Rep. Alicia St. Germaine

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6260 amends the state penal code to modify the legal definition of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and establish stricter sentencing guidelines for offenders. The bill expands the list of aggravating circumstances that elevate a crime to this most serious level, specifically including acts committed by school employees, volunteers, or child care providers who use their professional status to gain access to victims aged 13 to 15. It also broadens the definition of force and coercion to include situations where an actor uses medical treatment unethically or overcomes a victim through concealment or surprise. Regarding penalties, the bill mandates that anyone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct must receive lifetime electronic monitoring in addition to their prison sentence. It increases the minimum prison term for adults who commit these acts against children under 13 and imposes a mandatory life sentence without parole for repeat offenders who have previously been convicted of similar crimes against young children.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6261 amends the state penal code to modify penalties for criminal sexual conduct in the second degree. The bill reduces the minimum mandatory prison sentence from 15 years to 10 years, while still allowing for life imprisonment or any term of years up to that limit. It also mandates lifetime electronic monitoring for offenders who are at least 17 years old and commit sexual contact against a victim under 13 years of age. These changes apply to individuals convicted of various specific circumstances involving sexual contact with minors or vulnerable adults, such as those in positions of authority or within correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6262 amends the state penal code to expand the definition of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which applies to individuals who engage in sexual penetration under specific circumstances such as involving a minor, using force, or exploiting a position of trust. The bill adds new provisions that criminalize such acts when the victim is a student aged 16 to 17 with a school employee, a person receiving special education services up to age 25, or a resident of a child care or foster home who is at least 16 years old. It also introduces an affirmative defense for victims in incest cases where they were coerced by an authority figure and excludes married couples from certain incest charges. The legislation increases the minimum prison sentence for this felony from five to 15 years, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6263 amends the state penal code to expand the definition of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, which is classified as a misdemeanor felony. The bill specifically targets individuals who engage in sexual contact with minors aged 16 to 17 who are students, or young adults aged 16 to 25 receiving special education services, when the perpetrator is a teacher, school employee, volunteer, or other authority figure using their position to gain access to the victim. It also includes provisions for sexual contact involving foster care residents and mental health patients, while maintaining existing penalties of up to two years in prison or a fine of $500.

Maddy summaryHB 5940 allows electric utilities and other providers to install electronic transmission infrastructure, such as high-voltage power lines, within existing highway rights-of-way without needing separate consent from local governments. The bill establishes specific standards for underground placement to avoid increasing road maintenance costs and introduces a fee structure where utilities pay a one-time permit fee, with revenues dedicated to highway capital and maintenance. Additionally, the legislation creates a coordination process between the state transportation department and utilities to identify suitable routes and includes protections that prevent the state from relocating transmission lines for at least five years once a route is approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify definitions and procedures for commercial fishing in the state's Great Lakes waters. It directly affects licensed commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources by establishing precise meanings for terms like "abandoned gear," "quota," and various types of fishing nets. The legislation also adds new definitions to improve record-keeping requirements for fish production, storage, and sale, ensuring that all commercial activities are clearly regulated. By amending multiple existing sections and adding a new one, the bill aims to provide a more structured framework for managing allowable catch limits and enforcing fishing privileges.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the powers and duties of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman, which handles complaints from prisoners, their advocates, and legislators regarding conditions in state correctional facilities. Key changes require the ombudsman to notify complainants and affected prisoners when investigating or declining to investigate complaints, and mandate that the office consult with the Department of Corrections before issuing any report that criticizes the department or its staff. The legislation also establishes strict reporting requirements, forcing the ombudsman to publish detailed monthly and annual reports on complaint statistics and department responses, while adding protections to ensure that individuals cannot be penalized for filing complaints or cooperating with the ombudsman. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the ombudsman's authority operates alongside, rather than replacing, existing legal remedies and appeal processes for prisoners.

Maddy summaryHB 5920 expands the powers of Michigan's Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to better investigate issues within the Department of Corrections. The bill allows the ombudsman to launch investigations based on complaints from prisoners, legislators, or family members, as well as on their own initiative regarding safety and security concerns. Key provisions include granting the ombudsman access to medical and mortality records, the ability to hire qualified experts for inspections, and the authority to enter correctional facilities at any time, including during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 4202 amends Michigan's income tax code to update deductions for retirement benefits and education-related payments. It specifically adjusts the maximum deductible amount for retirement/pension benefits (currently $42,240 for singles/$84,480 for couples) to automatically increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index, and clarifies rules for deducting payments made to Michigan's education trust for tuition. The bill affects Michigan taxpayers who claim these deductions, particularly retirees and those using education trust programs. It does not create a new "fetus exemption" (a misstatement in the bill title), but refines existing tax code provisions for retirement income and education savings. The bill is currently in committee after its March 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4471 proposes to allow retired county employees to be employed in a county sheriff's office. The key provision is that these individuals would be able to work in such a role without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance or pension benefits. This bill directly affects county retirees who may wish to return to employment within a sheriff's department. It amends section 12a of 1851 PA 156, which concerns the powers and duties of county boards of commissioners regarding employee benefits.