Rep. Alicia St. Germaine

Maddy summaryHB 5037 extends the statute of limitations for certain criminal sexual conduct offenses involving victims under 18 years old. Specifically, it increases the time limit for filing indictments from 10 years to 15 years after the offense, or until the victim turns 28 - whichever is later. The bill also allows indefinite filing for cases where DNA evidence identifies the perpetrator, with charges needing to be filed within 15 years of identification. This change directly affects victims of these specific offenses and prosecutors seeking to pursue charges, providing more time to identify perpetrators and file cases.

Maddy summaryHB 5036 prohibits knowingly providing false or misleading information about assisted reproduction procedures in Michigan, targeting health professionals and donors. It penalizes false claims regarding embryos/gametes, donor identity (including name or birthdate), or donor medical/family history with up to 5 years in prison or $50,000 fines. Health professionals who use unconsented embryos or gametes face harsher penalties: up to 15 years or $100,000 fines, and anonymous donor requests do not excuse violations. The bill applies to fertility clinics and providers, aiming to ensure transparency in services like IVF where accurate donor information is critical.

Maddy summaryHB 5519 lowers Michigan's individual income tax rate to 3.9% for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, replacing the current 4.25% rate. This change applies to all Michigan residents who pay state income tax on their earnings. The bill amends Section 51 of the Income Tax Act to implement this rate reduction, which follows a temporary 4.25% rate period through 2025. This policy directly reduces the tax burden for individual taxpayers starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), declaring February 11, 2026, as "2-1-1 Day" in Michigan. It recognizes the 2-1-1 helpline service, which connects Michiganders to free health and human services (like housing, food, and disaster assistance) without creating new policies or changing how the service operates. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the existing 2-1-1 resource, which handled over 400,000 contacts in fiscal year 2025. It has no binding effect on state programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4445 proposes to allow individuals to use bait for hunting deer in Michigan during the open deer seasons. It amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by introducing a specific definition for "deer or elk baiting," which refers to depositing feed to aid in taking these animals. The bill also eliminates the requirement for the Natural Resources Commission to issue orders regulating general deer and elk feeding, and removes the associated definition from state law. This change would explicitly permit deer baiting for hunting while removing state-level regulation over general deer and elk feeding.

Maddy summaryHB 4855 would amend Michigan law to permit bow hunters to carry a pistol while hunting. This directly affects licensed bow hunters who currently cannot possess a firearm during hunting activities under existing law (MCL 324.43510). The bill changes the prohibition in the 1994 Michigan Penal Code to allow pistol possession specifically for bow hunters during hunting. The amendment would remove the current restriction, enabling bow hunters to carry a pistol for lawful use while hunting.

Maddy summaryHB 5491 requires that pat-down searches of visitors and strip searches of prisoners in Michigan state correctional facilities be conducted by staff of the same biological sex as the person being searched. This directly affects visitors to prisons and incarcerated individuals. The bill defines "biological sex" as sex characteristics present at birth (including chromosomes, hormones, and genitalia), excluding gender identity or self-identification. Visitors may opt out of the same-sex requirement by signing a waiver, but strip searches of prisoners must always follow the same-sex rule.

Maddy summaryHB 5471 amends Michigan law to eliminate the fee for obtaining birth records for certain individuals. Currently, a $34 fee applies for a birth record search and certified copy, but this bill would waive that fee for specific categories of people. The exemption would apply to individuals not currently covered by existing fee waivers, such as veterans or adoption agencies. This change would allow these individuals to access their birth records without paying the standard charge.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares January 18-24, 2026, as "Sanctity of Human Life Week" in Michigan. It encourages citizens to reflect on the value of human life, support women and families, and strengthen a "culture of life" through symbolic recognition. The bill does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any specific group or program. It is a ceremonial declaration with no binding requirements or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 5466 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to limit emergency orders restricting patient visitation in healthcare facilities to a maximum of 30 days after an epidemic declaration. It specifically requires that after this 30-day period, healthcare facilities must allow "LINDA" (loved individuals need dedicated attention) visitation for patients with cognitive impairments, including family members, patient advocates, or designated attorneys-in-fact. The bill establishes safety measures like prescreening or visit duration limits for these visitors while ensuring facilities maintain safe operations. This directly affects hospitals, assisted living facilities, and physician offices during public health emergencies.