Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryHB 4166 prohibits the non-medical use of xylazine (a sedative sometimes mixed with drugs like fentanyl) in Michigan. It defines "illicit use" as any xylazine use not covered under "licit use," which includes legal veterinary applications, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or approved medical treatments. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to make possessing or using xylazine for non-licensed purposes a felony, with penalties ranging from up to 20 years in prison or fines up to $1 million depending on the amount. This directly affects individuals using xylazine outside approved medical or veterinary contexts, aligning penalties with those for other controlled substances like opioids.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 33) calls on the U.S. Congress to restore funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to research universities. It directly affects research institutions that rely on USAID for critical projects in agriculture, food security, public health, and global development. The resolution states that a recent funding freeze has disrupted programs like the Feed the Future Lab, threatening research progress and international partnerships. As a non-binding resolution, it urges Congress to act but does not change funding policies itself.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 34) urges the federal government to consider the economic impacts of tariffs on trade with Canada and Mexico. It directly affects Michigan businesses, particularly in agriculture (where Canada is the top export market), manufacturing, and auto production, which rely on stable North American supply chains. The resolution reaffirms support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and highlights Michigan’s $3 billion annual agricultural exports and $55 billion in annual trade with Ontario. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally advocates for fair trade negotiations to protect Michigan’s economy.

Maddy summaryHB 4130 amends Section 2 of Michigan's Animal Welfare Fund Act (MCL 287.992) by updating the definition of "State animal anticruelty laws" to explicitly include specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.49-750.70, 750.70a, and MCL 750.50(8) and (12)). This technical update ensures the fund act correctly references existing animal cruelty laws without creating new policies or funding. The bill affects how the Animal Welfare Fund Act applies to enforcement of current animal protection laws. It is a procedural clarification, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 4095 requires Michigan health insurers to process mental health and substance use disorder provider credentialing applications within 60 calendar days (or up to 75 days with justification). Insurers must send written requests for missing information within 10 business days and reimburse providers for covered services if they miss deadlines, using standard in-network rates. This directly affects mental health professionals (like psychologists, licensed social workers, and counselors) seeking to join insurer networks and the insurers themselves. The bill applies to both initial applications and recredentialing, aiming to reduce delays in provider network access.

Maddy summaryHB 4093 updates Michigan's Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act to correct an outdated reference in jury selection rules for eminent domain cases. It amends Section 12 (MCL 213.62) to properly reference current jury selection procedures under the Revised Judicature Act, replacing obsolete language. The bill directly affects property owners and government entities involved in condemnation proceedings where jury trials for "just compensation" are requested. This procedural update only takes effect if companion bill HB 4091 is enacted, ensuring alignment with related legislative changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4094 modifies Michigan's jury eligibility rules to remove disqualifications for most criminal records, allowing prospective jurors with past convictions to serve unless the crime is similar to the current case. It also prohibits excluding jurors based on protected statuses (such as race, gender, or religion under Michigan's Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act) or using peremptory challenges for invalid reasons like a juror living in a high-crime neighborhood. The bill requires courts to deny peremptory challenges if protected status appears to be a factor, with specific examples of invalid justifications provided. These changes aim to address historical discrimination in jury selection while keeping the process accessible for all eligible residents.

Maddy summaryHB 4091 replaces local jury boards with a centralized state system for jury selection across Michigan courts. It directs the State Court Administrative Office (under the Supreme Court) to create a statewide jury pool using driver's license and state ID data provided by the Secretary of State, eliminating county-level processes. The bill mandates electronic transmission of jury lists to courts, establishes a standard juror questionnaire, and requires annual updates to the jury pool list. This change directly affects all Michigan courts (circuit, probate, district, and municipal) and potential jurors statewide by standardizing jury selection procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 4092 is a technical amendment to Michigan's Probate Code (MCL 712A.17) that corrects outdated references following a prior repeal. It updates procedural language about court hearings, including requirements for adjournments (e.g., 14-day written notice for continuances) and jury demands in non-criminal probate cases. The bill does not create new policies but ensures the code accurately reflects current law. It depends on the passage of companion bill HB 4091 to take effect, as noted in its enacting section. This is a procedural correction affecting court procedures in probate matters, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares January 2025 as National Stalking Awareness Month in Michigan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies; instead, it symbolically recognizes stalking as a serious crime and acknowledges efforts by victim services and law enforcement. The resolution highlights Michigan's legal definition of stalking and relevant statistics (like 18,000 stalking reports in 2022) to underscore the importance of public awareness. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on January 28, 2025.