Rep. Tonya Phillips

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6305 amends the state's consumer protection laws to clarify which business practices are exempt from the act and establishes that its provisions should be interpreted broadly to support its purpose. The bill specifies that the law does not apply to actions expressly authorized by state or federal regulators, nor to advertisements published by media outlets unless the publisher knew the content was deceptive or had a direct financial interest in the sale. It further limits consumer lawsuits regarding unfair practices in the banking, insurance, and motor carrier sectors, noting that these industries are already regulated by specific statutes. Finally, the legislation places the burden of proof on any business claiming an exemption from consumer protection rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to explicitly extend public records disclosure requirements to the state legislature and the governor's office, which were previously excluded from the definition of a "public body." It also updates key definitions within the law to include modern digital technologies, such as cloud storage and quantum computing systems, in the scope of what constitutes a "writing" or public record. The legislation takes effect on January 1 of the first odd-numbered year at least six months after enactment, provided that a companion bill, House Bill No. 6300, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6290 establishes the Office of Primary Care Transformation within the Department of Health and Human Services to improve access to and the quality of primary care services. The office is tasked with providing technical assistance to medical practices, expanding the healthcare workforce, addressing patient social needs, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations. Additionally, the bill creates a dedicated primary care transformation fund in the state treasury to support these initiatives, with funds remaining available across fiscal years rather than lapsing. This legislation only takes effect if a related companion bill is also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill amends the state's vehicle code to clarify that traffic violations designated as civil infractions cannot be treated as lesser included offenses of criminal charges. It establishes specific fine ranges for various driving and vehicle equipment violations, including a new provision that requires courts to waive fines and costs if a driver cited for an illegible registration plate provides proof of having obtained and installed a compliant plate before their court date. The legislation also mandates a $40 justice system assessment for most civil infractions and allows judges to order additional educational or rehabilitation programs alongside monetary penalties.

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 authorizes Michigan to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to award all their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most votes nationwide. The legislation declares that the one-person, one-vote principle requires the candidate with the highest national total to become President and outlines how Michigan's chief election official would count votes and designate the winner once the compact is active. The agreement only takes effect when states participating in it collectively hold a majority of the Electoral College votes, ensuring the current system remains in place until that threshold is met. If the compact becomes active, Michigan's laws regarding elector appointment will follow the compact's rules rather than conflicting state statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Safe Access to Facilities Act, prohibits Michigan state and local government agencies from allowing federal immigration officers into nonpublic areas unless a court issues a judicial warrant. The law specifically targets the conduct of government employees, requiring them to refuse entry to private spaces without a warrant based on probable cause. However, the legislation includes exceptions that allow access without a warrant during criminal investigations, when there is an immediate threat to public safety, or when emergency medical care is needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Shielding Information for Lawful and Ethical Disclosure Act, prevents Michigan government agencies from sharing large amounts of personal data with federal immigration officials without specific authorization. It defines "bulk disclosure" as transferring data on multiple people without reviewing each case individually and allows such sharing only if a court order exists, the transfer serves a specific law enforcement purpose, or it is immediately necessary to protect health and safety. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal departments and officers, while giving the state attorney general the power to seek court orders to stop illegal data sharing.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal appeal process and creates a new Cannabis Licensing Appeals Board to handle disputes involving violations of Michigan's marijuana laws. It directs the state regulatory agency to use a graduated disciplinary system that starts with warnings or citations for minor issues and escalates to fines or license suspensions only for serious offenses like public safety risks or repeated violations. The legislation sets specific rules for how penalties are determined, including a two-year lookback period for prior warnings and a maximum fine of $10,000 or daily gross receipts for each violation. Licensees will receive written notices explaining their right to appeal before facing license suspensions, ensuring due process in enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Michigan would appoint presidential electors if the state joins an agreement to choose the President based on the national popular vote rather than the Electoral College. It requires the state Board of State Canvassers to calculate the total national popular vote for each candidate and designate the winner accordingly, while also reporting these results to other participating states. If a tie occurs for the national popular vote, the bill specifies that Michigan would appoint electors based on which candidate received the most votes within Michigan itself. The legislation updates existing election laws to ensure these procedures are followed and includes requirements for issuing official certificates of appointment.