Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryThis bill allows two or more local governments in Michigan to join together to create a single authority responsible for providing emergency services. Under the new rules, these municipalities can transfer their existing emergency services to the shared authority and decide the specific geographic area the authority will cover. The authority must publish its founding documents online or at the local clerk's office, and it can collect taxes only from properties within its designated jurisdiction if it does not cover the entire municipality. This change enables smaller towns to pool resources for emergency response while maintaining their individual legal status.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for distributors of returnable beverage containers in Michigan, starting in the 2024 tax year. Eligible companies can claim a credit of $0.005 for each returnable container they sell, with the credit amount increasing annually based on the national Consumer Price Index. To receive the credit, distributors must submit specific reports to the state and can get a refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. The legislation applies to various business structures, including partnerships and corporations, and defines key terms by referencing existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 13, 2024, as Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Day throughout Michigan. It aims to honor the work of organizations and individuals dedicated to reducing violence and to encourage the public to support these community-driven efforts. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the importance of violence prevention programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions within Michigan's Motor Carrier Fuel Tax Act to clarify terms related to vehicles, fuels, and operators. It specifically expands the definition of "motor fuel" to include gasoline starting in 2017 and provides detailed criteria for what counts as a "qualified commercial motor vehicle" subject to the tax. The legislation also clarifies which entities, such as certain public transit agencies and farmers, are excluded from these tax requirements. Because the bill is tied to another piece of legislation, it will only take effect if that companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 7, 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness Day throughout Michigan to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. The measure encourages citizens to wear orange on that date to raise awareness and remember Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager killed in a shooting incident. While the bill does not change laws or introduce new regulations, it formally recognizes the significance of the day and urges the community to support efforts to prevent gun violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's Public Health Code to update the licensure requirements for respiratory therapists. It directly affects individuals seeking to become licensed respiratory therapists and the state agencies responsible for overseeing their certification. The legislation modifies existing sections of the law and adds new provisions to clarify or adjust how these professionals are regulated. By altering specific statutes within the public health code, the bill aims to formalize the standards for practicing respiratory therapy in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover telemedicine services at the same level as in-person visits, ensuring patients do not face higher costs or reduced benefits for remote care. Under the new rules, insurers cannot mandate face-to-face contact for services that are clinically appropriate to deliver via secure audio or video technology, provided the healthcare professional is licensed in the patient's state. The law applies to all health insurance policies delivered or renewed in Michigan and defines telemedicine as remote communication using interactive audio, video, or store-and-forward messaging systems. While insurers retain the right to set standard copayments and deductibles, they must allow coverage for telemedicine without requiring physical examinations unless specifically needed for clinical safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person office visits. It mandates that insurers cannot deny coverage for remote care if the service is appropriate and provided by a licensed professional in the patient's state. The law defines telemedicine as remote communication using secure audio or video technology or online messaging. While patients still pay the same copays and deductibles as they would for a physical appointment, the insurance coverage itself must be equal to that of face-to-face care.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program to enforce federal standards for asbestos emissions during building renovations and demolitions in Michigan. It requires owners or operators to pay a $100 notification fee and a $10 modification fee for each change to their project plans, with public entities allowed to pass these costs to contractors under certain conditions. The state will use the collected fees to fund mandatory inspections, starting with 15% of projects in 2023 and 2024, and gradually increasing to 25% of projects by 2027. All revenue generated from these fees will be deposited into a dedicated state fund used exclusively for asbestos-related inspection activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that Michigan's Medicaid and Healthy Michigan programs reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person office visits. It directly affects healthcare providers and patients who use remote medical services by ensuring financial parity between virtual and physical appointments. The legislation does not alter existing rules about where telehealth can be conducted or who must verify patient eligibility, but it specifically mandates equal payment rates for these services.