Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryHB 4732 increases penalties for harming police and search-and-rescue dogs or horses used in law enforcement. It makes intentionally killing or causing serious physical harm to these animals a felony (up to 5 years in prison or $10,000 fine), while lesser harm or interference during duties is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year or $5,000 fine), or a felony if committed during another crime. The law applies specifically to animals trained and deployed by Michigan law enforcement agencies for police or search-and-rescue operations. It does not affect other animals or alter existing penalties for unrelated offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 4675 requires Michigan's education department to develop and share a list of optional cursive handwriting instruction programs for public schools by June 2027. Starting in the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 school year, school districts and public school academies are encouraged - but not required - to incorporate one of these model programs into their curriculum. The bill aims to support schools in meeting existing credit requirements under Michigan’s merit standards by offering cursive instruction as a voluntary option. It directly affects Michigan public schools by providing resources for optional handwriting education, without mandating changes to current standards.

Maddy summaryHR 138 is a symbolic resolution introduced by Michigan House representatives to declare June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month in the state. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the historical significance of LGBTQ+ rights movements, including the Stonewall Riots and key legal victories like Obergefell and Bostock. The resolution aims to affirm Michigan's support for LGBTQ+ communities and their contributions to the state's cultural and economic vitality. This declaration directly affects all Michiganders by officially honoring Pride Month through state-level recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 27, 2025, as National PTSD Awareness Day in Michigan. It encourages Michigan residents to learn about PTSD, reduce stigma, and support those affected - including veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors - while aligning with the existing U.S. Senate observance honoring Staff Sergeant Joe Biel. The bill has no new funding or legal requirements; it is a symbolic gesture to promote awareness and compassion.

Maddy summaryHB 4385 amends Michigan's shoreland protection law to allow property owners to install temporary erosion control structures without a permit during high water events. This directly affects homeowners and landowners near water bodies who face immediate erosion risks during flooding. The bill removes the standard permitting requirement for these temporary structures when water levels are high, as defined by the law. It modifies specific sections of the Natural Resources Code (MCL 324.32312 et seq.) and adds a new provision (32510a) to enable this change. The bill is currently in committee review.

Maddy summaryHB 4661 creates a grant program to help Michigan law enforcement agencies modernize communication with crime victims using text messages, emails, and multilingual support. It requires agencies to provide automated updates (like arrest notifications or case status changes) without requiring victims to download apps or create accounts. The bill establishes a fund to distribute grant money to state/local agencies, law enforcement, or local governments that meet specific standards for transparent, efficient communication. These standards include real-time notifications, community feedback tools, and multilingual messaging options accessible through simple email or text. The law directly affects crime victims receiving updates and agencies managing victim communication systems.

Maddy summaryHB 4662 allows Michigan courts, law enforcement, and other agencies to send crime victim notices (like case updates) via email or text message, in addition to traditional mail, when victims consent and provide contact details. Agencies must follow state communication standards and cannot use electronic notices if a victim has opted out. This update to the Crime Victim's Rights Act modernizes notification methods while ensuring victims retain full control over how they receive information. It directly affects crime victims in Michigan whose cases involve these notification processes.

Maddy summaryHB 4647 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines for crimes against animals by revising Section 41 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.41). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses in Michigan, as it changes the sentencing rules applied to these cases. It updates the existing sentencing framework for animal-related crimes without specifying new penalties or procedures in the provided text. The bill was introduced on June 12, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee. This is a procedural amendment to the state's criminal sentencing structure.

Maddy summaryHB 4651 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically include crimes against animals as a distinct category. It adds offense variable 16 for violations of Michigan's animal cruelty law (MCL 750.110a), requiring judges to consider this factor when sentencing cases involving animal abuse. This change directly affects judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling animal cruelty cases by adding a standardized scoring element to sentencing calculations. The bill does not alter penalties but ensures animal cruelty offenses receive specific consideration within the existing sentencing framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4649 revises Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes against animals by amending MCL 777.31 in the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill directly affects judges who sentence individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses and the people convicted of those crimes. Its key provision updates the legal framework used to determine appropriate sentences for animal abuse cases, replacing outdated language with revised guidelines. This change aims to clarify sentencing standards for prosecutors and courts handling animal cruelty prosecutions. The bill does not alter penalties but refines the procedural guidelines governing how sentences are applied.