Rep. Tonya Phillips

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares February 2026 as Black History Month in Michigan, honoring African Americans' historical contributions to the state and nation. It directly affects all Michigan residents by encouraging community observances, educational programs, and reflections on Black history. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes African American cultural, economic, and civic impacts through a state-level declaration. It aligns with national Black History Month traditions and urges Michiganders to celebrate these contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 5494 prohibits Michigan state agencies or anyone acting on behalf of the state from selling or transferring state-owned property to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or its subsidiaries. It requires that any property transfer must include a restriction banning the property from being used as an immigration detention center by ICE, federal contractors, or private companies working with the federal government. The state can reclaim the property if this restriction is violated, and any transfer violating these rules is legally void. This directly affects state property transactions and limits federal immigration enforcement use of Michigan land.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 5492, the "regulating automatic license plate readers act," sets rules for private entities operating automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems, requiring them to preserve captured license plate data for 14 days when law enforcement or a criminal defendant requests it with a specific written statement. The bill prohibits using the data as evidence in court if disclosure would violate the act, mandates data destruction after 14 days if not used, and allows individuals to sue for violations and recover at least $1,000 in damages or actual damages plus legal fees. Vehicle owners' data is protected from public disclosure without consent, except under a court order or warrant, and cannot be accessed by law enforcement without a warrant or specific preservation request.

Maddy summaryHB 5483 amends Michigan's penal code to specifically protect United States Postal Service letter carriers by adding them to the list of protected individuals under assault laws. The bill increases penalties for assaulting, obstructing, or endangering these workers based on injury severity: up to 2 years for basic assault, 4 years for serious injury requiring medical care, 15 years for serious bodily impairment, and 20 years if the assault causes death. It clarifies that existing penalties for assaulting law enforcement or emergency personnel also apply to letter carriers when they are performing their duties. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and does not affect other potential charges for the same incident.

Maddy summaryHB 5477 allows parolees in Michigan to use an identification card issued by the Department of Corrections as valid proof of identity when applying for a driver's license or state ID card. The bill amends Michigan's vehicle code to require the Secretary of State to accept these correctional facility ID cards, which include the parolee's legal name, photograph, and identifying information. This change directly affects individuals recently released from prison who need to establish legal identification for driving and other purposes. The key mechanism is adding this specific ID card as an accepted document under existing identity verification rules for license applicants. This eliminates a barrier to obtaining essential identification for parolees reentering communities.

Maddy summaryHB 5475 requires Michigan's Secretary of State to issue official state identification cards to individuals who are about to be released on parole or discharged from prison. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Secretary must issue these cards to eligible parolees using information provided by the Department of Corrections about their release date. The bill mandates that cards be delivered to the correctional facility before the parolee's release date or mailed to the facility if the person is already released. This directly affects parolees in Michigan who need state ID cards for accessing services, housing, or employment upon reentry.

Maddy summaryHB 5474 requires Michigan's Department of Corrections to proactively help prisoners obtain driver's licenses and state ID cards before release. Specifically, the department must collect required documents and photos 60 days prior to release, send them to the Secretary of State, and assist with social security verification. It creates a "reentry success fund" to cover these administrative costs, ensuring prisoners have essential identification for reintegration. This directly affects parolees and prisoners nearing release who need these IDs to access employment, housing, and other services.

Maddy summaryHB 5476 amends Michigan's Enhanced Driver License and ID Card Act to update applicant requirements and privacy protections. It requires applicants to provide updated documentation for name changes, citizenship, and Social Security numbers, while prohibiting enhanced IDs from displaying Social Security numbers. The bill clarifies that facial images and signatures may only be shared with law enforcement or federal agencies under specific legal authorities, not for general public access. It also maintains provisions allowing applicants to voluntarily add a communication access designation for law enforcement use, with strict privacy safeguards for retained documents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 234) urges the Trump-Vance Administration to stop making threats against Denmark regarding Greenland. It directly addresses U.S. officials, emphasizing that Greenland is an autonomous territory within Denmark (recognized under international law) and that any political change must come from Greenlanders freely, without coercion. The resolution calls for diplomacy based on respect for sovereignty and international law, rather than threats or military pressure, to protect NATO alliance unity. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect but expresses congressional concern about actions undermining U.S. alliances and international norms.