Rep. Angela Witwer

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's penal code to strengthen protections and procedures for minors involved in human trafficking cases. It establishes a legal presumption that children under 18 are coerced into sex or labor trafficking offenses, shifting the burden to the prosecution to prove otherwise if they wish to avoid this classification. The legislation also mandates that law enforcement immediately report suspected trafficking involving minors to the Department of Health and Human Services, which must then begin an investigation within 24 hours. Additionally, the bill clarifies how prior convictions affect sentencing severity and outlines specific evidence types courts can use to verify a defendant's criminal history. These changes directly impact law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and the Department of Health and Human Services in handling cases involving child victims of trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for people charged with crimes if they can prove they committed those acts because they were victims of human trafficking. Under the new rule, a defendant must show by a "preponderance of the evidence" that their criminal behavior was a direct result of being trafficked. This provision applies to both felony and misdemeanor charges and allows courts to consider the trafficking victim status as a reason for the offense. The law takes effect 90 days after it is signed into legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Michigan State Administrative Board to transfer a specific 0.29-acre parcel of surplus state-owned land in Eaton County to the Michigan Police Equipment Company. The transfer is designed to resolve a minor encroachment issue where the company's buildings slightly overlap with state property. The legislation mandates that the company pay at least the fair market value of the land plus the state's reasonable costs to complete the sale, and it requires that any future oil or gas revenue generated from the property be split equally between the company and the state. Additionally, the bill ensures that all permanent improvements on the land are included in the transfer while reserving the state's right to access and remove any aboriginal antiquities found on the site.

Maddy summaryHB 5849 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the legal definitions and references regarding prostitution within the state's nuisance laws. The bill modifies specific sections of the law to ensure consistency with current terminology and statutes concerning commercial sexual activity and related offenses. It classifies buildings, vehicles, and other locations used for prostitution as nuisances and holds owners or operators accountable for maintaining such spaces. This change is a technical update to existing legal frameworks rather than a new criminal prohibition, and it requires the passage of a companion bill to become effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Sex Offender Registration Act to clarify how certain legal statuses are defined for registration purposes. It expands the definition of "convicted" to include specific juvenile adjudications and orders of disposition for individuals aged 14 or older who would be classified as tier III offenders, while excluding convictions that have been expunged or set aside. Additionally, the legislation updates the definition of "custodial authority" to explicitly cover a broader range of relationships and positions, including specific roles within schools, correctional facilities, and county probation programs where an individual might have access to or authority over a victim. These changes aim to ensure that sex offenders with these specific backgrounds are properly identified and registered under the state's tracking system.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's public health code to clarify and expand testing and counseling requirements for individuals charged with or convicted of prostitution and related offenses. It mandates that courts order medical examinations for sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV for defendants at various stages of the legal process, including arrest, pre-trial release, and after conviction. The law also requires that test results be shared with defendants and health departments for partner notification, while ensuring that counseling and testing services are provided confidentially. Additionally, the bill specifies that victims of sexual offenses can request expedited testing within 48 hours of a defendant's custody or indictment.

Maddy summaryHB 5843 amends Michigan's Probate Code to clarify which specific offenses require a juvenile court to assert exclusive jurisdiction over minors under 18. The bill explicitly lists violations such as certain criminal acts, possession of dangerous weapons, escape from juvenile facilities, and commercial sexual activity as grounds for the court to take immediate control of a case. By updating these definitions, the legislation ensures that the juvenile court system handles cases involving these serious behaviors without interference from other courts. This change directly affects the legal process for minors charged with these specific offenses and their parents or guardians.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's liquor control code to establish a formal server training program and a "responsible vendor" designation for retail alcohol licensees. It requires new or high-risk establishments to ensure supervisory staff complete a curriculum covering intoxication signs, ID verification, and legal consequences, while allowing the state to delegate these training standards to private organizations. Licensees who meet specific criteria, such as having no recent violations of alcohol laws, can be officially designated as responsible vendors after their employees finish the approved training. The legislation also mandates that all servers on duty must have completed this training to remain compliant with state regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally honors Lillie Lester, the first woman and first Black woman to serve as a legislative sergeant-at-arms in the United States. It recognizes her significant contributions to the Michigan House of Representatives and her role in the civil rights movement, highlighting her career from a factory worker to a trusted advisor to lawmakers. The resolution acknowledges her legacy by noting her impact on the state legislature and her community, and it directs that copies of the document be sent to her family. This measure serves as an official record of appreciation rather than changing any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act to require local labor unions representing casino employees to register with the state board and submit detailed personal information about their designated officials and staff. The new provisions mandate that unions provide extensive data, including full names, addresses, compensation details, criminal history, and photographs for these individuals, with the option to use existing U.S. Department of Labor reports to satisfy some requirements. Additionally, the legislation establishes a disqualification process that allows the board to bar union officers from negotiating wages or collecting dues if they have convictions for specific crimes such as gambling, theft, fraud, or prostitution, provided there is clear and convincing evidence of a pattern of behavior. Information submitted under this section is exempt from public disclosure under the state's freedom of information act, and the board retains the authority to waive disqualifications or rescind bans based on a finding that justice requires it.