Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryHB 4531 requires all mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect (such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers) to complete department-developed training every three years on recognizing abuse/neglect and fulfilling reporting duties. This amendment to Michigan’s Child Protection Law updates Section 9 of the 1975 law, replacing the prior training requirement with a specific 3-year cycle. The bill directly affects professionals legally obligated to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It focuses on ensuring consistent, updated knowledge about detection and reporting procedures through mandatory, recurring training.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4519 designates the stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.) as the official insect of the state of Michigan. This bill creates a new act solely for this symbolic purpose.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 115 is a resolution from the Michigan House of Representatives that urges the President and the United States Congress to fully fund Medicaid. It also calls on federal officials to reject any proposals that would reduce access to care or shift costs onto states, healthcare providers, and vulnerable individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 4496 amends Michigan's insurance code to require health insurance policies to cover a 12-month supply of prescription contraceptives. It mandates that insurers provide coverage for these contraceptives, which are on the health plan's formulary, to be dispensed all at once unless otherwise requested or instructed by a prescriber. The bill also requires coverage for necessary outpatient services related to prescribing or dispensing contraceptives, if other prescription drugs are covered by the policy. While standard cost-sharing like copayments and deductibles can apply, insurers are prohibited from imposing utilization controls that limit the supply to less than 12 months. This measure applies to health insurance policies beginning December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 106 is a resolution from the Michigan House of Representatives. It urges the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The resolution also requests that the AGOA program be expanded to include additional sub-Saharan African countries. The AGOA currently provides eligible sub-Saharan African nations with duty-free access for certain products to the United States market.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4488 proposes a new refundable working parent tax credit for Michigan taxpayers, effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The bill would allow a credit of $5,000 for each qualified dependent who is three years of age or less, up to a maximum of three dependents per tax year. To be eligible, a taxpayer must have at least $10,000 in earned income for the tax year. If the credit exceeds the taxpayer's income tax liability, the remaining amount would be refunded.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4487 proposes a new state income tax credit for working parents starting in tax year 2025. This "working parent tax credit" would provide $2,500 for each qualified dependent between the ages of 4 and 6. To be eligible, taxpayers must have earned income of at least $10,000, and the credit is limited to a maximum of three dependents per tax year. Any portion of the credit that exceeds a taxpayer's liability would be refunded.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4485 proposes to amend the law concerning county employee retirement benefits. The bill aims to allow retired county employees to be re-employed specifically within a county sheriff's office. Under this proposed change, individuals returning to work in a sheriff's office would be able to do so without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance. The specific details of the amendment are not provided in the truncated bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 4071 clarifies what insurance practices are not considered "unfair trade practices" under Michigan law. It specifically permits insurers to offer free or discounted value-added services (like loss mitigation tools, risk education, or financial wellness programs) to customers, provided these services relate to insurance coverage, reduce claim costs, and are reasonably priced compared to premiums. The bill directly affects life and property/casualty insurers and their policyholders, customers, or potential applicants. Key provisions require services to be relevant to insurance, cost-effective, and include clear customer support contact information. This amendment does not create new insurance requirements but clarifies permissible marketing practices.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 proposes to amend Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill aims to establish or modify sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes related to the employment of minors. It directly affects individuals convicted of such offenses by providing updated frameworks for their potential sentences. This is achieved by amending section 14b of the existing criminal procedure code.