Rep. Angela Witwer

Maddy summaryHB 5251 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (Medicaid for low-income residents) to cover prescribed pediatric extended care for children. This specifically affects low-income children in Michigan who need specialized, long-term medical care beyond standard hospital stays. The bill amends state law to mandate this coverage under existing rules for pediatric extended care (Part 219A of the Public Health Code). The coverage would apply to children receiving medically necessary care as prescribed by a doctor. The bill is contingent on the passage of companion legislation (HB 5252).

Maddy summaryHB 5252 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to create a new licensing category for "prescribed pediatric extended care facilities," which provide specialized long-term medical care for children with complex health needs. The bill establishes specific licensing requirements for these facilities, including standards for staffing, medical oversight, and facility operations, directly affecting providers seeking to operate such services. Key provisions include adding Part 219A to the code and revising existing sections (20106, 20109, 20115, 20161) to incorporate these new requirements. This change aims to ensure consistent safety and quality standards for pediatric extended care facilities across the state. The bill is currently pending in the House Health Policy Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month for the state of Michigan. It aims to raise public awareness about child safety and encourages residents to learn the signs of abuse and engage in community support. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to honor advocates and promote a collective commitment to protecting children.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 13-17, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Michigan to honor the state's 911 operators. The resolution formally recognizes these workers for their critical role in answering emergency calls and coordinating police, fire, and medical responses. It serves as a commemorative gesture to acknowledge the skills and dedication of approximately 2,200 telecommunicators who handle millions of calls annually. No operational changes or funding are included, as the measure is purely symbolic.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the experiences of people affected by limb loss or limb difference. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the approximately 5.6 million Americans living with limb loss and the 500,000 new cases that occur annually. It encourages education, support for families and caregivers, and recognition of veterans who have lost limbs while serving or after retirement. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to promote understanding of the challenges and needs of this community.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines key terms related to fertilizers and soil products in Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, including distinctions between soil amendments, soil conditioners, and fertilizers. It clarifies that unmanipulated manure and composted products without specific nutrient claims are considered soil amendments exempt from registration and inspection fees, while products making nutrient value claims are classified as fertilizers subject to those fees. The legislation also establishes definitions for mixed soil products, specialty fertilizers, and other categories to ensure consistent regulatory application across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update definitions related to fertilizer and composting products. It clarifies terminology for terms like "composted product," "biosolids," and "manipulated manure" to ensure consistent understanding across the state's agricultural regulations. The changes primarily affect businesses and individuals involved in manufacturing, distributing, or selling fertilizers and soil amendments in Michigan. By refining these definitions, the bill aims to improve regulatory clarity without altering existing fee structures or registration requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4044 designates the wood duck (*Aix sponsa*) as Michigan's official state duck. This symbolic bill establishes a state symbol without changing laws, policies, or affecting any specific group or community. It simply adds the wood duck to Michigan's list of official state emblems, following standard procedural naming practices for state symbols.

Maddy summaryHB 4394 creates a new permit fee for barbers and cosmetologists to provide services to veterans outside their regular licensed facilities. It amends Michigan's State License Fee Act to establish this specific permit, allowing licensed professionals to offer mobile services for veterans without needing a full facility license. The bill directly affects licensed beauty professionals seeking to serve veterans in non-traditional settings, such as veteran centers or homes. This provision adds a targeted fee structure for these off-site veteran services while maintaining existing licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4395 allows licensed barbers in Michigan to provide hair services at veteran service organizations without needing additional permits. It updates existing barber licensing laws (MCL 339.1117 & 339.1217) to explicitly permit this activity at locations serving veterans. The bill directly affects licensed barbers who may now offer services at these organizations and the veteran service organizations themselves. This change simplifies access to barber services for veterans by removing a previous regulatory barrier. The bill passed the House on June 12, 2025, with strong bipartisan support.