Rep. Emily Dievendorf

Maddy summaryHB 4864 updates Michigan's definition of "elevated blood lead level" (EBL) for children under 6 years old. It lowers the threshold from 20 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) to 10 ug/dL for case management purposes, aligning with current CDC guidelines. This change directly affects young children in Michigan who undergo blood lead testing, ensuring earlier identification of lead exposure. The bill modifies the Public Health Code's existing definition without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state treasurer to create a monthly report tracking whether the federal government owes Michigan money due to ignored court orders and calculating any future payments Michigan must make to the federal government. The report will detail specific financial items such as federal taxes owed by state employers, debt offsets, and grant repayments, and it must be prepared in consultation with the state budget director. Additionally, the bill mandates that the state treasurer withhold federal payments if the amounts owed by the federal government exceed the amounts Michigan is required to pay. This legislation is currently tied to a companion bill, meaning it will not take effect unless both are passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority of local governments to regulate land development on property owned by the University of Michigan. Specifically, it updates state law to allow municipalities to apply zoning rules to university land acquired on or after January 1, 2027. The legislation enables local units of government to control the location, size, and use of university buildings and structures to align with community needs for housing, industry, and public services. By extending existing zoning powers to future university acquisitions, the bill ensures that campus expansion can be managed alongside local planning goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state treasurer to calculate and report specific monthly funds to various legislative committees and state budget offices. The funds in question are those designated for withholding from payments made to the federal government, as previously outlined in the state's management and budget act. The legislation does not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 6122, which addresses the actual withholding of those federal payments. Essentially, this measure establishes a reporting process to ensure that the legislature is informed about the amounts the state intends to withhold from federal transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules governing the state university system to require regents to follow local zoning laws when purchasing land acquired on or after January 1, 2027. It also maintains a specific provision ensuring that at least one professor of homeopathy remains in the department of medicine. The legislation does not take effect until a separate constitutional amendment is approved, linking its implementation to a broader change in the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a change to the state constitution to require the University of Michigan to follow local zoning laws and ordinances for any land it acquires on or after January 1, 2027. Currently, the university operates with significant autonomy over its property, but this amendment would shift that authority to local governments for future land purchases. The rule applies specifically to the Regents of the University of Michigan and does not affect other state universities like Michigan State or Wayne State. If passed by voters, the change would ensure that new university campuses align with the planning rules of the cities or counties where they are built.

Maddy summaryHB 5120 eliminates fees for serving documents in personal protection order (PPO) cases. It amends Michigan's civil procedure law to prohibit charging fees for serving process under the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act or for any order issued in a PPO case, including petitions, orders, and related documents. This directly affects PPO petitioners (who no longer pay service fees) and process servers (who cannot charge for these specific services). The bill also clarifies that law enforcement may charge a $50 flat fee from a dedicated fund for multiple PPO-related documents served at once, but not per document. The change aims to remove financial barriers for individuals seeking protection orders.

Maddy summaryHB 5121 eliminates the cost for serving personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking PPOs to protect against harassment, stalking, or sexual assault by removing the requirement that petitioners pay for service of the order on the respondent. The bill amends Michigan’s court procedures to eliminate this fee, making it easier for petitioners - especially those with limited resources - to obtain and enforce PPOs without upfront costs. This change applies to all PPOs filed under the specified sections of Michigan law, streamlining the process for victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal cause of action in Michigan allowing individuals to sue anyone who deprives them of rights protected by the U.S. Constitution while acting under the authority of the law. It establishes that victims of such civil rights violations can seek redress in court, while also defining specific rules for when judges can be held personally liable and limiting the types of relief available against them. The legislation sets a two-year time limit for filing these lawsuits and permits courts to award reasonable attorney fees to successful plaintiffs, though it preserves existing defenses like sovereign immunity and qualified immunity.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of American Freedmen Affairs within the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to support descendants of individuals emancipated from slavery. The office would be led by a five-year director appointed by the governor and tasked with researching disparities, advising state leaders on policies, and improving access to resources for this community. Key duties include developing economic opportunities, assisting with genealogy and historical research, and submitting annual reports on the social and economic conditions of American Freedmen in the state.