Rep. Julie Brixie

Maddy summaryHB 5431 allocates supplemental funding for Michigan public schools, primarily targeting districts affected by drinking water emergencies. It provides $10 million from the state school aid fund and $4.8 million from the general fund (2025-2026) for districts with at least 4,500 students (or 2,600+ post-2016) in cities with declared water emergencies, to hire staff like nurses and mental health workers and provide related services. The bill also allocates $12.5 million for educator talent programs through intermediate districts. All funds require reporting on service usage and must be expended by 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 5436 requires health insurers in Michigan to cover hearing aids and related services for qualifying enrollees. It mandates coverage up to $3,000 per hearing aid every 36 months (adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index starting in 2026), including evaluations, fittings, repairs, and related devices like earmolds. To qualify, an enrollee must be evaluated for hearing loss by an audiologist and medically confirmed as a hearing aid candidate by an otolaryngologist. Insurers may apply existing cost-sharing (like deductibles) but cannot exceed the $3,000 cap per device.

Maddy summaryHB 5439 creates the "Homeless Advocacy Fund" within Michigan's Department of Treasury, funded by money from the state's individual income tax system (specifically Section 435 of the 1967 Income Tax Act). The fund will provide annual support to the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness for programs, policy improvements, and direct services aimed at ending homelessness. All money in the fund must be used solely for this purpose, with unspent funds rolling over each year instead of expiring. The bill requires companion legislation (HB 5440) to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5438 modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to waive fees for vital records (such as birth, marriage, or death certificates) when individuals are fleeing or attempting to flee a dangerous situation, including domestic violence or abuse. This directly affects people escaping immediate threats who need these documents to establish identity, access services, or secure housing. The bill adds a specific provision to MCL 333.2891, requiring state agencies to provide these records at no cost in such circumstances. The change aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent vulnerable individuals from obtaining essential identity documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 5429 is a supplemental appropriations bill that allocates additional state funding for the autism navigator program. It directly affects the program by providing dedicated financial resources to support its operations and services. The bill creates a new appropriation act to fund this specific initiative within the state budget for fiscal year 2026. This is a procedural funding measure, not a policy change, and it remains pending in the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on December 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5440 would allow Michigan taxpayers to voluntarily contribute $5 or more from their state income tax refund to a new "homeless advocacy fund" starting with the 2026 tax year. The bill amends the tax code to add this specific checkoff option on income tax forms, alongside existing charitable designations like the Children's Trust Fund. Funds designated for this new fund would be distributed directly to homelessness services, with the requirement that the fund must raise at least $50,000 annually to remain on the tax form. This change affects all Michigan taxpayers who file individual income tax returns and choose to allocate a portion of their refund to this new cause.

Maddy summaryHB 4285 requires Michigan schools to offer firearm safety instruction for students in grades 6-12 by September 2025. The state must create a model program (based on existing hunter safety standards) covering safe handling, cleaning, firearm types, and hunting practices, taught by certified instructors - **without bringing firearms into school buildings**. Schools may offer this as an optional extracurricular class or integrate it into existing courses, and students or parents may opt out without penalty. Completing the program counts toward the hunter safety certification needed for a hunting license. The bill directly affects all Michigan public schools and students in grades 6-12.

Maddy summaryHB 4045 creates a new legal defense to protect individuals and organizations from lawsuits targeting their exercise of free speech, particularly in public discourse. The bill establishes a process allowing courts to quickly dismiss frivolous civil cases filed against people speaking on matters of public concern, such as protests, social media posts, or community advocacy. This directly affects activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who face legal threats for expressing views on issues like government actions or social justice. The law aims to prevent costly, intimidating lawsuits that could silence public participation without requiring full trials.

Maddy summaryHB 5409 amends Michigan's Crime Victim Compensation Act to include temporary pet boarding costs as an eligible expense for victims relocating due to a crime. The bill adds subsection (l) to section 11, allowing up to $2,500 per claimant for pet boarding when immediate relocation is necessary for safety or well-being. This directly affects crime victims who own pets and must move quickly after a crime, expanding existing coverage that previously excluded pet-related costs. The change does not alter the $45,000 total award limit or other compensation categories. The bill was introduced in December 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan domestic violence shelters receiving state funds to provide supportive services for common household pets, including pet shelter. It amends the domestic violence prevention law to add "supportive services for common household pets, including shelter" as one of the required service options. Shelters must either provide at least three of these services (including pet care) or help victims access them. This directly affects state-funded domestic violence shelters and their clients who own pets, addressing a common barrier to seeking safety.