Rep. Angela Witwer

Maddy summaryHB 5493 regulates how state and local law enforcement agencies use automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems. It prohibits most ALPR use except for specific purposes like checking for stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, uninsured vehicles, or active criminal investigations. The bill requires agencies to delete captured plate data within 14 days (unless used as evidence or for ongoing investigations), adopt public policies on ALPR use, and submit quarterly usage reports. It directly affects police departments and other government entities that operate ALPR systems, limiting their data collection and retention practices.

Maddy summaryHB 5488 lowers the minimum age requirement for licensure as a medical first responder or emergency medical technician (EMT) in Michigan from 18 to 17 years old. It amends Section 20950 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.20950), specifically changing the age requirement in subsection (2)(a) from "18 years of age or older" to allow 17-year-olds to apply. The bill does not alter other licensing requirements, such as education programs, passing exams administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, or military service pathways. This change directly affects 17-year-olds seeking these emergency medical services roles who previously could not obtain licensure until age 18.

Maddy summaryHB 5492, the "regulating automatic license plate readers act," sets rules for private entities operating automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems, requiring them to preserve captured license plate data for 14 days when law enforcement or a criminal defendant requests it with a specific written statement. The bill prohibits using the data as evidence in court if disclosure would violate the act, mandates data destruction after 14 days if not used, and allows individuals to sue for violations and recover at least $1,000 in damages or actual damages plus legal fees. Vehicle owners' data is protected from public disclosure without consent, except under a court order or warrant, and cannot be accessed by law enforcement without a warrant or specific preservation request.

Maddy summaryHB 4418 updates Michigan's probate law to clarify how patients can designate a healthcare surrogate when they cannot make decisions themselves. It adds a new process for formally naming a surrogate (replacing the previous method) and removes an outdated section from older law. This directly affects patients without existing advance directives and their families by providing a clearer, more modern way to appoint someone to make medical decisions for them.

Maddy summaryHB 4419 adds legal protections to Michigan's health care decision-making framework. It shields health care providers and facilities from liability when following decisions made by a legally designated patient surrogate or advocate, as long as they act in good faith. The bill also protects surrogates and advocates from liability for good-faith health care decisions they make. Providers who intentionally violate these rules face minimum damages of $1,000, while those who falsify or tamper with a patient's health care directive designation face minimum damages of $2,500. This directly affects patients with advance directives, their designated surrogates, and medical providers.

Maddy summaryHB 5483 amends Michigan's penal code to specifically protect United States Postal Service letter carriers by adding them to the list of protected individuals under assault laws. The bill increases penalties for assaulting, obstructing, or endangering these workers based on injury severity: up to 2 years for basic assault, 4 years for serious injury requiring medical care, 15 years for serious bodily impairment, and 20 years if the assault causes death. It clarifies that existing penalties for assaulting law enforcement or emergency personnel also apply to letter carriers when they are performing their duties. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and does not affect other potential charges for the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares January 25-31, 2026, as Catholic Schools Week in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes Catholic schools' role in the state, highlighting their enrollment (50,421 students across 207 schools), compliance with public school regulations, and contributions to community values. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change policies - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment supporting Catholic schools' educational and community impact.

Maddy summaryHB 5458 creates a special fund-raising license plate for the Golf Association of Michigan Foundation, allowing residents to purchase plates with a portion of the fee supporting charitable golf programs. The bill establishes a dedicated fund in the state treasury, where money from plate sales is deposited and invested, with quarterly disbursements sent to the foundation. This fund specifically supports golf initiatives for youth, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families, focusing on pathways to education/careers in golf, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The state treasurer manages the fund, and plate sales revenue directly finances these programs without affecting the general state budget.

Maddy summaryHB 4799 clarifies when mailed property tax payments and official communications are considered received by local governments. It specifies that the postmark date on a mailed payment or notice counts as the submission date, rather than the date it is physically received. This change directly affects property owners who mail payments and local tax collection offices that process them. The bill aims to prevent penalties for timely mailed payments that arrive slightly late due to postal delays.

Maddy summaryHB 4692 creates a new license for "secondary school facilities" that provide cosmetology training in separate classroom settings, directly affecting cosmetology schools and their associated training locations. These facilities must not offer public services or contain equipment like hair-drying chairs, must be staffed by licensed instructors with 3+ years' experience, and require detailed floor plans and department inspections. License holders must display their license and instructor credentials visibly, and the license becomes void if ownership changes or the location shifts, requiring a new application. The bill also mandates the department to create implementing rules within 18 months of enactment.