Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryHB 5527 amends Michigan's penal code to increase penalties for assaulting public officials while they are performing their duties, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Penalties range from up to 2 years in prison for basic assault to up to 20 years for causing death, based on the severity of harm (e.g., bodily injury requiring medical care or serious impairment of body function). The bill also adds a provision clarifying that attending a protest is protected under the First Amendment and does not by itself violate disorderly conduct laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5528 amends Michigan's 1968 riot law (MCL 752.541 and 752.542) to clarify the definitions of riot and incitement to riot. It specifies that a riot occurs when five or more people acting together cause public terror through violent conduct, and incitement to riot involves urging others to commit unlawful violence, property destruction, or interfere with law enforcement officers. The bill explicitly states that peaceful protests - protected under the First Amendment and Michigan's constitution - are not violations of these provisions. This affects individuals participating in public gatherings or protests by defining clear legal boundaries between protected activity and unlawful conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 5512 sets clear timelines for health insurers to process applications from healthcare providers seeking to join their provider networks. Insurers must acknowledge receipt within 7 days, notify providers of incomplete applications within 30 days (giving them 30 days to fix issues), and complete the credentialing process within 60 days total. If approved, insurers must reimburse providers for covered services starting from when the completed application was received. This directly affects doctors, clinics, and other healthcare providers applying to be in insurer networks, ensuring faster access to network participation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 241) urges the U.S. Congress to impeach and remove Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. It cites specific incidents under her leadership, including the deaths of two Americans during ICE operations (Renee Good and Alex Pretti) and allegations of constitutional rights violations, such as unlawful detentions, denial of due process, and unsafe detention conditions. The resolution also claims Noem defied court orders and obstructed congressional oversight. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but formally calls for impeachment proceedings. It was introduced by 17 House members and referred to the Government Operations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 5495 prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping, detaining, or arresting individuals based solely on personal characteristics like race, ethnicity, language accent, location near immigrant communities, or perceived religious, sexual, or political identity. It also bans officers from entering a dwelling using a federal agency administrative warrant. The bill defines key terms including "immigrant" (non-citizen residents) and "personal characteristics," and clarifies that federal officers may only enforce state law under specific conditions outlined in amended Section 15d. This directly affects all Michigan law enforcement officers and the people they interact with during stops or searches.

Maddy summaryHB 5483 amends Michigan's penal code to specifically protect United States Postal Service letter carriers by adding them to the list of protected individuals under assault laws. The bill increases penalties for assaulting, obstructing, or endangering these workers based on injury severity: up to 2 years for basic assault, 4 years for serious injury requiring medical care, 15 years for serious bodily impairment, and 20 years if the assault causes death. It clarifies that existing penalties for assaulting law enforcement or emergency personnel also apply to letter carriers when they are performing their duties. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and does not affect other potential charges for the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 234) urges the Trump-Vance Administration to stop making threats against Denmark regarding Greenland. It directly addresses U.S. officials, emphasizing that Greenland is an autonomous territory within Denmark (recognized under international law) and that any political change must come from Greenlanders freely, without coercion. The resolution calls for diplomacy based on respect for sovereignty and international law, rather than threats or military pressure, to protect NATO alliance unity. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect but expresses congressional concern about actions undermining U.S. alliances and international norms.

Maddy summaryHB 5454 prohibits the use of perchloroethylene (PCE) in dry cleaning solvents in Michigan, directly affecting dry cleaning businesses, manufacturers, and sellers. The bill bans manufacturing PCE solvents after December 1, 2031; selling them after June 1, 2032; and using them after December 1, 2032. It creates a state fund to provide grants and resources for dry cleaners transitioning to safer alternatives, including cost-share programs and a buy-back program for existing PCE products. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will administer the fund and cost-share program. Violations could result in civil fines up to $10,000.

Maddy summaryHB 4355 amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to clarify when peace officers (including those from water/sewage authorities) can pursue individuals who violated laws within their jurisdiction into neighboring areas. It specifically expands authority for officers of "qualified authorities" (like water districts under 1955 PA 233) to stop and detain people who violated state laws, rules, or ordinances within their service boundaries and then flee outside those boundaries. The bill does not create new policies but adjusts jurisdictional rules for enforcement, affecting officers from cities, counties, public airports, and water/sewage service providers. It remains neutral, focusing only on the procedural change to officer authority.