Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the Trump administration and USDA to use existing emergency funds to continue SNAP food assistance benefits for 42 million Americans who would lose them on November 1 if the federal government remains shut down. It directly affects low-income households, including 1.4 million Michiganders, who rely on SNAP to afford food and other essentials. The bill cites prior government practice and GAO confirmation that contingency funds can legally cover SNAP benefits during shutdowns, as was done for the WIC program. The resolution formally requests this action to prevent a disruption in critical food support.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges President Trump and Congress to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for Michigan's 1.4 million recipients who would lose November payments due to a federal funding lapse. It highlights SNAP's critical role in supporting low-income families, including 43% with children, 36% with older adults, and 51% with disabled individuals. The resolution requests immediate action to ensure benefits continue for November and throughout the funding gap, emphasizing the risk of worsened food insecurity. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but formally expresses concern about the impact on vulnerable Michiganders.

Maddy summaryHB 5148 prohibits local governments and towing companies from exchanging payments or fees to secure contracts for towing services. It bans local units from requiring tow companies to pay fees for responding to incidents (like accidents or disabled vehicles) and prevents tow companies from offering payments to governments to gain business. This directly affects local governments entering contracts with towing services and the towing companies themselves. The bill focuses on preventing conflicts of interest in towing contracts, not on altering traffic fine amounts (which are addressed in other sections of the vehicle code).

Maddy summaryHB 5149 prohibits motor vehicle repair facilities in Michigan from charging storage fees while a vehicle is under repair or during billing disputes. It requires facilities to provide customers with a written, itemized estimate before work begins, including all fees and charges, and bans exceeding that estimate without the customer’s written or oral consent. The bill specifically targets hidden storage fees (Section 7e(f)) and strengthens existing estimate requirements (Section 32), applying directly to repair shops and their customers. This policy change aims to prevent surprise charges and increase transparency in vehicle repair billing.

Maddy summaryHB 5147 establishes new rules for towing damaged or disabled vehicles in Michigan. It requires towing agencies to provide written disclosures before towing, including costs, storage location, and owner rights (Section 271), and to issue itemized final invoices detailing all charges and vehicle condition (Section 272). Towing companies must maintain records for five years and post disclosure information visibly (Sections 273-274). These rules directly affect towing businesses and vehicle owners, ensuring transparency before towing and during storage. Violations prevent agencies from charging fees or enforcing contracts (Section 271(6)).

Maddy summaryHB 5141 amends Section 2 of Michigan's 1939 Labor Relations Act (MCL 423.2) by removing specific exclusions from the definition of "employee." This change would extend labor protections to workers previously excluded, including domestic workers, agricultural laborers, and certain supervisors. The bill directly affects these workers by ensuring they fall under the act's coverage for organizing, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution. It makes a concrete policy change to the legal definition without altering other provisions of the law.

Maddy summaryHB 5146 clarifies procedures for handling abandoned vehicles and towing services in Michigan. It defines "abandoned vehicle" more precisely (e.g., vehicles left on public property for 18+ hours with valid plates) and requires police to verify if a vehicle is stolen before towing. The bill mandates that owners receive written notice with details about the vehicle and their right to contest abandonment or towing fees within 20 days, including a $40 bond requirement for hearings. It also creates a public website listing abandoned vehicles for 1 year, affecting vehicle owners, towing agencies, and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 4665 allows Michigan public school students to miss class without penalty for attending events sponsored by the National FFA Organization, Michigan FFA, 4-H clubs, or livestock-related activities. It amends Michigan’s education law (MCL 380.1-380.1852) by adding a new section (1138a) that explicitly lists these activities as excused absences. The bill directly affects students participating in these programs and school staff responsible for tracking attendance. It passed the Michigan House overwhelmingly (101-4) on October 23, 2025, with immediate effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5064 requires Michigan's State Court Administrative Office to create a standardized form summarizing tenant rights under key housing laws (Truth in Renting Act, Housing Law, and Revised Judicature Act) within 90 days. Landlords must attach this form to all new lease agreements and post it in common areas like hallways or laundry rooms. The form must include a clear summary of tenant rights and a list of legal resources for violations, with specific formatting (12-point bold for general rights, 14-point for domestic violence protections). This bill directly affects all residential landlords and tenants in Michigan by mandating accessible, standardized information about tenant protections.

Maddy summaryHB 5040 creates a state licensing system for businesses processing consumable hemp products, such as edibles, beverages, or infused items containing nonintoxicating cannabinoids (e.g., CBD products that don’t cause intoxication). Businesses must apply for a license by providing detailed operational information, including key personnel details and location specifics, and pay required fees. Licenses are valid for one year with renewal options but may be denied for incomplete applications, business locations in dwellings, unpaid fees, or false statements. The bill repeals an older law (2014 PA 547) and establishes a dedicated fund for hemp-related activities.