Rep. Gina Johnsen

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 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 summaryThis bill would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to establish a presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time with both parents is in a child's best interest. It requires courts to inform parents about joint custody options and the presumption of equal time during custody disputes, and specifies that "joint custody" means either shared decision-making for important child welfare matters or equal physical time with each parent. The bill also clarifies that joint custody does not affect child support obligations, which remain based on each parent's resources and the child's needs. This applies directly to parents involved in custody cases and judges handling such cases under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHB 5211 would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to create a legal presumption that equal or nearly equal parenting time between both parents is in a child's best interest for disputes between parents. This presumption would apply unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence that equal time is not appropriate. The bill does not change the existing "best interests of the child" standard (listed in Section 3), but establishes equal parenting time as the default starting point under Section 5. This applies specifically to custody disputes between parents, not involving agencies or third parties, and does not affect provisions addressing cases involving criminal sexual conduct by a parent.

Maddy summaryHB 5213 requires Michigan's Friend of the Court offices to provide parents with an informational pamphlet explaining the legal presumption of equal or approximately equal parenting time in child custody cases. This pamphlet must detail the presumption as outlined in Michigan's Child Custody Act (MCL 722.26a), alongside information about joint custody options. The bill amends existing law to ensure parents receive this specific information early in domestic relations proceedings. It directly affects parents involved in custody disputes who interact with the Friend of the Court system. The change focuses on informing parents of their rights, not altering custody standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 19 of each year as Patriots' Day in Michigan, aligning the state with other regions that observe this holiday. The legislation recognizes the historical significance of the American Revolutionary War battles at Lexington and Concord while also acknowledging Michigan's role through British settlements and forts like Detroit, Mackinac, and St. Joseph. It creates a new state holiday to commemorate these historical events and traditions, including reenactments and ceremonies honoring colonial militia. The bill does not establish a paid day off but formally recognizes the date for commemorative purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 5457 creates a state fund to support hyperbaric oxygen therapy through grants and a temporary pilot program. The Department of Health and Human Services will administer the fund, using it for grants and operating the pilot program. After the pilot concludes, any remaining funds will transfer to the general state fund. The bill requires another bill (HB 5456) to be enacted first.

Maddy summaryHB 5456 establishes a pilot program providing free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Michigan veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill creates a state grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, funding providers to deliver treatment at no cost to eligible veterans. Providers must use FDA-cleared chambers meeting specific safety standards and be accredited by organizations like the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. The program requires the department to implement rules within 12 months and ends after the pilot period concludes.

Maddy summaryHB 4358 modifies Michigan's Home Rule City Act to standardize when city officials' terms begin. It requires that all elected city officers (like mayors and council members) serving terms starting after December 31, 2024, must begin their terms at 12 noon on the first day of the month following their election - replacing any existing charter provisions allowing earlier start dates. The bill also mandates that individuals filling vacant positions cannot take the oath of office until election results are certified by the board of canvassers. This applies to all Michigan cities with home rule charters and takes effect immediately upon passage.