Rep. Kara Hope

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits judges from sentencing individuals under the age of 19 to life in prison without the possibility of parole. It achieves this by amending existing criminal procedure laws to remove the authority for courts to impose such extreme sentences on juveniles. The legislation directly affects the sentencing options available for minors convicted of serious crimes, ensuring they cannot receive a life sentence with no chance of release. By eliminating this specific penalty, the bill restricts the maximum punishment for young offenders while leaving other sentencing structures for adults and older juveniles unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act to require local labor unions representing casino employees to register with the state board and submit detailed personal information about their designated officials and staff. The new provisions mandate that unions provide extensive data, including full names, addresses, compensation details, criminal history, and photographs for these individuals, with the option to use existing U.S. Department of Labor reports to satisfy some requirements. Additionally, the legislation establishes a disqualification process that allows the board to bar union officers from negotiating wages or collecting dues if they have convictions for specific crimes such as gambling, theft, fraud, or prostitution, provided there is clear and convincing evidence of a pattern of behavior. Information submitted under this section is exempt from public disclosure under the state's freedom of information act, and the board retains the authority to waive disqualifications or rescind bans based on a finding that justice requires it.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's public health code to exclude individuals under the age of 19 from facing life imprisonment without parole for specific drug-related crimes. It targets the sale, manufacture, or possession of adulterated or misbranded drugs that result in death, particularly when the offender intended to kill or cause serious harm to two or more people. While adults committing these acts could previously face life sentences without the possibility of parole, this legislation ensures that minors convicted of the same offenses receive a fixed-term sentence ranging from 20 to 60 years instead. The law also maintains existing penalties for less severe violations and includes a tie-breaker provision requiring the simultaneous enactment of four related bills for this change to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's corrections code to improve mental health care and HIV testing for incarcerated individuals. It requires facilities to create detailed discharge plans for people leaving prison who are receiving mental health services, including specific assessments, medication continuity, and connections to community care. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all incoming prisoners undergo HIV testing within 60 days of arrival, with positive results triggering specific housing protocols and counseling. The bill also establishes requirements for staff exposure to blood or body fluids and calls for ongoing education programs on HIV prevention and treatment within correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to require courts to inform people considering guardianship about alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship, conservatorship, and supported decision-making. Supported decision-making is defined as a process where individuals with incapacities work with trusted friends, family, or professionals to understand their options and make their own decisions. The legislation also mandates that a guardian ad litem be appointed to represent the individual in incapacity hearings if they do not have their own legal counsel. These changes aim to ensure that individuals facing potential guardianship are fully informed about less restrictive options before a court order is issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Judicial Protection Act, establishes new safety and privacy measures for judges in Michigan and their immediate family members. It allows judges to request that government agencies and private entities stop sharing specific personal details, such as home addresses, phone numbers, and financial information, with the public. To enforce this, the law creates a formal process where judges can submit written requests to remove or prevent the posting of this sensitive data. The protections apply to state, federal, and tribal court judges within the state, as well as their spouses, children, parents, and other relatives living at the same address.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act to update rules governing licenses for medical and recreational marijuana businesses. It directly affects individuals and companies involved in the cultivation, processing, testing, transportation, and sale of marijuana and industrial hemp by modifying existing requirements and adding new sections to the law. The key provisions include changes to how licenses are issued, adjustments to tax structures on commercial facilities, and updates to definitions regarding product safety and the roles of state regulatory agencies. Additionally, the legislation repeals certain previous sections while establishing new ones to ensure the safety of products and the security of licensed premises.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to repeal the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, which currently regulates the licensing and operation of medical marijuana facilities in Michigan. The repeal would take effect on March 1, 2026, removing the existing legal framework that governs these businesses. However, the bill includes a condition stating that it will only become law if a separate, related bill is also enacted into legislation. If passed, the change would eliminate the specific licensing requirements and oversight procedures established by the 2016 act.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's mental health code to establish a legal framework for supportive decision-making agreements, allowing individuals with developmental disabilities to enter into contracts where trusted friends, family, or professionals assist them in understanding choices without removing their legal authority. The legislation requires courts to prioritize these less restrictive alternatives over traditional guardianship whenever possible, ensuring that any restrictions on a person's personal liberty or financial management are the minimum necessary for their protection. By defining supportive decision-making as a collaborative process that respects an individual's right to make their own decisions, the bill aims to promote maximum self-reliance and independence while still providing safeguards against neglect, exploitation, and abuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's insurance laws to clarify which actions by insurance companies do not count as unfair trade practices like discrimination or rebating. It specifically exempts life insurance bonuses, premium adjustments based on group loss experience, and free or discounted value-added services that help with risk management, health, or financial wellness. The law requires that any such services be fair, reasonable in cost, and directly related to the insurance coverage while ensuring customers receive necessary contact information. Additionally, the bill grants the state director authority to create rules that protect consumer data privacy and prevent unfair discrimination in the implementation of these changes.