Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 4535 amends Michigan's mental health court eligibility rules under the Revised Judicature Act. It clarifies that admission to mental health court is discretionary (not a right), excludes individuals charged with or convicted of first-degree murder, sexual assault, or child abuse, and expands eligibility for those in youth programs or with deferred prosecutions. The bill requires courts to conduct mandatory screenings covering criminal history, risk assessment, mental health evaluation, and special needs before admission. All screening information remains confidential and cannot be used in criminal prosecutions, except for unrelated criminal acts. This directly affects individuals facing eligible charges and courts determining program participation.

Maddy summaryHB 4541 updates Michigan's notary public requirements by mandating that the Secretary of State issue each appointed notary a unique identification number (Sec. 11(3)). The bill requires applicants to provide additional details in their applications, including driver's license numbers, business addresses, and disclosures about past criminal convictions or notary appointments (Sec. 15). It also specifies that the Secretary must verify applicants' qualifications using law enforcement databases like ICHAT to check criminal backgrounds. These changes directly affect individuals applying for or renewing notary commissions in Michigan, streamlining the process while adding standardized verification steps.

Maddy summaryHB 4531 requires all mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect (such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers) to complete department-developed training every three years on recognizing abuse/neglect and fulfilling reporting duties. This amendment to Michigan’s Child Protection Law updates Section 9 of the 1975 law, replacing the prior training requirement with a specific 3-year cycle. The bill directly affects professionals legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It focuses on ensuring consistent, updated knowledge about detection and reporting procedures through mandatory, recurring training.

Maddy summaryHB 4520, the "hunger-free campus act," creates a program to designate Michigan college and university campuses as "hunger-free" if they meet specific requirements. It directly affects all public and private institutions of higher education in Michigan, including tribal colleges, by requiring them to establish student-administration task forces, provide SNAP enrollment assistance, ensure access to food pantries or stigma-free food options, and hold hunger awareness events. The bill mandates annual student surveys on food insecurity and requires campuses to develop meal credit donation programs or free food vouchers. The program aims to address student hunger through concrete campus-level actions and partnerships, with the state department overseeing implementation and reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 4287 modifies Michigan's individual income tax code to adjust deductions for retirement and pension benefits. It increases the maximum deductible amount for retirement income to $42,240 for single filers and $84,480 for joint filers, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. This change directly affects Michigan taxpayers who receive retirement or pension benefits, allowing them to reduce their taxable income by a larger portion of those benefits while maintaining specific eligibility rules. The bill does not alter other tax provisions or include broadband-related funding as referenced in its title.

Maddy summaryHB 4267 designates a specific segment of M-6 in Kent County (from Kalamazoo Avenue east to 60th Street) as the "Keagan Spencer Memorial Highway" under Michigan's Memorial Highway Act. This bill is purely a naming designation with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation, regulations, or affected populations. It amends the existing highway act to formally recognize this roadway section in honor of Keagan Spencer. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House on May 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4010 designates Harrison Township in Michigan as "Boat Town USA" to symbolically recognize the community's connection to boating culture. The bill does not create new laws, regulations, or funding; it is a purely ceremonial designation. Passed by the Michigan House of Representatives in May 2025 with 83 votes in favor, the measure formally assigns this title without altering any existing policies or obligations.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 115 is a resolution from the Michigan House of Representatives that urges the President and the United States Congress to fully fund Medicaid. It also calls on federal officials to reject any proposals that would reduce access to care or shift costs onto states, healthcare providers, and vulnerable individuals.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4514 amends the Michigan antitrust reform act to prohibit employers from requiring noncompete agreements for physicians. Specifically, it states that employers cannot obtain noncompete agreements from physicians. Any noncompete agreements entered into between an employer and a physician before this change takes effect would be voided if they are contrary to this new prohibition. The bill defines "physician" by referencing the public health code.

Maddy summaryHB 4504 amends Michigan's income tax act to modify the state historic preservation tax credit program. It allows qualified taxpayers to receive a state income tax credit of 25% or 30% for expenses incurred rehabilitating historic resources, depending on the property type. The bill establishes an application process through the state historic preservation office and sets annual limits on the total credits issued. These limits are $5 million per year through 2025, increasing to $100 million annually starting in 2026, with specific amounts allocated to different categories of historic resources.