Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to issue driver's licenses and state identification cards to individuals who are on parole. It directly affects parolees by allowing them to obtain these documents, which are necessary for daily activities like driving or proving identity. The legislation amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to create the legal framework for this issuance. Although the bill passed both houses of the legislature, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's bankruptcy exemption laws to increase the dollar limits on property that individuals can protect from creditors when filing for bankruptcy. It directly affects debtors by raising the value caps on items such as motor vehicles, household goods, tools of a trade, and retirement accounts, while also adding new protections for household pets and computers. The legislation maintains certain restrictions, such as excluding contributions made within 120 days of filing and limiting exemptions for assets subject to divorce or child support orders. By modifying specific sections of the state's Revised Judicature Act, the bill aims to provide greater financial security to families facing bankruptcy proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis law requires health professionals in Michigan to offer mental health screenings to new mothers during postpartum visits or well-child checkups for their infants. Starting in January 2026, doctors and nurses in pediatric or obstetric settings must provide these screenings, while other licensed health workers may offer them until the child turns one year old. The state is authorized to create a screening tool, but providers can also use existing evidence-based methods to assess maternal mental health risks. If a professional identifies potential mental health needs, they can provide information on symptoms, treatment options, and referrals to support services. The law defines "health professional" to include anyone licensed to practice medicine, nursing, or other regulated health professions in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new entities within the Michigan state government: the Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity and the Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity. The Bureau is tasked with coordinating state efforts to reduce poverty, providing technical assistance to designated community action agencies, and administering specific programs like weatherization assistance. The Commission serves as an advisory body that includes elected officials, private sector members, and low-income individuals to help develop policies and programs aimed at fostering self-sufficiency. Together, these organizations will work to identify poverty-related issues, evaluate existing state programs, and recommend changes to improve economic and social opportunities for low-income residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Youth Employment Standards Act to modernize how work permits for minors are issued and managed. It shifts the responsibility for issuing work permits from school officials to the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, effective 18 months after the law takes effect. The legislation also establishes a new registration system where minors must be enrolled in a state database before they can be employed, while maintaining existing exemptions for specific agricultural tasks and unpaid volunteer work.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's public health laws to require that donors of breast milk be tested for HIV before their milk is used. It applies to licensed facilities that collect human tissues or body fluids for introduction into a human body, ensuring that all potential donors are screened for the presence of HIV or antibodies to HIV. If a test result is positive, the milk cannot be used unless specific emergency exceptions apply, such as when testing is not possible due to exigent circumstances and both the donor and recipient provide written informed consent. Additionally, the law mandates that facilities must inform donors of any positive test results and holds violators civilly liable for damages caused by failing to comply with these testing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework for history museum authorities in Michigan, specifically allowing counties to create these public corporate bodies to support historical museums located in cities with populations over 500,000. The legislation outlines the procedures for forming an authority, including the requirement for a majority vote by county commissioners and public notice, while defining the board's composition and powers to enter into contracts and manage operations. A key provision grants these authorities the ability to levy a property tax of up to 0.4 mill for a maximum of 20 years, but only if approved by a majority of voters in the county. The funds raised through this tax must be used exclusively to support nonprofit entities that provide services to the designated history museums, and the bill also mandates that board meetings be open to the public and records be accessible.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's state housing development authority to update rules regarding the sale prices of affordable housing units. It allows the authority to make loans for projects where the average purchase price is capped at a specific limit relative to the average purchase price of similar units in the area. The changes primarily affect nonprofit housing corporations, cooperatives, and developers who build or rehabilitate homes for low- and moderate-income individuals. By adjusting these pricing constraints, the legislation aims to provide more flexible financing options while maintaining affordability standards for residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Enhanced Driver License and Enhanced Official State Personal Identification Card Act to clarify the information applicants must provide and how their data is handled. It requires individuals applying for these IDs to submit proof of citizenship, a completed application with personal details, and a fee, while also allowing them to opt out of voter registration on the form. The legislation outlines specific rules for capturing facial images and signatures, limits their use to authorized law enforcement purposes, and mandates that Social Security numbers remain hidden on the front of the cards. Additionally, it establishes procedures for verifying applications, retaining records for a set period, and managing designations for individuals with communication impediments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan school districts to allow Native American students to wear traditional clothing and bring culturally significant items during school ceremonies. It defines these ceremonies to include events like graduations and honor society meetings, while ensuring that any prohibited weapons or dangerous items remain banned. The law specifically protects the right of Indigenous individuals to express their cultural and ancestral traditions within the educational setting.