Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryHB 5121 eliminates the cost for serving personal protection orders (PPOs) in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking PPOs to protect against harassment, stalking, or sexual assault by removing the requirement that petitioners pay for service of the order on the respondent. The bill amends Michigan’s court procedures to eliminate this fee, making it easier for petitioners - especially those with limited resources - to obtain and enforce PPOs without upfront costs. This change applies to all PPOs filed under the specified sections of Michigan law, streamlining the process for victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to establish a presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time with both parents is in a child's best interest. It requires courts to inform parents about joint custody options and the presumption of equal time during custody disputes, and specifies that "joint custody" means either shared decision-making for important child welfare matters or equal physical time with each parent. The bill also clarifies that joint custody does not affect child support obligations, which remain based on each parent's resources and the child's needs. This applies directly to parents involved in custody cases and judges handling such cases under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHB 5211 would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to create a legal presumption that equal or nearly equal parenting time between both parents is in a child's best interest for disputes between parents. This presumption would apply unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence that equal time is not appropriate. The bill does not change the existing "best interests of the child" standard (listed in Section 3), but establishes equal parenting time as the default starting point under Section 5. This applies specifically to custody disputes between parents, not involving agencies or third parties, and does not affect provisions addressing cases involving criminal sexual conduct by a parent.

Maddy summaryHB 5213 requires Michigan's Friend of the Court offices to provide parents with an informational pamphlet explaining the legal presumption of equal or approximately equal parenting time in child custody cases. This pamphlet must detail the presumption as outlined in Michigan's Child Custody Act (MCL 722.26a), alongside information about joint custody options. The bill amends existing law to ensure parents receive this specific information early in domestic relations proceedings. It directly affects parents involved in custody disputes who interact with the Friend of the Court system. The change focuses on informing parents of their rights, not altering custody standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal cause of action in Michigan allowing individuals to sue anyone who deprives them of rights protected by the U.S. Constitution while acting under the authority of the law. It establishes that victims of such civil rights violations can seek redress in court, while also defining specific rules for when judges can be held personally liable and limiting the types of relief available against them. The legislation sets a two-year time limit for filing these lawsuits and permits courts to award reasonable attorney fees to successful plaintiffs, though it preserves existing defenses like sovereign immunity and qualified immunity.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of American Freedmen Affairs within the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to support descendants of individuals emancipated from slavery. The office would be led by a five-year director appointed by the governor and tasked with researching disparities, advising state leaders on policies, and improving access to resources for this community. Key duties include developing economic opportunities, assisting with genealogy and historical research, and submitting annual reports on the social and economic conditions of American Freedmen in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale and use of herbicides containing paraquat dichloride in Michigan, with sales banned starting December 1, 2027, and use banned by December 1, 2028. To help farmers transition away from these products, the legislation creates a state fund that will offer grants to cover the costs of switching to alternative herbicides and equipment. The bill also establishes a buy-back program to safely dispose of existing paraquat-containing products and sets a civil fine of up to $10,000 for violations of the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the American Freedmen reparations commission within the Michigan Department of Treasury to study and propose reparations for individuals with ancestors who were enslaved and denied rights due to the Dred Scott decision. The commission will consist of nine members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and grassroots organizations, tasked with gathering historical evidence of slavery and discrimination in the state. Its primary duties include analyzing the lasting effects of slavery, recommending data collection methods to track disparities, and submitting a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature within 18 months. The legislation defines reparations broadly to include monetary payments, programs to close the racial wealth gap, and the creation of educational institutions similar to land-grant colleges.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires state agencies and local governments to collect specific demographic data from individuals they already survey. Starting in 2027, these entities must break down responses for Black, African, and Caribbean populations into three categories: descendants of enslaved Americans, those without enslaved ancestors, and those with unknown or unreported status. The law defines these groups based on ancestry and direct immigration from Africa or the Caribbean, excluding anyone with a history of U.S. enslavement from the African and Caribbean labels. By mandating these subcategories, the legislation aims to provide more granular data on racial heritage within government records.

Maddy summaryHB 4026 exempts firearm safety devices from Michigan's sales and use tax through December 31, 2024, directly affecting gun owners purchasing these devices. The bill defines "firearm safety devices" as trigger locks, secure storage containers (like gun safes or lockboxes requiring keys/combinations), but excludes display cases. Retail sellers must provide written notices to buyers and post visible signage at points of sale explaining the tax exemption. This is a temporary measure with a sunset date, not a permanent policy change.