Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryHB 4717 amends Michigan's criminal code by adding insurance fraud to the legal definition of racketeering under MCL 750.159g. This change directly affects cases involving insurance fraud, making it a specific type of racketeering offense rather than a separate crime. The key provision updates the statute to explicitly include insurance fraud within the broader racketeering definition used for prosecution. As a substantive policy change, this alters how such fraud cases are categorized and prosecuted under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 4715 protects individuals and entities that report suspected or confirmed insurance fraud from civil lawsuits, provided they act without malice and do not knowingly provide false information. It extends this immunity to insurers, their employees, private citizens cooperating with fraud investigations, and authorized agencies like the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill ensures those filing reports, sharing information, or testifying in fraud cases cannot be sued for libel, slander, or other civil claims related to their good-faith actions. This directly affects anyone involved in reporting or investigating insurance fraud within Michigan’s legal framework.

Maddy summaryHB 4719 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to adjust civil penalties for insurance violations. It increases the maximum fine for knowing violations from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation (capped at $50,000 total) and clarifies that violations include non-compliant filings under specific insurance chapters. The bill directly affects insurance professionals who breach the code, allowing the director to order fines, license suspensions, or cease-and-desist actions. It also specifies that fines under this section can be imposed alongside other penalties like restitution for certain violations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 19, 2025, as POW/MIA Recognition Day in Michigan. It commemorates Michigan's service members missing in action or held as prisoners of war since World War II, honoring their sacrifice and the state's commitment to finding and repatriating them. The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a ceremonial observance.

Maddy summaryHR 173 is a resolution passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to condemn all forms of political violence and reaffirm the body's commitment to civility, safety, and peaceful democratic engagement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement expressing the House's stance against violence targeting public officials and citizens. The resolution cites recent incidents of political violence across the U.S., including attacks on elected leaders and events like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. It will be transmitted to the President, Michigan Governor, and congressional leaders as a non-binding expression of the House's values.

Maddy summaryHB 4874 requires the Michigan legislature to appropriate at least $12.3 million annually starting fiscal year 2026 for supplemental payments to rural school districts meeting specific criteria defined in existing law (MCL 388.1622d). This bill directly affects eligible rural and isolated school districts by guaranteeing additional state funding beyond their regular school aid. The key provision mandates a fixed annual appropriation for these districts, ensuring consistent supplemental support beginning in 2026. The bill does not change how districts operate or define "rural districts," but rather establishes a dedicated funding stream for them. It is currently in the introduction phase, referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4875 mandates annual state funding of at least $125 million starting in fiscal year 2026 to cover school transportation costs for students. It directly affects Michigan public school districts by requiring dedicated state appropriations for pupil transportation, as defined under existing state school aid law. The bill creates a permanent funding mechanism ensuring consistent support for school bus services and related operational costs. This provision applies specifically to transportation services for students, not general school funding. The bill is currently under review in the Appropriations Committee after its introduction on September 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4866 updates Michigan's lead-based paint regulations for renovations, repairs, and painting in older buildings. It adopts federal EPA standards with key modifications, setting specific lead dust limits (e.g., 5 micrograms per square foot on floors) and requiring post-renovation testing to ensure safety. The bill directly affects renovation contractors, property owners, and child-occupied facilities (like schools) in pre-1978 buildings where lead paint may be present. It clarifies enforcement by Michigan’s Department of Health, updates certification rules for firms, and establishes fines up to $13,000 per violation for noncompliance. The changes aim to protect public health by reducing lead exposure during renovation work.

Maddy summaryHB 4870 creates a state program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students in grades pre-K through 12, as well as students up to age 26 in special education programs. Participating schools must already be in the federal National School Lunch Program and offer meals at no cost to every student, while maximizing federal funding through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The bill requires schools to accommodate documented medical dietary needs on a case-by-case basis and encourages offering religiously appropriate meals that meet federal nutrition standards. It also mandates schools to simplify income forms for families to help determine eligibility for other federal benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 4872 requires Michigan public schools to receive at least $210 per student annually starting in fiscal year 2026 for mental health and safety programs. It directly affects all public schools in the state by mandating this minimum per-pupil funding level, defined using the standard "membership" calculation from Michigan's school aid law. The bill creates a new funding mechanism within the School Code to address school safety and student mental health needs. This is a concrete policy change that would allocate state funds specifically for these purposes, not a procedural or commemorative measure.