Rep. Angela Rigas

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates for the offices of governor and U.S. Senator in Michigan to avoid collecting nominating petitions by paying a nonrefundable filing fee of $15,000 to the Secretary of State. Under the new provisions, candidates who choose this option must adhere to the same withdrawal rules as those who submit petitions, meaning they cannot withdraw their candidacy unless they move out of state or become physically unfit. The legislation also updates deadlines for filing petitions, requiring them to be submitted by the fifteenth Tuesday before the August primary starting in 2014. Any fees collected under this plan are deposited into the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 5931 modifies the affidavit submission process for cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores in Michigan that are exempt from indoor smoking bans. The bill updates the requirements for these businesses to file annual certifications with the state department, ensuring they continue to meet specific criteria such as income thresholds, physical separation from nonsmoking areas, and age restrictions. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the department may request verification information but must obtain any necessary photographs itself rather than requiring businesses to provide them. This change aims to streamline administrative procedures while maintaining the existing exemptions for qualifying establishments.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 4359 modifies Michigan village election rules by changing the start date for elected officials' terms from November 20 to December 1. It clarifies that villages electing six trustees (instead of three) must serve two-year terms, rather than four-year terms, and updates vacancy procedures to require a petition signed by 10% of voters within 10 days to trigger a special election when the council falls below quorum. These changes directly affect village officials and voters in all Michigan villages operating under the General Law Village Act (MCL 62.4 et seq.), streamlining term start dates and vacancy resolution. The bill passed with immediate effect in September 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5081 requires Michigan school districts, intermediate districts, and public school academies to employ at least one teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach by the 2026-2027 school year to support students with dyslexia. This teacher must have completed training meeting International Dyslexia Association standards, which emphasizes multisensory reading instruction through phonemic awareness, phonics, and structured skill-building. Schools must also ensure these teachers receive at least 10 hours of annual professional development focused on dyslexia support. The bill directly affects all public school entities in Michigan and aims to improve specialized reading instruction for students with dyslexia.

Maddy summaryHB 5163 amends Michigan's child neglect definition to clarify that parents or guardians who refuse a health professional's recommended treatment plan - while actively seeking a second opinion or following another provider's plan - do not commit child neglect. This directly affects parents, guardians, and healthcare providers making medical decisions for children. The bill adds this exception to the neglect definition, stating such refusal constitutes "prima facie evidence" that neglect did not occur, unless there's clear evidence immediate harm would result. It does not change other neglect standards or require new reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires political candidates in Michigan to submit an affidavit of identity that explicitly discloses if they hold dual citizenship with any other country. The affidavit must list the name of each foreign country, how the candidate obtained that citizenship, and whether their status is active or inactive. Candidates who fail to provide this information or include false statements face disqualification from the ballot and potential criminal penalties for perjury. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State post the names of candidates with dual citizenship on the state website within two business days of receiving the affidavit.