Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program within Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to assist farmers whose land, crops, or water are contaminated with PFAS chemicals. The program would provide financial aid for medical testing, purchasing or selling land, cleaning up contamination, and replacing lost income or mortgage payments. Funding for these grants would come from a new state fund, potentially financed by increased fines on large corporations that violate environmental laws. Farmers applying for assistance would need to submit detailed financial records and a plan explaining how they intend to use the funds. The bill also defines specific criteria for what constitutes PFAS contamination and outlines the process for the state department to administer the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs that fines collected from specific state civil infractions under Michigan's natural resources and environmental protection act be used to fund a grant program assisting farmers impacted by PFAS contamination. It achieves this by creating an exception to the existing rule that typically requires all such civil fines to be dedicated exclusively to supporting public and county law libraries. The legislation does not take effect unless it is tied to and passed alongside a companion bill that establishes the actual grant program for the farmers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's medical assistance program to streamline how people sign up and renew their coverage. It requires the state to use a faster enrollment method for minors and adults under 21, allowing the use of existing data from food and cash assistance programs to determine eligibility. The legislation also permits the state to automatically renew coverage for eligible individuals and gives the department authority to expand these data-driven methods to more people in the future. By relying on electronic records, the bill aims to reduce the paperwork and time needed for both initial applications and periodic eligibility checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to notify private well owners and nearby residents when tests detect unsafe levels of PFAS chemicals in their water. The legislation mandates that the department provide specific guidance on reducing exposure, along with free certified water filters, to those directly affected and to neighbors within a one-mile radius of the contaminated well. Additionally, the bill establishes a voluntary registry to send email alerts about future testing locations and dates, ensuring the public stays informed about potential water quality issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amendments to Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for violations of the Hazardous Products Act. By updating the relevant section of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it would establish or modify the standard sentencing framework for individuals charged with these specific offenses. The legislation directly affects prosecutors, judges, and defendants involved in cases concerning the improper handling or distribution of hazardous materials. As a procedural update to existing law, it aims to clarify how penalties are determined for these particular crimes without introducing new offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 5896 requires people who use sewage sludge or its derivatives on land to test these materials for PFAS chemicals before application and report the results to the state Department of Environmental Quality. The bill mandates that these tests use methods approved by the federal EPA and requires anyone who prepares biosolids to notify landowners and farmers about the specific PFAS levels found in the material. Additionally, the legislation provides exceptions for certain high-quality compost used in landscaping, allowing it to bypass some existing rules if it meets specific maturity and quality standards and is used in approved locations like parks or home gardens.

Maddy summaryMichigan's HB 5892, known as the Safe Cosmetics Act, prohibits manufacturers from selling or distributing cosmetic products containing specific hazardous chemicals starting January 1, 2027. The law bans intentionally added substances such as asbestos, certain phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and heavy metals, while also setting strict limits on lead content in both general and color cosmetics. To enforce these rules, the state Department of Health and Human Services can request compliance statements from manufacturers and impose civil fines of up to $10,000 for repeat violations. This legislation directly affects companies that produce, sell, or distribute cosmetics within Michigan, requiring them to ensure their products are free from the listed restricted ingredients.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions of wetlands and related terms within Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to improve clarity and consistency. It specifically expands the list of wetland types considered 'rare and imperiled' and establishes a schedule for the Department of Natural Resources to review and recommend changes to this list every five years. The legislation also refines technical definitions for concepts like 'exceptional wetland,' 'fill material,' and 'wetland functions and services' to better guide future conservation and restoration efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Michigan state constitution to guarantee every person an inherent right to a clean environment, including clean water, air, and soil. It establishes that the state and all its agencies must act as trustees for natural resources, which are declared the common property of all people, including future generations. The amendment would require the government to protect these rights equitably for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or location, and it allows citizens to directly enforce these rights in court. If approved by voters, this change would legally bind the state to conserve and maintain natural resources while preventing any actions that infringe upon environmental rights.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 21, 2026, as Michigan and Taiwan Partnership Appreciation Day within the state of Michigan. It serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the shared democratic values and economic ties between Michigan and Taiwan, while also honoring the contributions of the Taiwanese American community. The measure does not create new laws or alter government operations but instead formally recognizes the existing relationship and mutual benefits between the two regions.