Rep. Gina Johnsen

Maddy summaryHR 195 is a resolution opposing Michigan's proposed Health Education Standards Framework. It urges the Michigan Department of Education to redraft the standards or the Michigan State Board of Education to reject them, specifically requesting the exclusion of content related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation from health education standards. The resolution cites parental rights and existing law requiring local control and opt-out provisions for sex education as justification. It directly targets state education officials, not students or schools, and serves as a non-binding request for policy revision.

Maddy summaryHB 4254 prohibits public bodies (like state agencies, universities, or local governments) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It specifically bans methods that would cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or invasive procedures (such as surgery), with exceptions for veterinary training with owner consent and routine procedures like spaying/neutering. The bill establishes civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per violation for noncompliance, enforced by county prosecutors or the attorney general. Named "Queenie's Law," it amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add these protections for dogs used in experimental purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 4509 creates a licensure compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Michigan, allowing professionals licensed in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate Michigan licenses. This directly affects audiologists and speech-language pathologists seeking to work in multiple states, particularly those in states that have joined the compact. The bill amends Michigan law to establish reciprocal licensing agreements, adding new provisions (sections 16187, 16804, and 17603a) to facilitate this process. It does not change patient care standards but streamlines professional mobility for these healthcare providers. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House with immediate effect on October 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5136 requires Michigan's Medicaid program (medical assistance) to cover preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment for children with PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with strep) and PANS (pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome). It mandates no higher copays or deductibles than other Medicaid services, requires timely coverage for urgent cases, and prohibits denials based on prior treatments or different diagnoses. The bill also bans lifetime limits on covered treatments like antibiotics, behavioral therapy, or IVIG therapy. This directly affects Medicaid-enrolled children diagnosed with these specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 4432 creates a $2,500 refundable state income tax credit for qualified volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, volunteers must serve at least 10 hours monthly with a life support agency (like EMS organizations), receive no hourly wage or salary, and only be reimbursed for reasonable expenses or receive customary benefits. The credit requires a signed verification statement from the agency confirming the volunteer’s service hours, compliance with training standards, and non-salary compensation. This directly affects unpaid EMS volunteers who meet these criteria, reducing their state tax liability or providing a refund if the credit exceeds their tax bill.

Maddy summaryHB 4431 creates a new $2,500 state income tax credit for qualified volunteer firefighters in Michigan, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. To qualify, individuals must serve at least 10 hours per month as unpaid volunteers (reimbursed only for expenses or standard benefits) with an organized fire department, verified by a written statement from the department head. The credit reduces tax liability, with any excess amount refunded to the taxpayer. This applies specifically to volunteer firefighters meeting the defined criteria, not paid staff or other volunteer roles.

Maddy summaryHB 4039 requires Michigan state agencies to eliminate at least two existing regulations for every new rule they propose. This directly affects all state agencies that create or change regulations, mandating they submit a list of rescinded rules alongside new rule requests. The bill establishes a process where the Michigan Office of Regulatory Reinvention must approve these requests before agencies can proceed, ensuring new rules don’t expand regulation without removing older ones. It aims to reduce regulatory burden by making rulemaking more streamlined and transparent.

Maddy summaryHB 4088 adjusts the property tax credit for Michigan homeowners by raising the taxable value cap for homestead eligibility from $135,000 (through 2021) to $196,500 starting in 2026. It requires annual adjustments to this cap based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), rounded to the nearest $100, to maintain its real value over time. The bill directly affects homeowners claiming the property tax credit who own homestead properties with taxable values exceeding the new cap. This change modifies the eligibility threshold under Section 520 of Michigan's Income Tax Act, ensuring the cap keeps pace with inflation.

Maddy summaryHB 5098 prevents Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency from stopping its fraud detection software except for brief, documented maintenance needed to keep the system running. The bill requires the agency to immediately restore the software after any maintenance and limits such maintenance to what's strictly necessary. This directly affects the agency's operations and people filing unemployment claims, as the software helps identify potentially fraudulent applications. The law amends Michigan's Employment Security Act to mandate continuous use of the fraud detection tools, with specific rules for temporary maintenance periods.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 2025 as Italian-American Appreciation Month in Michigan. It directly recognizes the cultural contributions, historical impact, and community involvement of Italian-Americans in Michigan's development. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally designates a month for celebrating Italian-American heritage, including their roles in Michigan's neighborhoods, economy, and civic life. The declaration is symbolic and applies statewide.