Rep. Angela Witwer

Maddy summaryHB 5028 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to update legal references related to prostitution offenses. It replaces terms like "prostitute" with more neutral language in sentencing calculations under MCL 777.16w. This change affects judges and courts when determining penalties for individuals convicted of prostitution-related crimes. The bill modifies how these offenses are described in legal guidelines but does not alter the actual penalties for the crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 5023 amends Michigan's child care licensing law (1973 PA 116) to strengthen background checks for individuals seeking child care licenses, staff positions, or household membership in child care settings. It prohibits licensing for applicants with certain criminal convictions, including child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, drug offenses (with 7-year waiting periods), and violent misdemeanors (with 5-year waiting periods). The bill also adds disqualification for convictions related to human trafficking, prostitution-related activities, or firearm use in crimes. This directly affects individuals applying for child care roles or operating child care facilities. The bill requires criminal history checks under Section 5n and specifies disqualifying offenses and waiting periods, but does not address prostitution laws directly despite the title's reference.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares September 22-26, 2025, as Farm Safety and Health Week in Michigan. It recognizes the state's agricultural workforce (including approximately 44,000 farms) and aligns with the national observance focused on safety practices like equipment handling, rural roadway safety, and youth protection on farms. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or entities. The declaration serves to honor agricultural workers and promote safety awareness during peak farming season.

Maddy summaryHB 5014 modifies Michigan's public health code to require courts to order confidential STI and HIV testing for individuals arrested or convicted of prostitution, commercial sexual activity, or related offenses (such as MCL 750.448-455). The bill mandates that courts direct testing for sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, and HIV, with results reported to defendants and health departments. Courts must also order voluntary counseling about prevention, treatment, and protective measures for these conditions. This applies to all cases involving specified sex-related offenses under Michigan law, with testing conducted by licensed health providers.

Maddy summaryHB 5016 updates Michigan's penal code by replacing outdated terms like "prostitute" and "prostitution" with modern, less stigmatizing language such as "person engaged in commercial sexual activity." It specifically amends Section 167 to remove "common prostitute" from the definition of a disorderly person, changing the language to focus on conduct rather than labeling individuals. This bill directly affects how the law refers to and potentially prosecutes individuals involved in commercial sexual activity under current statutes. The changes aim to align terminology with contemporary legal standards without altering the underlying criminal penalties for related offenses.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a resolution passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to condemn all forms of political violence and reaffirm the body's commitment to civility, safety, and peaceful democratic engagement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement expressing the House's stance against violence targeting public officials and citizens. The resolution cites recent incidents of political violence across the U.S., including attacks on elected leaders and events like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. It will be transmitted to the President, Michigan Governor, and congressional leaders as a non-binding expression of the House's values.

Maddy summaryHB 4874 requires the Michigan legislature to appropriate at least $12.3 million annually starting fiscal year 2026 for supplemental payments to rural school districts meeting specific criteria defined in existing law (MCL 388.1622d). This bill directly affects eligible rural and isolated school districts by guaranteeing additional state funding beyond their regular school aid. The key provision mandates a fixed annual appropriation for these districts, ensuring consistent supplemental support beginning in 2026. The bill does not change how districts operate or define "rural districts," but rather establishes a dedicated funding stream for them. It is currently in the introduction phase, referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4875 mandates annual state funding of at least $125 million starting in fiscal year 2026 to cover school transportation costs for students. It directly affects Michigan public school districts by requiring dedicated state appropriations for pupil transportation, as defined under existing state school aid law. The bill creates a permanent funding mechanism ensuring consistent support for school bus services and related operational costs. This provision applies specifically to transportation services for students, not general school funding. The bill is currently under review in the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on September 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4870 creates a state program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students in grades pre-K through 12, as well as students up to age 26 in special education programs. Participating schools must already be in the federal National School Lunch Program and offer meals at no cost to every student, while maximizing federal funding through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The bill requires schools to accommodate documented medical dietary needs on a case-by-case basis and encourages offering religiously appropriate meals that meet federal nutrition standards. It also mandates schools to simplify income forms for families to help determine eligibility for other federal benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 4872 requires Michigan public schools to receive at least $210 per student annually starting in fiscal year 2026 for mental health and safety programs. It directly affects all public schools in the state by mandating this minimum per-pupil funding level, defined using the standard "membership" calculation from Michigan's school aid law. The bill creates a new funding mechanism within the School Code to address school safety and student mental health needs. This is a concrete policy change that would allocate state funds specifically for these purposes, not a procedural or commemorative measure.