Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Domestic Violence Firearm Protection Act, establishes new procedures for removing firearms from individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence in Michigan. It requires courts to inform defendants at sentencing that they must surrender any guns or concealed pistol licenses they own within 24 hours of their conviction or release from jail. The law designates specific law enforcement agencies or licensed dealers to accept these items and mandates a follow-up hearing to verify that the surrender has occurred. If a defendant fails to turn over their weapons voluntarily, the court can issue a search warrant to locate and seize them. Additionally, the bill outlines how surrendered firearms will be stored and the process for their eventual return or disposal once the legal prohibition period ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to remove a requirement that county road agencies certify their compliance with pension and health insurance contribution rules for transportation employees. Specifically, it eliminates the mandate that these agencies must annually verify they are following certain compensation caps and health plan standards that were previously established in 2014. The legislation also deletes the provision allowing the state to withhold transportation funds from counties that fail to meet these certification requirements. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for county road agencies to maintain a public website displaying detailed budget, employee wage, and financial performance data. Ultimately, HB 6141 repeals existing regulations governing the compensation and benefits of transportation workers in Michigan county road agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 6139 amends the Home Rule City Act to update pension and health insurance rules for large Michigan cities facing significant financial distress. Specifically, it targets cities with populations over 600,000 or those that have discharged over $1 billion in pension liabilities through bankruptcy. The bill establishes new limits on how much these cities can contribute to employee retirement accounts and health insurance plans for workers hired after July 1, 2023, while also clarifying how pension benefits are calculated for existing employees. Additionally, it requires these cities to submit annual compliance certifications to the Financial Review Commission starting in 2024. The legislation does not take effect unless a related bill regarding the state employees' retirement act is also passed.

Maddy summaryHB 6138 amends an existing law regarding public road funding to remove a section that required local road agencies to certify their employee compensation plans and health insurance contributions. This change effectively eliminates the requirement for these agencies to meet specific caps on pension contributions and employee shares of health care costs, as well as the mandate to publicly certify compliance with those standards. The bill also removes the provision that allows the state to withhold transportation funds from local road agencies that fail to meet these certification requirements. Additionally, the legislation deletes the mandate for county road commissions to maintain a searchable website displaying detailed budget, employee, and financial performance data. By striking these provisions, the bill leaves the current legal framework for public employee compensation and related reporting unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to repeal the 2011 Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act, which previously required Michigan public employees to contribute to their health care benefits. By removing this law, the legislation would eliminate the mandate for public sector workers to pay into their employer-provided health insurance plans. The change directly affects state and local government employees who were subject to these contribution requirements under the repealed statute.

Maddy summaryHB 6134 amends Michigan law to strengthen personal protection orders by explicitly requiring the removal of firearms from individuals subject to domestic relations orders. The bill mandates that courts issue orders prohibiting respondents from possessing or purchasing guns if they are found to have committed acts of domestic violence or abuse against a spouse, former spouse, dating partner, or household member. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the absence of a police report, medical documentation, or physical evidence of abuse should not prevent a judge from granting a protection order. These changes aim to provide clearer legal mechanisms for victims to secure their safety and ensure law enforcement has immediate access to information about firearm restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing state law to clarify and streamline how county road agencies must report their compliance with employee compensation standards and health insurance contributions. It requires these agencies to annually certify to the state department that they either follow specific rules for employee pay and benefits or confirm they do not offer medical benefits to their transportation staff. If a county road agency fails to provide this certification, the state may withhold funds from the Michigan transportation fund until the issue is resolved. Additionally, the bill mandates that these agencies maintain a public website displaying their budget, employee wage data, financial performance metrics, and copies of their compliance certifications.

Maddy summaryHB 6137 amends state law to clarify how public employers must handle wages and benefits when a collective bargaining agreement expires before a new one is negotiated. The bill requires that pay and benefits during this gap period cannot exceed the levels established at the end of the previous contract, while also shifting any increases in insurance premiums to employees through payroll deductions. It includes specific exceptions for employees eligible for compulsory arbitration, allowing wage increases that were already authorized in the expired contract and ensuring that total employee health insurance costs do not exceed limits set by existing state health insurance laws. This legislation focuses strictly on defining financial obligations during contract transitions and does not take effect unless another related bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding guardianship and conservatorship to strengthen the rights of individuals facing incapacity proceedings. It requires guardians ad litem, who represent vulnerable people during these hearings, to personally visit the individual and clearly explain their legal rights, such as the ability to contest the petition or limit a guardian's authority over medical decisions. The legislation also mandates that courts provide free legal counsel to indigent individuals who wish to contest a guardianship or request specific limits on a guardian's powers. Additionally, the bill directs guardians ad litem to explore alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship or patient advocacy designations, and ensures that compensation for these representatives is only granted if they have fulfilled their new reporting duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to regulate the appointment and duties of professional guardians and conservators. It requires courts to find that no suitable family member or friend is available before appointing a professional and mandates that these professionals submit criminal background checks and post a financial bond. The legislation also establishes strict rules for compensation, requiring professionals to disclose any outside income received for their role, and outlines specific care standards such as maintaining a visitation schedule and ensuring adequate staffing. Additionally, the bill clarifies notification procedures for interested parties and defines the limits on what support staff can do, prohibiting them from making major financial or medical decisions.