Rep. Tonya Phillips

Maddy summaryThis Michigan House resolution designates May 15, 2026, as Arts for Mental Health Awareness Day to highlight the connection between creative arts and mental well-being. The measure acknowledges how participation in the arts can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation while supporting recovery from trauma. It specifically recognizes the roles of artists, art therapists, and arts organizations in building community resilience and improving public safety. By officially declaring this date, the legislature aims to encourage public awareness of arts-based health initiatives without mandating any specific actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the disease and encourage public support. It directly affects residents of Michigan, particularly those impacted by Huntington's disease, by promoting awareness of the condition's symptoms and genetic risks. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to remind citizens and medical professionals about the importance of research and support services for this currently incurable neurological disorder.

Maddy summaryHB 5971 establishes the Language Assistance for Elections Act, which requires Michigan local governments to provide election materials in languages other than English if their voting-eligible population meets specific thresholds based on the number and percentage of residents with limited English proficiency. The bill mandates that these materials, including ballots and signage, be translated by certified translators rather than relying solely on automatic translation services, and it outlines requirements for updating voting technology to display translated ballots. Additionally, the legislation creates a Language Access Advisory Council to guide these efforts and instructs the Secretary of State to publish annual lists of local governments and languages requiring assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 5969 creates a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan designed to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. The bill prohibits local governments and officials from implementing election rules or policies that result in disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of minority groups to elect their preferred candidates. Key provisions include defining terms like 'protected class' and 'racially polarized voting,' establishing a legal standard to challenge discriminatory election practices, and creating a fund to support remedies for violations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2026 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout the state of Michigan. It directly affects state government entities and encourages all citizens to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific American residents. The measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of the community's cultural diversity and historical impact on the state, rather than implementing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month specifically within the state of Michigan. The resolution serves as a symbolic declaration to encourage residents to increase public awareness and support for individuals living with these conditions. It does not alter laws, allocate funding, or create new programs, but rather promotes education and prevention efforts through a formal state proclamation.

Maddy summaryHB 5972 requires local governments in Michigan to notify the Secretary of State about specific election-related changes, such as modifications to how winners are determined, shifts between at-large and district-based elections, and plans to remove voters from registration lists. The bill mandates that these notices be submitted within set timeframes and must be posted on the state's website in an accessible format. If a local government fails to provide the required notifications, the Secretary of State must publicly list the violation on the website for at least one year. These new requirements are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028, after the Secretary of State consults with relevant organizations and voting rights advocates.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 14, 2026, as Hmong Special Guerrilla Units Veterans Remembrance Day in Michigan. It honors Hmong veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and later fled Laos as refugees. The resolution aims to recognize their historical contributions and sacrifices while promoting public awareness of their role in American history.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute by repealing an older act and creating a new entity to manage election data. The institute will be a partnership between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and funding most operations while the state covers initial setup costs. Its primary functions include collecting, archiving, and providing free public access to a wide range of nonpartisan election data, such as precinct-level results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and district maps. The database must maintain this information for at least 12 years before public release and permanently for archival purposes, while also offering research, training, and technical assistance to local governments and scholars. Additionally, the bill mandates that the institute implement cybersecurity standards comparable to those used by the state's technology department.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill restricts law enforcement officers from using chemical agents, such as pepper spray, or kinetic energy projectiles like rubber bullets to disperse protests or demonstrations. Instead of allowing broad use for crowd control, the law permits these tools only when an officer is properly trained and when their use is objectively necessary to prevent a threat to life or serious bodily injury. To ensure accountability, the bill requires agencies to submit detailed reports within 60 days of any such incident, documenting the event details, the specific tools used, the number of rounds fired, any injuries sustained, and the de-escalation steps taken before resorting to force. Additionally, agencies must publish these reports on their websites and may request a 30-day extension if needed to complete the submission.