Rep. Angela Witwer

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates March 9-15, 2025, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Michigan. It recognizes the impact of multiple sclerosis on Michiganders (affecting nearly 1 million people nationwide) and encourages public awareness and support for those living with the disease. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds - it is a formal declaration by the Michigan House to highlight the work of the National MS Society and its local support groups.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (HJR F) would remove gender-specific language from two Michigan constitutional provisions. It would repeal Article I, Section 25 - which defined marriage as "the union of one man and one woman" - and amend Article X, Section 1 to make property rights language gender-neutral. If approved, it would eliminate the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and update outdated references to gender in property law. The amendment would require voter approval at the next general election. (Note: The bill is currently in committee referral, with no further action taken as of March 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 4169 creates a Rare Disease Advisory Council within Michigan's Department of Health to advise on research, diagnosis, and treatment of rare diseases. The council, composed of 12-18 members including physicians, patients, caregivers, insurers, researchers, and industry representatives, must identify policy priorities to improve access to care and reduce discrimination for individuals with rare diseases (defined as affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.). Key duties include researching cost-effective treatments, sharing best practices from other states, and developing a public webpage with rare disease resources by March 2026. The bill establishes a formal advisory body but does not change existing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 4167 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address the illicit use of xylazine, a veterinary drug increasingly misused in illicit drug mixtures. The bill adds xylazine to the list of substances covered under sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.13m), meaning courts must now apply standardized sentencing ranges for convictions involving its unauthorized possession or use. This directly affects individuals convicted of xylazine-related offenses, including those using it alone or combined with other drugs. The change creates a clear, defined sentencing path for this specific offense, moving beyond general drug sentencing rules to address xylazine's growing public health impact. The bill was introduced on March 5, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4166 prohibits the non-medical use of xylazine (a sedative sometimes mixed with drugs like fentanyl) in Michigan. It defines "illicit use" as any xylazine use not covered under "licit use," which includes legal veterinary applications, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or approved medical treatments. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to make possessing or using xylazine for non-licensed purposes a felony, with penalties ranging from up to 20 years in prison or fines up to $1 million depending on the amount. This directly affects individuals using xylazine outside approved medical or veterinary contexts, aligning penalties with those for other controlled substances like opioids.

Maddy summaryHB 4096 expands worker's compensation protections for public safety workers by presuming that heart and respiratory diseases develop from job duties. It directly affects full-time, part-time, and paid-on-call members of fire, police, and public safety departments; county sheriffs and deputies; state police; conservation officers; and forest/motor carrier enforcement officers. The bill amends Section 405 to include these conditions as "personal injury" under the Worker's Disability Compensation Act, meaning they are presumed work-related unless proven otherwise. Before claiming benefits, applicants must first seek pension eligibility under Section 405(4), and benefits from the new presumption cannot overlap with employer-provided coverage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan, formally recognizing the month-long observance of African American contributions to history and culture. It does not create new laws or allocate state resources; instead, it serves as a symbolic declaration by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor Black achievements and reflect on racial justice. The resolution cites historical context, including Dr. Carter G. Woodson's origins of Black History Month and President Ford's 1976 recognition. It encourages statewide awareness of African American milestones and the ongoing pursuit of equality, aligning with longstanding national observances.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It declares February 14, 2025, as "Frederick Douglass Day" in Michigan to honor the abolitionist's legacy. The resolution commemorates Douglass' life and contributions, including his birth date adoption and work for civil rights, but has no legal effect or impact on state laws or residents. It serves solely as a symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares February 2025 as "2-1-1 Month" in Michigan to raise public awareness of the 2-1-1 helpline. It recognizes the service as a free, 24/7 resource connecting residents to community support like housing, food, and disaster assistance - used over 406,000 times in FY2024. The resolution has no binding effect and solely aims to acknowledge the helpline’s role in supporting Michiganders.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in Michigan. It encourages Michigan citizens to recognize the National FFA Organization's role in supporting agricultural education, youth leadership development, and career preparation for students in grades 7-12. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges FFA's contributions to agricultural education programs across the state.