Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time limit for survivors of criminal sexual conduct to file civil lawsuits for damages, raising the maximum age to file from 28 to 42 and adding a seven-year window based on when the injury is discovered. It also creates a special revival window for claims that were previously barred, allowing victims who were minors between 1997 and the bill's effective date to sue if the alleged perpetrator was convicted and admitted to abusing their authority or engaging in unethical medical conduct. Additionally, the legislation sets a cap of $1.5 million in damages for each incident involving a single defendant in these specific cases. The law applies to incidents of criminal sexual conduct regardless of whether a criminal prosecution was ever brought or resulted in a conviction, provided the civil suit is filed within the new extended deadlines.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new community solar program in Michigan, allowing residents to subscribe to local solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills. It defines specific terms for these facilities and subscribers, while also categorizing certain areas as "environmental justice communities" based on factors like low-income populations and existing pollution. The legislation requires the state energy commission to create rules that facilitate the creation and financing of these solar projects, prioritizing those that benefit environmental justice communities. Additionally, the bill mandates simple, one-page disclosure forms for all subscription contracts to ensure customers clearly understand the terms before signing.
Maddy summaryHB 6049 modifies the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct in Michigan, extending the time a victim has to file a claim to 10 years. This change applies to cases where the alleged conduct falls under specific criminal sexual offenses, regardless of whether a criminal prosecution was ever filed or resulted in a conviction. The bill defines "criminal sexual conduct" to include acts prohibited under specific sections of the Michigan penal code and clarifies that a dating relationship involves frequent, intimate associations with an expectation of affection. By updating these timelines, the legislation ensures that survivors have a longer window to seek damages for injuries sustained from such conduct.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's laws regarding the time limits for filing claims against the state government. It extends the deadline for submitting these claims to three years from the date the claim first arises, aligning the rule with other state statutes. The legislation also clarifies the attorney general's authority to seek guardianship or estate administration for minors or incapacitated individuals in cases involving the state. Additionally, the bill specifies that these new rules apply retroactively to certain pending legal actions and notes that it only becomes effective if two related Senate bills are also passed.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's civil procedure rules to create an exception to the standard notice requirements for lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct. Currently, individuals must file a written notice with the Court of Claims within one year of an incident to sue the state, but this legislation would allow those filing such specific sexual conduct claims to bypass that initial filing step. The change directly affects victims of criminal sexual conduct who wish to pursue legal action against the state, removing the immediate administrative hurdle of submitting a preliminary claim. The bill is tied to another piece of legislation, meaning it will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes declaring June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month throughout the state of Michigan. It aims to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of LGBTQ+ residents while commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. The resolution encourages all Michiganders to acknowledge the value of diversity and the specific roles LGBTQ+ individuals play in the state's economy and communities.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's natural resources laws to update regulations on commercial fishing, including allowable catch limits and quota percentages for various fish species. It establishes stricter record-keeping requirements for fish dealers and mandates that commercial fishers report their catch immediately after each fishing season ends. The legislation also introduces new financial penalties for illegal fishing, requiring offenders to pay fines based on the weight of the fish taken, and sets a rule that commercial licenses will be permanently revoked if a fisher commits five specific violations within a five-year period. Additionally, the bill rescinds several outdated administrative rules related to commercial fishing operations.
Maddy summaryHB 4865 requires baby food manufacturers in Michigan to test each product lot for heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) starting January 1, 2026. Manufacturers must use accredited labs to test samples to a minimum sensitivity of 6 micrograms per kilogram and report results to the state. Starting January 1, 2027, manufacturers must post test results online via webpages and include QR codes on product labels linking to this information. Products exceeding safety limits must be recalled or disposed of, directly affecting baby food producers and increasing transparency for consumers.
Maddy summaryHB 4696 amends Michigan's Guardianship Assistance Act (MCL 722.872) to expand the definition of "relative" for eligibility purposes. The bill adds that a "relative" may include individuals not related within the fifth degree by blood or marriage if they have a strong emotional connection to the child or the child's parent (especially for infants), as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services or the child's tribe for Indian children. This change directly affects foster youth and potential guardians seeking guardianship assistance payments by broadening who qualifies as a "relative" under the law. The amendment is tied to companion bill HB 4697 and would take effect only if both bills pass.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Guardianship Assistance Act to clarify eligibility for state-funded guardianship payments. It specifies that relatives or licensed foster parents caring for a child for at least six months may qualify, requiring background checks and fingerprinting for all adults in the home. The bill distinguishes between federal IV-E funding (for children meeting specific federal criteria) and state funding for other eligible children. It also ensures siblings placed together in a relative guardianship can each receive payments if they meet the criteria. The policy directly affects guardians caring for children in relative or foster care arrangements.