Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a resolution passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to condemn all forms of political violence and reaffirm the body's commitment to civility, safety, and peaceful democratic engagement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement expressing the House's stance against violence targeting public officials and citizens. The resolution cites recent incidents of political violence across the U.S., including attacks on elected leaders and events like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. It will be transmitted to the President, Michigan Governor, and congressional leaders as a non-binding expression of the House's values.

Maddy summaryHB 4858 would prohibit Michigan state and local government entities from sharing personal information (like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or criminal history) with anyone seeking it for enforcing federal immigration law, unless a court-issued warrant is presented. Government agencies must verify if a request is for immigration enforcement and deny disclosure without a warrant. The bill requires agencies to report annual requests related to immigration enforcement to the attorney general and legislature. It directly affects local law enforcement, courts, and other government offices that handle public records, as well as federal immigration authorities seeking such data.

Maddy summaryHB 4859 prohibits law enforcement officers from conducting immigration enforcement actions (like arrests, interviews, or searches) in specific sensitive locations, including schools, places of worship, hospitals, courthouses, and facilities serving vulnerable populations. The bill allows exceptions only if a court orders entry or if an immediate threat to public safety requires action. It directly affects law enforcement officers operating in Michigan and individuals present at these locations, such as students, patients, and worshippers. The law creates clear boundaries for immigration enforcement to protect access to essential services and community spaces.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution (HR 168) urges the Trump-Vance Administration to stop what it describes as "partial nationalization of Intel Corporation" and to avoid further government takeover of private businesses. It calls for preserving "free market capitalism" by preventing federal intervention in private enterprises, specifically citing Intel as an example of threatened private-sector independence. The resolution has no legal effect - it is a symbolic statement expressing opposition to government ownership of companies, not a policy change. It was introduced on September 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 164) addresses the July 2025 detentions of 16 Hmong and Laotian refugees in Michigan by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who were unexpectedly taken into custody during routine check-ins and later deported to Laos without adequate notice or due process. It demands federal transparency regarding the legal basis for these detentions, urges ICE to provide timely legal counsel and family notification for detainees, and calls for case-by-case reviews of individuals with strong Michigan ties. The resolution specifically highlights concerns about rapid transfers across facilities and the lack of a U.S.-Laos repatriation agreement requiring travel documents. It is directed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Michigan’s congressional delegation, seeking improved oversight and humane treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 4814 requires Michigan health insurers to cover medically necessary treatments for menopause and perimenopause (the transition period before menopause), including hormone replacement therapy approved by the FDA. Insurers cannot demand prior authorization, step therapy, or fail-first protocols for these treatments. The bill defines menopause as permanent cessation of menstruation and perimenopause as the transition period near the end of reproductive years. This directly affects all health insurance policyholders in Michigan who need these treatments, ensuring coverage without extra approval hurdles.

Maddy summaryHB 4815 requires Michigan Medicaid to cover medically necessary treatments for menopause and perimenopause symptoms - including hormone replacement therapy and FDA-approved medications - without prior authorization. It prohibits Medicaid from requiring step therapy (e.g., trying other treatments first) for these medications. The bill directly affects Medicaid patients experiencing these symptoms by removing administrative barriers to care. Key provisions amend existing law to exempt these treatments from prior authorization rules and mandate coverage under the medical assistance program.

Maddy summaryHB 4812 requires Michigan's Department of Corrections to provide prisoners with written materials about voter registration and election processes before their release on parole or after completing their sentences. Specifically, it mandates that the department include details on how to register to vote, vote in person, or request absentee ballots, along with regular election dates. The bill also directs the department to assist prisoners in obtaining essential identification documents (like those needed for driver's licenses or state ID cards) and creates a "reentry success fund" to cover related costs. This applies to all prisoners transitioning from incarceration to community life who are eligible for such identification.

Maddy summaryHB 4047 creates a new legal cause of action allowing individuals to sue media organizations that falsely depict them engaging in sexual conduct. The law directly affects media companies publishing such false content and individuals whose reputations were harmed by the inaccurate depictions. It establishes specific procedures for filing these lawsuits within the civil court system. The bill became law on August 26, 2025, after approval by the Governor.

Maddy summaryHB 4048 adds a new sentencing guideline for distributing intimate deepfake sexual images with aggravating circumstances, classifying it as a Class F felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison. This directly affects individuals convicted of disseminating such deepfakes, particularly those with prior offenses under Michigan law. The bill amends sentencing guidelines in Chapter XVII of the Michigan Penal Code to specifically address this crime, establishing a clear penalty framework for courts to apply. It became effective immediately upon the Governor's approval on August 26, 2025.