Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's enhanced driver license and identification card laws to allow individuals to voluntarily include a "communication impediment" designation on their ID. The designation is intended for people with conditions like deafness or autism that may hinder communication with police officers. Under the new rules, law enforcement personnel with authorized access to a specific state network would be able to view this designation. The bill also clarifies privacy protections, ensuring that Social Security numbers and other personal data are not printed on the front of the card. Additionally, it establishes procedures for the Secretary of State to cancel or revoke this designation if the underlying health condition no longer exists, following a notice and hearing process for the cardholder.

Maddy summaryHB 5949 creates a new program allowing vehicle owners in Michigan to request a free 'communication impediment' decal for their windshield or license plate. This decal signals that the driver or a household member has a condition, such as deafness or autism, that might make communicating with police during a traffic stop difficult. To qualify, owners must submit a certification from a licensed medical professional confirming the communication barrier. The bill also updates existing vehicle registration laws to include a digital designation in state records for these individuals, while establishing penalties for fraud and procedures for revoking the designation if abuse is suspected.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Department of Community Health to establish a Medicaid estate recovery program that seeks repayment from the estates of deceased recipients for certain medical services. A key provision prohibits the state from filing claims against funds held in an ABLE savings account, protecting these assets from recovery efforts. The legislation also outlines specific exemptions, such as protecting the homes of surviving spouses, young children, disabled dependents, and certain caretaker relatives. Additionally, the bill requires the department to obtain federal approval before implementing the program and mandates that no interest be charged on recovered amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's ABLE program to allow individuals with disabilities to designate a specific survivor beneficiary for their savings accounts. It also exempts these accounts from Medicaid estate recovery, ensuring that funds remain protected for the individual's qualified disability expenses even after their death. The legislation clarifies the roles of account owners and designated representatives, permitting changes to beneficiaries within the family unit without requiring court approval. By updating the state's ABLE program rules, the bill aims to provide greater flexibility and financial security for people with disabilities and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Commercial Advertising Loudness Mitigation Act, would require video streaming services in Michigan to ensure that commercial advertisements are not louder than the accompanying video content. Starting July 1, 2027, these services must regulate audio levels so that ads do not exceed the volume of the programs or videos they interrupt. The law applies to internet-based streaming platforms but excludes traditional television stations, cable operators, and services that do not include ads. Violations of this rule could result in a civil fine of up to $10,000 for each instance, which would be collected by the state attorney general and deposited into the general fund.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month within the state of Michigan. It aims to honor the history, culture, and contributions of American Jews to the state and the nation. The measure does not change laws or create new programs but serves as a formal declaration of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover infertility treatments starting January 1, 2027. It mandates coverage for diagnostic care, fertility treatments, and preservation services, including up to four complete egg retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers. The law prohibits insurers from imposing different deductibles, waiting periods, or limits on infertility benefits compared to other medical services, and it ensures coverage regardless of the patient's age, gender identity, or use of donor gametes or surrogates.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan PFAS action response team (MPART), a new state entity dedicated to addressing contamination from PFAS chemicals, commonly known as 'forever chemicals.' The team will be composed of directors from various state departments, including environmental protection and health services, who will work together to identify affected sites, develop cleanup plans, and coordinate public health responses. MPART is authorized to conduct investigations, hire experts, share information with local and federal agencies, and recommend changes to existing laws to better manage environmental and public safety threats related to PFAS.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Citizen's Advisory Working Group within the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to assist with PFAS contamination efforts. The group will be made up of current or former residents from communities affected by PFAS contamination, and its members will serve without pay but can receive reimbursement for necessary expenses. The group's main duties include advising the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team on community outreach, reviewing existing strategies, and making recommendations to improve public awareness of health risks related to PFAS.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Hazardous Products Act, would ban the sale and manufacture of household items containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals starting in 2027. The legislation specifically targets a wide range of consumer goods, including clothing, carpets, cookware, cosmetics, baby products, and upholstery, while explicitly excluding military equipment and personal protective gear. To enforce these restrictions, the bill establishes penalties for violations, ranging from misdemeanor fines for first offenses to felony charges for repeat offenders, and grants individuals the right to sue for damages or seek court orders to stop non-compliant production.