Rep. Emily Dievendorf

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6319 amends the state's Mental Health Code to expand the legal definition of a "mental health professional" to include physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. This change allows these three groups of healthcare providers to perform specific clinical functions previously reserved for physicians or psychiatrists, such as conducting physical examinations for involuntary treatment petitions and authorizing the use of physical restraints or seclusion in mental health facilities. The bill also updates related definitions and procedural requirements throughout the code to ensure these new professionals are recognized in contexts involving patient rights, court hearings, and facility safety protocols.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6317 establishes a legal framework for community cat programs by defining free-roaming cats without visible identification as "community cats" and exempting them from state and local licensing, at-large, and feeding restrictions. The bill authorizes program sponsors to release these cats back into their original locations after they have been sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, and ear-tipped, a process that must be performed while the animal is anesthetized. Individuals who care for these cats are legally protected from being classified as owners or possessors, which prevents them from violating local pet ownership limits, though they remain subject to existing laws prohibiting animal cruelty and neglect. Sponsors and caretakers are required to maintain sterilization and vaccination records for at least three years and make reasonable efforts to arrange veterinary care for sick or injured animals.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6279 amends the state's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to provide prisoners with timely access to medical, dental, optical, and mental health care while ensuring privacy and dignity during treatment. The legislation mandates that the department identify and address the needs of prisoners with disabilities by providing assistive equipment such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. Additionally, it requires the maintenance of safe environmental conditions, including proper sanitation and ventilation, to prevent risks to prisoner health. Prisoners who believe these standards are not met can file grievances through the existing departmental system.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6280 requires the state Department of Corrections to establish specific policies governing the use of recording devices in sensitive medical settings within correctional facilities. The bill limits the use of audio, video, or photographic recording to situations where it is reasonably necessary for safety, security, or documentation purposes. It mandates that any recording must be conducted in a way that minimizes intrusion on prisoner privacy and requires staff to document the specific reason for using the device. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to maintain policies for the retention, storage, and access of these recordings in compliance with existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates euchre as the official game of the state of Michigan. It creates a new act to formally establish this title in state law. The legislation does not impose any regulations or restrictions on how the game is played, but rather serves as a symbolic designation for the state.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill amends the state's vehicle code to clarify that traffic violations designated as civil infractions cannot be treated as lesser included offenses of criminal charges. It establishes specific fine ranges for various driving and vehicle equipment violations, including a new provision that requires courts to waive fines and costs if a driver cited for an illegible registration plate provides proof of having obtained and installed a compliant plate before their court date. The legislation also mandates a $40 justice system assessment for most civil infractions and allows judges to order additional educational or rehabilitation programs alongside monetary penalties.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6237 amends the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act to modify how public employers pay for employee medical benefits. The bill retains existing options that cap employer contributions at specific dollar amounts or limit them to 80% of total plan costs, with annual adjustments based on healthcare inflation. Starting in 2027, the legislation introduces new requirements mandating that public employers pay a minimum amount toward these plans, effectively establishing a floor for employer contributions rather than just a ceiling. These changes apply to state and local government employees and elected officials, while existing collective bargaining agreements are generally exempt until they expire or are renegotiated.

Maddy summaryHB 6233 allows specific state law enforcement officers, including corrections staff, conservation officers, and certain state police personnel, to voluntarily transfer from the general state employees' retirement system to the Michigan State Police Retirement System. Eligible employees must submit a written election between August 4, 2027, and October 17, 2027, which becomes effective on January 3, 2028, and is irrevocable once filed. The bill permits these individuals to transfer their personal contributions and vested employer contributions from the general system to purchase service credit in the state police system. This legislation only takes effect if two related bills, HB 6234 and HB 6235, are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 6234 allows certain law enforcement officers who were first hired after a specific date to purchase service credit for time previously worked under the state employees' retirement system. This provision applies to members covered by sections 4(1)(b), (d), and (f) of the State Police Retirement Act, enabling them to count their prior civilian service toward their law enforcement retirement benefits. To qualify, officers must pay an amount equal to the actuarial value of that service, with payments made through tax-deferred or additional payment methods established by the retirement system. The bill sets a deadline of October 17, 2027, for initiating these purchases and requires completion within four years, while also stipulating that this act overrides any conflicting provisions in collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 6235 expands the definition of who can join Michigan's state police retirement system to include certain law enforcement officers hired after June 7, 2027, as well as those who previously left the state employees' retirement system. The bill allows these new members to purchase credit for prior service under the state employees' retirement system and treats them as if they first became members after June 9, 2012. This change ensures that officers in eligible positions, such as conservation officers and state police motor carrier officers, have access to specific retirement benefits and tier structures similar to those available to earlier hires.