Rep. Jaime Greene

Maddy summaryHB 4279 would create a new apprenticeship program for Michigan National Guard members, allowing them to earn industry-recognized certifications while serving. The bill establishes a formal structure for training in high-demand fields like engineering and information technology, directly affecting Guard members seeking to build civilian career skills. Key provisions include requiring the Michigan National Guard to develop partnerships with employers and educational institutions to design the apprenticeships. The legislation is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted.

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 summaryHB 5521 prohibits Michigan's medical assistance program from covering organ transplants if the procedure occurs in China or another country designated by the state health department for forced organ harvesting, or if the organ was obtained through sale/donation from such a country. The bill defines "forced organ harvesting" as removing organs from living individuals using coercion, abduction, deception, fraud, or abuse of power. It directly affects Medicaid recipients seeking transplants involving organs from designated countries. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will designate countries known for forced organ harvesting under this law.

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 5509 prohibits employers in Michigan from requiring employees to sign agreements that block disclosure of violations (or suspected violations) of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. It specifically bans such agreements unless employers provide written notice of the prohibition, give employees at least 5 business days to consult an attorney, and ensure the agreement explicitly releases the employee’s civil rights claim. The bill amends the Elliott-Larsen Act (MCL 37.2101-37.2804) by adding Section 202b, making non-compliant agreements void. This directly affects Michigan employees covered by the Elliott-Larsen Act, ensuring they can report workplace discrimination without being silenced by restrictive contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 5508 prohibits settlement agreements in sex discrimination, harassment, or assault claims against employers from blocking disclosure of factual details about the claim. It applies to complaints filed with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or civil lawsuits under Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The bill allows settlements to keep the claimant's identity confidential and hide settlement amounts, but not the facts of the alleged discrimination. Violating this rule makes the confidentiality clause void under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares February 2026 as American Heart Month and February 6, 2026, as National Wear Red Day within Michigan. It aims to raise public awareness about heart disease - particularly its disproportionate impact on women, including Black and Hispanic women - and encourages actions like learning heart health risk factors. The resolution does not create new laws or obligations; it is a non-binding declaration to support existing awareness efforts like the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign. It directly affects Michigan residents through state recognition of these national observances.

Maddy summaryHB 5489 would allow 17-year-olds to apply for medical first responder and emergency medical technician (EMT) licenses in Michigan, provided their application includes parental or guardian consent. It maintains an 18-year-old minimum for higher-level roles like paramedics, emergency medical services instructors, or EMT specialists. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to establish these age requirements for EMS licensure, directly affecting young individuals seeking entry into emergency medical careers. This change requires the concurrent passage of HB 5488 to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5493 regulates how state and local law enforcement agencies use automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems. It prohibits most ALPR use except for specific purposes like checking for stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, uninsured vehicles, or active criminal investigations. The bill requires agencies to delete captured plate data within 14 days (unless used as evidence or for ongoing investigations), adopt public policies on ALPR use, and submit quarterly usage reports. It directly affects police departments and other government entities that operate ALPR systems, limiting their data collection and retention practices.