Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's corporate income tax rules to allow flow-through entities, such as partnerships and S corporations, to elect paying the tax themselves instead of passing it to individual owners. Under the new provisions, these entities can file a return and pay the tax for a three-year period, after which they must re-elect to continue the arrangement. Owners of these businesses can then claim a tax credit for their share of the entity's tax payment, and any excess credit is refunded without added interest for the 2021 tax year. The legislation also clarifies deadlines for making this election, requiring filings by mid-March for years starting before 2024 and by mid-September for years starting in 2024 or later.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's name change laws to strengthen fraud prevention by requiring fingerprint checks for all applicants aged 22 or older. Under the new rules, individuals with a criminal record are presumed to be seeking a name change fraudulently and must prove otherwise, while the court covers the cost of background checks. The legislation also mandates that courts notify relevant state agencies if a name change is approved for someone with a criminal history, ensuring the change is recorded in correctional and law enforcement databases. Additionally, the bill clarifies consent requirements for minors, requiring those aged 14 or older to sign their own consent in front of the judge if the court deems them capable of expressing a preference.

Maddy summaryThis law requires Michigan public school academies to make detailed information about their operations and finances publicly available, similar to the requirements for traditional school districts. Specifically, the bill mandates that these academies disclose data such as board member lists, meeting minutes, budgets, teacher salaries, and copies of major contracts and facility leases. Additionally, it sets specific criteria for authorizing bodies to consider when awarding contracts to new urban high school academies, including requirements for financial stability and plans to improve graduation rates. The legislation also outlines strict rules for contracts, including annual independent financial audits and prohibitions on certain family relationships among board members and company officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in Michigan to issue rebates to policyholders if the insurer fails to meet federal medical loss ratio standards. The law mandates that companies report their financial calculations and rebate details to both the state department and the federal Department of Health and Human Services. However, the requirement does not apply to plans that are exempt under federal law, such as those covering retirees or grandfathered policies. Essentially, the measure ensures that insurers pass unused premium funds back to consumers when their spending on medical care falls below a specific threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan State Housing Development Authority by removing the requirement for a resident member to have voting rights on the board. The resident member, who must be an adult living in federally assisted housing, can now attend meetings and provide input but cannot vote on any matters. This change ensures that while the perspective of a housing recipient is represented on the authority, all official decisions are made by the appointed officials. The amendment applies to the authority's governance structure and does not alter the funding or operational powers of the agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's medical assistance program to require coverage for mental health screenings during the postpartum period for eligible individuals. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum people receiving state-funded healthcare by ensuring their mental health needs are addressed as part of their medical services. The key provision mandates that the state pay for these screenings under the existing medical assistance plan, aligning with federal standards for reasonable charges. This change expands the scope of covered services without altering the broader structure of hospital, nursing home, or pharmaceutical benefits already available under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's rules for how public employers, such as state agencies and local governments, must fund health insurance for their employees and elected officials. It establishes specific dollar amounts that employers must contribute annually based on whether coverage is for a single person, a couple, or a family, with these amounts set to increase starting in 2025. The law also includes a mechanism for the state treasurer to automatically raise these contribution limits each year based on inflation data or a fixed percentage, whichever is higher. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these funding requirements do not apply to employees who decline the offered health plan or those covered by existing collective bargaining agreements until those contracts are updated.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new section to Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to provide specific legal remedies for individuals who face housing discrimination based on their source of income. It allows people who believe they have been discriminated against to file a civil lawsuit in circuit court to seek injunctive relief or financial damages. The potential damages are capped at either the actual injury and loss suffered or three times the monthly rent, whichever is lower, and also cover court costs and attorney fees. This legislation only takes effect if it is passed together with two related Senate bills, SB 0205 and SB 0206.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's birth record laws to allow for the creation of new birth certificates in specific situations, such as adoption, established paternity, and changes to sex designation. Under the new rules, a new certificate can be issued to show a sex designation other than the one assigned at birth if accompanied by a physician's certification of surgery and a signed form, without requiring additional documents. The legislation also clarifies procedures for updating records after a name change, specifying when a new certificate must be issued versus when an addendum is sufficient. These changes directly affect the state registrar, parents, adoptees, and individuals seeking to update their legal birth records.