specific meals upon request. This bill directly affects Michigan public school districts by changing how they receive state funding to support universal free meal programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4868 creates supplemental funding for Michigan school districts to support English language learners (ELLs) starting in the 2026 fiscal year. To qualify, districts must administer the WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS proficiency test to ELLs. Funding is distributed based on test scores: 75% of the target foundation allowance for scores 1.0-1.9, 50% for 2.0-2.9, and 35% for 3.0-3.9. This directly affects school districts serving ELLs who meet the assessment requirements under Michigan’s School Code.

Maddy summaryHB 4012 allows ambulances in Michigan to transport injured police dogs or retired police dogs needing emergency veterinary care, provided no human emergencies require immediate transport. It requires a police officer to accompany the dog during transport and defines "retired police dog" as a dog retired due to age or disease after law enforcement service. The bill directly affects police departments, ambulance services, and veterinary facilities by clarifying ambulance protocols for these animals. It amends Michigan's Public Health Code to ensure such transport is permitted under specific conditions without prioritizing human emergencies. The bill passed the Michigan House with 61-43 support in September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4844 amends Michigan's Probate Code to clarify when juvenile courts have exclusive authority over minors under 18. It specifies situations where courts can handle cases involving minors who: (1) violate certain criminal laws (like weapons offenses or specific misdemeanors), (2) repeatedly miss school after counseling attempts, (3) face neglect or unsafe home environments, or (4) are homeless or run away. The bill defines key terms like "learning program" and "neglect" to align with existing state codes. This revision directly affects juvenile courts, prosecutors, and families navigating custody or welfare cases involving minors.

Maddy summaryHB 4362 requires law enforcement to share missing senior or vulnerable adult reports with local police, broadcasters, and newspapers, which must then broadcast a public alert with the person's description and relevant details. The state will establish a system using existing wireless emergency networks to send text alerts directly to mobile devices in the affected area. This alert system can only activate after law enforcement completes a report and receives approval from the state police. The bill creates a standardized process to rapidly disseminate information about missing individuals, aiming to improve public awareness and search efficiency.

Maddy summaryHB 4828 amends Michigan's Natural Resources Act to modify how recreation passport fee revenue is distributed to state parks, local recreation facilities, and forest systems. The bill changes the allocation formula based on the prior year's participation rate in the recreation passport program: if participation was below 55%, 50% of remaining funds go to park capital improvements, while 70% goes there if participation is 55% or higher. Funds also support park operations (30% or 2.75%), historic resources (2.75%), boating access promotions (0.25%), local recreation facilities (10% or 20%), and forest trails (7%). This directly affects Michigan state parks, local governments receiving recreation funds, and state forest campgrounds.

Maddy summaryHB 4814 requires Michigan health insurers to cover medically necessary treatments for menopause and perimenopause (the transition period before menopause), including hormone replacement therapy approved by the FDA. Insurers cannot demand prior authorization, step therapy, or fail-first protocols for these treatments. The bill defines menopause as permanent cessation of menstruation and perimenopause as the transition period near the end of reproductive years. This directly affects all health insurance policyholders in Michigan who need these treatments, ensuring coverage without extra approval hurdles.

Maddy summaryHB 4817 names a specific segment of I-75 in Troy (between Long Lake Road and Square Lake Road) as the "Specialist 4 Keith Lavoie Memorial Highway" to honor a military veteran. This bill amends Michigan's memorial highway law (2001 PA 142) by adding a new section designating this highway portion. The change is purely ceremonial with no policy, funding, or regulatory effects. It directly affects the highway signage and public recognition in that Troy location.