Rep. Emily Dievendorf

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Guardianship Assistance Act to clarify eligibility for state-funded guardianship payments. It specifies that relatives or licensed foster parents caring for a child for at least six months may qualify, requiring background checks and fingerprinting for all adults in the home. The bill distinguishes between federal IV-E funding (for children meeting specific federal criteria) and state funding for other eligible children. It also ensures siblings placed together in a relative guardianship can each receive payments if they meet the criteria. The policy directly affects guardians caring for children in relative or foster care arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 5981 requires automobile insurers in Michigan to file premium rates that achieve specific percentage reductions for personal protection insurance coverage by July 1, 2020, and maintain those reductions through 2028. The bill mandates that the state insurance director review and disapprove any filings that fail to meet these reduction targets, which vary based on the policy's coverage limits. Additionally, insurers must pass on savings from medical treatment costs incurred in accidents before July 2, 2021, and cannot issue or renew policies without director approval of their rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's no-fault insurance laws to set new maximum payment limits for medical treatment and rehabilitation services provided to injured individuals. It establishes specific reimbursement percentages based on Medicare rates, which vary by year and the type of provider, such as general physicians, hospitals with high indigent patient volumes, specialized trauma centers, and designated freestanding rehabilitation facilities. The legislation also includes provisions for providers lacking Medicare payment benchmarks by capping their charges at a percentage of their historical rates from 2019. These changes directly affect healthcare providers treating personal protection insurance claims and the insurers that reimburse them.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan House resolution designates May 15, 2026, as Arts for Mental Health Awareness Day to highlight the connection between creative arts and mental well-being. The measure acknowledges how participation in the arts can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation while supporting recovery from trauma. It specifically recognizes the roles of artists, art therapists, and arts organizations in building community resilience and improving public safety. By officially declaring this date, the legislature aims to encourage public awareness of arts-based health initiatives without mandating any specific actions or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares May 2026 as Huntington's Disease Awareness Month in Michigan to highlight the disease and encourage public support. It directly affects residents of Michigan, particularly those impacted by Huntington's disease, by promoting awareness of the condition's symptoms and genetic risks. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to remind citizens and medical professionals about the importance of research and support services for this currently incurable neurological disorder.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates May 2026 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout the state of Michigan. It directly affects state government entities and encourages all citizens to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian Pacific American residents. The measure serves as a formal acknowledgment of the community's cultural diversity and historical impact on the state, rather than implementing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 14, 2026, as Hmong Special Guerrilla Units Veterans Remembrance Day in Michigan. It honors Hmong veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and later fled Laos as refugees. The resolution aims to recognize their historical contributions and sacrifices while promoting public awareness of their role in American history.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a formal apprenticeship program for massage therapists in Michigan. It directly affects massage therapy schools and training programs by establishing a structured pathway for students to learn the trade under licensed professionals. The legislation amends existing public health laws to authorize the state board to set rules for this new training system and adds a specific section to the code to govern the program. By updating the legal framework, the bill aims to standardize how massage therapists are trained and certified within the state.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill restricts law enforcement officers from using chemical agents, such as pepper spray, or kinetic energy projectiles like rubber bullets to disperse protests or demonstrations. Instead of allowing broad use for crowd control, the law permits these tools only when an officer is properly trained and when their use is objectively necessary to prevent a threat to life or serious bodily injury. To ensure accountability, the bill requires agencies to submit detailed reports within 60 days of any such incident, documenting the event details, the specific tools used, the number of rounds fired, any injuries sustained, and the de-escalation steps taken before resorting to force. Additionally, agencies must publish these reports on their websites and may request a 30-day extension if needed to complete the submission.

Maddy summaryHB 5942 amends state law to establish stricter rules for public utilities in Michigan when they seek to raise rates or change their pricing schedules. The bill requires gas, electric, and steam utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before implementing any rate increases that would cost customers more money. It mandates that utilities provide advance notice to all affected customers and hold public hearings to allow for input, while also setting specific deadlines for the commission to review and decide on these applications. Additionally, the legislation outlines a process for utilities to request temporary relief from rate hikes and specifies how refunds and interest must be handled if proposed rates are later rejected or reduced. These changes directly impact utility companies and their customers by creating a more transparent and regulated framework for rate adjustments.