Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's laws to allow the state Department of Treasury to enter into fuel tax reciprocity agreements with neighboring states. These agreements specifically apply to large commercial trucks carrying raw forest products, such as logs and wood chips, to sawmills or factories located within 50 air miles of the state border. Under the new rules, these carriers would not need to pay Michigan fuel taxes or display certain licenses if they receive reciprocal treatment from the other state. The legislation also clarifies that the Department of Treasury has sole authority to negotiate these deals, separate from the broader highway reciprocity board.

Maddy summaryThis law changes how ballot questions for constitutional amendments, citizen laws, and referendums are numbered and tracked in Michigan. It requires the Secretary of State to assign a unique number to each question at least 60 days before an election, using a specific format that includes the election year and the order in which petitions were filed. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of State post updates on petition status online every month and notify petitioners immediately when their petitions are approved or rejected. Additionally, it clarifies when different types of ballot questions are considered "filed" for the purpose of determining their sequence on the ballot. These rules affect election officials, the Secretary of State, and citizens who submit petitions to place issues on the ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan election laws to require petitioners proposing constitutional amendments or ballot initiatives to include a clear, impartial summary of their proposal's purpose. The new rules limit this summary to 100 words and mandate that it use plain language understandable to the general public without creating bias. Additionally, the bill establishes a review process where the Board of State Canvassers must approve or reject the petition form and summary within 30 days, and it clarifies the specific legal standards for determining whether a proposed amendment alters or abrogates existing constitutional provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow the state to use statistical random sampling to verify the signatures on petitions submitted by groups seeking to form a new political party. Instead of requiring every single signature to be manually checked, election officials would randomly select a portion of the signatures to validate, which could speed up the process for new parties. The measure directly affects citizens attempting to establish new political organizations and the election authorities responsible for processing their paperwork. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis law requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover the cost of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum individuals. The coverage applies to devices delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed within the state and is subject to standard cost-sharing requirements like deductibles and co-pays. This change directly affects pregnant and postpartum patients who need to monitor their blood pressure as part of their care.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison within Michigan's Legislative Council to strengthen government-to-government relationships between the state legislature and federally recognized tribes. The office will be led by a liaison appointed by the council from a list provided by the United Tribes of Michigan, who will be supported by at least two policy advisors. Key duties include visiting each tribe annually, advising lawmakers on how proposed legislation impacts tribal communities, and providing mandatory training for legislators on tribal history and consultation processes. Additionally, the office must submit an annual public report detailing tribal concerns raised during the legislative process to the governor and legislative leaders.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan election laws to allow county clerks to use statistical random sampling to verify the signatures on nominating petitions rather than checking every single one. It also clarifies the process for investigating complaints about fraudulent signatures and permits clerks to disqualify petitions that contain obviously invalid entries. Under the proposed changes, clerks could use digitized voter registration records to compare signatures and must make investigation reports public before making final decisions on a petition's validity. The legislation would apply to candidates running for office who rely on nominating petitions to get on the ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes two specific sections of Michigan's social welfare law that previously required workforce engagement for participants in the Healthy Michigan plan. By repealing these sections, the legislation eliminates the legal mandate that individuals receiving medical assistance must engage in work-related activities as a condition of their coverage. The change directly affects the administration of the state's health program by altering the rules that govern eligibility requirements for enrolled participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specify the prison terms for sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion. It directly affects individuals charged with these crimes by establishing a tiered system where penalties increase based on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense, and by adding higher maximum sentences for cases involving specific aggravating factors. The legislation also adjusts sentencing ranges for other related felonies, such as impersonating public officials and various types of fraud, to align with current legal standards. By amending the Code of Criminal Procedure, the bill provides judges with clearer instructions on how long offenders must serve for these specific violations.

Maddy summaryThis law requires health professionals in Michigan to offer mental health screenings to new mothers during postpartum visits or well-child checkups for their infants. Starting in January 2026, doctors and nurses in pediatric or obstetric settings must provide these screenings, while other licensed health workers may offer them until the child turns one year old. The state is authorized to create a screening tool, but providers can also use existing evidence-based methods to assess maternal mental health risks. If a professional identifies potential mental health needs, they can provide information on symptoms, treatment options, and referrals to support services. The law defines "health professional" to include anyone licensed to practice medicine, nursing, or other regulated health professions in the state.