Rep. Helena Scott

Maddy summaryThis bill declares June 17, 2024, as Black Men Awareness Day in Michigan to recognize the contributions and achievements of Black men in the state. The resolution highlights the diverse roles Black men play in society, from various professions to their importance as family members and community members. It aims to bring attention to both the positive impacts Black men have on their communities and the challenges they face due to systemic barriers. By officially designating this date, the legislature intends to honor the strength and accomplishments of Black men in Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 7, 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness Day throughout Michigan to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. The measure encourages citizens to wear orange on that date to raise awareness and remember Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager killed in a shooting incident. While the bill does not change laws or introduce new regulations, it formally recognizes the significance of the day and urges the community to support efforts to prevent gun violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's Public Health Code to update the licensure requirements for respiratory therapists. It directly affects individuals seeking to become licensed respiratory therapists and the state agencies responsible for overseeing their certification. The legislation modifies existing sections of the law and adds new provisions to clarify or adjust how these professionals are regulated. By altering specific statutes within the public health code, the bill aims to formalize the standards for practicing respiratory therapy in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new legal definition for "vulnerable transportation device" to the Michigan Vehicle Code. It classifies human-powered vehicles, electric bikes, electric skateboards, and electric personal assistive mobility devices as vulnerable transportation devices. The law is designed to work in conjunction with related bills that establish traffic rules for these vehicles. If the other linked bills are not passed, this specific definition will not take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's criminal code to increase penalties for moving violations that result in physical injury or death to vulnerable roadway users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. It specifically raises the severity of charges and potential prison sentences for accidents occurring in work zones or school bus areas, as well as for incidents involving operators of farm equipment. The legislation requires the simultaneous passage of three companion bills to take effect, ensuring a coordinated approach to strengthening accountability for traffic offenses involving vulnerable road users.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Medicaid and Healthy Michigan programs to expand coverage for telemedicine services, specifically clarifying that visits originating from a patient's home or school are covered. It defines a "distant site" as the location of the healthcare professional providing the service, allowing for both audio-only and video interactions. The legislation requires providers to verify patient eligibility, ensure a private environment for the visit, and follow clinical guidelines while prohibiting restrictions on reimbursement rates or technology that are more strict than those for in-person care. Additionally, it ensures that services delivered through federally qualified health centers are eligible for reimbursement and mandates that managed care programs include these telemedicine services in their rate development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to assign a unique identifier to every individual who holds or applies for a law enforcement license, allowing them to track their licensure status throughout their career. It also mandates that applicants for specific training academies submit fingerprints for criminal history checks, which will be stored in state and federal automated systems to automatically flag any future criminal records. The legislation further establishes a dedicated training fund to cover the costs of screening, testing, and licensing, ensuring these expenses are reimbursed through fees charged to applicants and licensees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in Michigan to cover treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. The law specifically mandates that these plans include coverage for therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin. It applies to all health insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed within the state, as well as those issued outside the state for Michigan residents. The changes take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan House resolution officially designates May 2024 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month to highlight the severity of the disease and the state's role in brain tumor research. The measure is sponsored by a group of representatives and relies on a series of "whereas" clauses to establish the context, noting high diagnosis rates, significant treatment costs, and limited medical advancements over the past three decades. By formally declaring the month, the bill aims to increase public vigilance and support for patients without altering any laws or government programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Michigan to pay employees their accrued paid vacation leave when employment ends, with specific exceptions for furloughs or unlimited leave policies. It also mandates that wages earned during crop harvesting be paid within three days of voluntary termination, while other wages must be paid as soon as they can be accurately calculated. The legislation applies to all types of employers, including private companies, government agencies, and educational institutions, and defines key terms like "fringe benefits" and "furlough" to clarify the law's scope. These changes take effect on January 1, 2025, aiming to ensure timely compensation for workers leaving their jobs.