Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryHB 5838 proposes to officially designate Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, as a state holiday in Michigan. The bill defines the holiday as occurring on the new moon day of the eighth lunar month according to the Indic pūrṇimānta lunisolar calendar. This change would allow state employees to take time off for the observance, which is celebrated by Hindus and Jains.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a select committee to investigate the Interlochen Center for the Arts and its connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The committee would be tasked with examining the relationship between the arts center and the individual, potentially leading to further inquiries or recommendations. The measure is currently under consideration by the Michigan House of Representatives and has been referred to the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls on the Department of Justice to investigate every individual named in the Epstein files, regardless of their political affiliation. The measure responds to the release of millions of documents and a previous statement by the Acting Attorney General that no further federal prosecutions would occur. It urges the government to distinguish between victims, active participants, and those merely mentioned to ensure accountability for all potential perpetrators. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally requests that the Justice Department take action on this specific matter.

Maddy summaryHB 5251 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (Medicaid for low-income residents) to cover prescribed pediatric extended care for children. This specifically affects low-income children in Michigan who need specialized, long-term medical care beyond standard hospital stays. The bill amends state law to mandate this coverage under existing rules for pediatric extended care (Part 219A of the Public Health Code). The coverage would apply to children receiving medically necessary care as prescribed by a doctor. The bill is contingent on the passage of companion legislation (HB 5252).

Maddy summaryHB 5252 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to create a new licensing category for "prescribed pediatric extended care facilities," which provide specialized long-term medical care for children with complex health needs. The bill establishes specific licensing requirements for these facilities, including standards for staffing, medical oversight, and facility operations, directly affecting providers seeking to operate such services. Key provisions include adding Part 219A to the code and revising existing sections (20106, 20109, 20115, 20161) to incorporate these new requirements. This change aims to ensure consistent safety and quality standards for pediatric extended care facilities across the state. The bill is currently pending in the House Health Policy Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to prohibit merchants from charging consumers prices that are grossly in excess of what similar products or services cost elsewhere. It directly affects businesses and consumers by establishing clearer rules against predatory pricing practices. The key provision adds a new unfair practice definition that makes it unlawful to charge prices significantly higher than market rates for comparable goods or services. This change aims to protect consumers from price gouging while maintaining the existing framework of consumer protection laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add a new section to Michigan's civil procedure laws that allows the state attorney general and private individuals to sue firearm industry members for creating or maintaining a public nuisance through the sale, manufacture, or marketing of firearms and related products. The legislation requires these companies to establish reasonable controls over their products to prevent sales to prohibited persons, prevent theft, and stop the installation of devices like pistol converters, without needing to prove the company intended to cause harm. If a company violates these requirements, the attorney general can seek injunctions, damages, and other relief, while private victims of harm can also file lawsuits for compensatory and punitive damages. The bill defines firearm industry members broadly to include sellers, manufacturers, and distributors, and explicitly includes 3D printers and other manufacturing equipment in its scope.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed concealed pistol carriers from bringing firearms into specific state buildings and certain public venues, including schools, hospitals, sports arenas, and places of worship. It also bans portable electro-muscular disruption devices in these same locations, with exceptions for parking areas and certain law enforcement personnel. The legislation applies to all licensed individuals except retired police officers, security contractors, private investigators, and other designated law enforcement roles who are permitted to carry weapons on these premises. Violations result in civil fines, license suspensions, or criminal penalties depending on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit the sale, offer for sale, and possession of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds in Michigan starting January 1, 2027. The law applies to all individuals within the state and would classify violations as misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $500, or both. It directly affects gun owners, retailers, and manufacturers by restricting access to high-capacity magazines while allowing magazines with 10 rounds or fewer. The legislation amends Michigan's penal code to establish these new restrictions on ammunition storage and distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Messiah's Law, creates a new felony offense for intentionally firing a gun at a vehicle the shooter knows or should know is occupied. The law directly affects individuals who commit this act and establishes penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If a minor is present in the vehicle, the penalties increase to up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. The legislation amends Michigan's penal code by adding a specific section to address this conduct. The bill would take effect 90 days after being signed into law.