Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan law to clarify when law enforcement must collect and forward biometric data, such as fingerprints, following an arrest. It requires agencies to gather this information for specific serious offenses, including felonies and certain misdemeanors, and mandates that the data be sent to the state police within 72 hours. The legislation also outlines procedures for destroying biometric data if a person is released without charges or if an arrest record is expunged, ensuring that digital records are removed when appropriate. Additionally, the bill includes a provision to remove references to sodomy from a 1925 statute regarding criminal history records.

Maddy summaryHB 4433 removes sodomy between consenting adults from the list of crimes that allow judges to close preliminary court hearings to the public. This change means that cases involving consensual adult sodomy will no longer be eligible for closed-door proceedings, ensuring they remain open to public observation like other criminal cases. The bill applies specifically to the state's Code of Criminal Procedure and affects how magistrates handle pre-trial hearings for this specific offense.

Maddy summaryHB 4431 removes the state law that criminalizes consensual sodomy between adults. By repealing specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code, the bill eliminates the felony charges and potential prison sentences currently available for this act. The legislation does not address bestiality, which remains a separate crime under the law. This change directly affects individuals who engage in private sexual conduct between consenting adults.

Maddy summaryHB 4162 amends Michigan's penal code to adjust penalties for crimes involving the adulteration or improper mixing of drugs and medicines. The bill establishes specific sentencing guidelines based on the severity of the outcome, ranging from fines and short prison terms for minor violations to up to 15 years in prison if the actions result in death. A key provision modifies the application of life imprisonment without parole, excluding individuals who were under 19 years old at the time of the offense from facing that specific penalty. Instead, minors who commit these crimes with intent to kill or cause serious harm resulting in death face a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 60 years in prison. These changes directly affect how the state prosecutes and sentences offenders involved in distributing harmful pharmaceutical products.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits judges from sentencing individuals under the age of 19 to life in prison without the possibility of parole. It achieves this by amending existing criminal procedure laws to remove the authority for courts to impose such extreme sentences on juveniles. The legislation directly affects the sentencing options available for minors convicted of serious crimes, ensuring they cannot receive a life sentence with no chance of release. By eliminating this specific penalty, the bill restricts the maximum punishment for young offenders while leaving other sentencing structures for adults and older juveniles unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's insurance code to establish a new chapter requiring insurers to cover the costs of market conduct examinations. It creates a structured process where the Department of Insurance first conducts broad market analyses to identify potential issues before deciding on specific examinations. The law outlines a range of actions, from simple correspondence and document reviews to on-site inspections, emphasizing that these exams should focus on general business practices rather than minor, isolated errors. By defining terms like "desk examination" and "targeted examination," the bill aims to make the regulatory review process more transparent and cost-effective for both the state and insurance companies.

Maddy summaryHB 6268 updates Michigan's insurance code to strengthen data security requirements for insurers and related licensees by modifying existing definitions and adding new sections. The bill clarifies what constitutes a "cybersecurity event" and "nonpublic information," specifically including sensitive data like social security numbers, financial account details, and health records. It mandates that licensees notify affected residents without unreasonable delay if unencrypted personal data is accessed or if encrypted data is compromised along with its decryption key. Additionally, the legislation requires licensees to report such security breaches to the owners or licensors of the data if the licensee does not own the information. These changes aim to ensure clearer standards for protecting consumer data and managing security incidents within the insurance industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in Michigan to provide clear written notices to customers when making significant changes to their automobile or homeowners policies, such as cancellations, non-renewals, or premium increases of more than 10%. If a policyholder requests details, the insurer must explain the specific principal factors behind the decision rather than using vague terms like "poor loss history" or simply citing internal models. The law also mandates that these notices and explanations be sent directly to the insured and, when applicable, to independent insurance agents who represent the customer. These transparency requirements will apply to policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and do not replace existing rules regarding policy cancellations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's insurance code to clarify how insurers must handle rate filings and information requests for automobile and home insurance policies. It requires insurers to provide specific details about how their rates are calculated upon request and mandates that rate manuals include clear explanations of rating rules, discounts, and premium adjustments. The legislation also establishes a 90-day waiting period for new automobile insurance rate plans to take effect, with limited exceptions, and reinforces protections against redlining by prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based on a customer's location. Additionally, the bill ensures that information submitted to the state regarding insurance rates is generally public, unless an insurer successfully proves it constitutes a trade secret.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's insurance laws to clarify which actions by insurance companies do not count as unfair trade practices like discrimination or rebating. It specifically exempts life insurance bonuses, premium adjustments based on group loss experience, and free or discounted value-added services that help with risk management, health, or financial wellness. The law requires that any such services be fair, reasonable in cost, and directly related to the insurance coverage while ensuring customers receive necessary contact information. Additionally, the bill grants the state director authority to create rules that protect consumer data privacy and prevent unfair discrimination in the implementation of these changes.