Rep. Tonya Phillips

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4357 amends Michigan's election law concerning township officers. The bill modifies the official start date for the terms of office for these elected officials. Specifically, for township officers elected after December 31, 2024, their terms will commence at 12 noon on December 1 following their election, rather than the current November 20 start date. This change affects township officers and the administrative timing of their transition into office.

Maddy summaryHB 4360 modifies the start dates for terms of office for elected officials in Michigan's home rule villages. For village officers elected after December 31, 2024, their terms will begin at 12 noon on December 1 following their election, overriding any conflicting village charter provisions. The bill also specifies that individuals elected to fill a vacancy cannot take the oath of office until the election results have been certified.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4370 proposes a new individual income tax credit for Michigan taxpayers, directly affecting eligible students and their families. Beginning in tax year 2026, taxpayers could claim a credit equal to the sales or use tax paid on textbooks purchased for themselves or their dependents. To qualify, the student must be enrolled in an eligible Michigan institution and meet specific financial aid criteria, such as being a Federal Pell Grant recipient or a professional/graduate student who would have been Pell-eligible based on financial need. Any portion of the credit that exceeds a taxpayer's liability would be refunded.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4371, known as the "Safe Youth Sports Act," aims to establish safety standards for youth sports programs in Michigan, directly affecting youth athletes, coaches, and organizations that run these programs. It tasks the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University, under the oversight of the Department of Health and Human Services, to approve and promote these safety standards and associated training programs. The bill outlines "basic standards" that mandate annual criminal background checks for adults with significant contact with youth, and requires coaches to complete training in CPR, AED, and concussion protocols. Additionally, it details "advanced standards" that include designating a safety manager and further training for coaches on topics like inclusivity, and establishes grant programs to help organizations, especially those serving low-income families, meet these safety requirements.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4331 establishes an "Ebony alert" system in Michigan to aid in locating missing women between the ages of 18 and 65, referred to as "qualifying individuals." This system is activated when a qualifying individual is reported missing under suspicious circumstances and is believed to be at risk, developmentally disabled, cognitively impaired, or abducted. The Department of State Police will create and maintain a plan to rapidly disseminate information to radio and television stations statewide. The bill also creates an Ebony Alert Fund to support the system's operation and prohibits intentionally making false reports, imposing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4329, titled the "medical debt act," aims to regulate how medical debt information is handled for Michigan residents. The bill prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including adverse medical debt information in consumer reports, with an exception for large credit transactions exceeding a specified principal amount. It also requires collection agencies to avoid misrepresenting that medical debt will be reported and to include a specific disclosure statement about these reporting limitations in their initial communications. Individuals can bring a civil action to seek remedies for alleged violations of the act.

Maddy summaryHB 4335 aims to increase the penalties for drivers who commit moving violations that cause physical injury or death to a "vulnerable roadway user." This legislation amends a section of the state's code of criminal procedure. The bill seeks to enhance legal consequences for drivers involved in such incidents, thereby affecting individuals found responsible for these violations and aiming to provide greater protection for vulnerable individuals using roadways.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4334 proposes to enhance penalties for drivers who commit moving violations that result in physical injury or death to vulnerable roadway users. The bill amends several sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (1949 PA 300) and adds new sections to implement these stricter consequences. Its aim is to increase accountability for drivers whose actions lead to harm for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vulnerable individuals on the road.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 59 declares April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution encourages Michigan residents to observe the week with programs and activities that promote awareness, education, and action in support of Black maternal health.

Maddy summaryHB 4289 requires Michigan employers with 2 or more employees to post a clear notice about equal pay laws in a visible workplace location. The notice must state that federal and state laws prohibit wage discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, or marital status. It also provides contact details for reporting violations to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, including a phone line and website. Employers who fail to post the notice may face a $100 civil fine.