Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Youth Tobacco Act to strictly prohibit the advertising, display, marketing, and sale of nicotine and tobacco products with characterizing flavors, such as fruity or menthol tastes. It defines characterizing flavors broadly to include any distinguishable taste or aroma other than tobacco, as well as cooling or numbing sensations, and establishes a legal presumption that a product has such a flavor if the manufacturer or seller implies it through text, images, or consumer-facing actions. Businesses that violate these restrictions face escalating civil fines and potential license suspensions or revocations for repeat offenses within a 36-month period. The legislation also creates a new state fund to finance the administration and enforcement of these rules, including compliance checks and staff training.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Age of Majority Act to clarify that it does not apply to the Youth Nicotine and Tobacco Act, ensuring that the legal age for purchasing tobacco products remains 21 despite the general age of adulthood being 18. By explicitly excluding tobacco regulations from the age of majority provisions, the legislation maintains the existing restriction that individuals under 21 cannot buy tobacco. The change affects the state's legal framework by preventing any conflict between the general definition of an adult and the specific rules governing tobacco sales.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Campaign Finance Act by clarifying definitions for political terms and expanding reporting requirements for specific nonprofit groups. It formally defines "501(c)(4) organizations" and "527 organizations" as entities that are controlled, directed, or staffed by candidates, elected officials, their appointees, or their family members. Additionally, the legislation provides new definitions for concepts like "election cycle," "honorarium," and "fund raising event" to ensure consistent application of campaign finance rules. These changes directly affect political candidates, public officials, and the nonprofit organizations that interact with them by establishing clearer boundaries for what must be disclosed to the public.
Maddy summaryHB 6149 modifies the Michigan Probate Code to clarify the specific circumstances under which juvenile courts have exclusive jurisdiction over minors under 18. The bill directly affects juveniles involved in criminal cases, dependency proceedings, or situations involving truancy and disobedience by updating the legal criteria for court intervention. Key provisions expand the definition of "specified juvenile violations" to include specific crimes such as possession of a dangerous weapon, escape from a juvenile facility, and certain public health offenses, while also detailing conditions for finding a child dependent due to neglect, abuse, or homelessness. Additionally, the legislation sets stricter requirements for when courts can intervene in cases of school absenteeism or repeated disobedience, ensuring that alternative placements and counseling have been considered before court action. Overall, the bill aims to refine the legal framework governing how juvenile courts handle delinquency and dependency cases to ensure consistent application of the law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain political nonprofits, specifically 527 and 501(c)(4) organizations, to electronically register with the Michigan Secretary of State within 10 days of forming. The registration must include the organization's name, the names of its key leaders, and the elected officials or candidates they support. The Secretary of State will make this information publicly available on their website, while political party committees are exempt from these requirements. Organizations that fail to register face civil fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on their financial balance, and individual officials associated with non-compliant groups may also be fined up to $1,000.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's probate laws to create a streamlined process for trustees to settle trust accounts without requiring immediate court approval. Under the new rules, a trustee must provide beneficiaries and other interested parties with a detailed report of the trust's assets, receipts, and expenses, along with a notice explaining that any objections must be submitted in writing within 45 days. If no objections are received during this period, the trustee may distribute the remaining assets, and the recipients are barred from later challenging the account or bringing claims against the trustee. However, if a party does object, they can either resolve the issue through a written agreement or take the matter to court, and the bill also allows a successor trustee to rely on this process to avoid liability for failing to object.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan correctional facilities to give every prisoner forms that let them choose who can receive their medical records and who should be notified in a medical emergency. Prisoners must sign these forms to designate specific people as authorized recipients for their health information and as emergency contacts for critical situations. If a prisoner faces a serious medical emergency requiring hospital care, the department must immediately contact the designated emergency contact and may share the prisoner's location if necessary. The law also allows authorized recipients to request specific medical details about the prisoner, while the department must provide clear instructions and brochures explaining how these designations work.
Maddy summaryThis bill declares November 2024 as Family Court Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the importance of child safety and best interests in family court decisions. It aims to raise public and professional awareness about the lasting impacts of these decisions and the need for judges and court staff to use evidence-based practices in handling cases involving domestic violence and child abuse. The resolution emphasizes the importance of training professionals on topics such as coercive control and childhood trauma to ensure impartial decision-making. By designating this month, the bill seeks to encourage collaboration among legislators, advocates, and community members to improve family court practices and protect children.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to how prisoners in Michigan pay for medical, dental, and vision care. It would require inmates who request nonemergency services to pay a copayment fee, with the cost shared by parents or guardians if the inmate is a minor. Additionally, the bill mandates that prisoners who intentionally harm themselves and receive emergency care must pay the full cost of that treatment instead of a copayment. The legislation also directs the state corrections department to decide whether to house self-injuring inmates in facilities equipped for on-site medical care and requires a report on the feasibility and cost of this arrangement within six months.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover medically necessary treatments for acquired brain injuries, which include conditions like strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and those caused by tumors or toxins. It specifically prohibits insurers from placing lifetime or unreasonable annual limits on the number of days for acute and postacute care related to these injuries. The legislation defines acquired brain injury broadly and establishes clear definitions for various therapies, such as cognitive rehabilitation and neurofeedback, ensuring they are included under coverage if deemed medically necessary.