Rep. Phil Skaggs

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend Michigan's medical malpractice laws by increasing the cap on noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, from $280,000 to $1,000,000 per plaintiff and per defendant. The change applies to cases involving injuries like paralysis, permanent cognitive impairment, reproductive loss, death, serious disfigurement, or significant bodily function impairment, while maintaining a lower $500,000 cap for other severe injuries. Additionally, the bill updates the mechanism for adjusting these monetary limits annually to match changes in the state's consumer price index.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the third Monday in April each year as "Patriots' Day" in Michigan. The change officially recognizes the date to commemorate the American Revolutionary War battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy. By establishing this new holiday name, the legislation affects state records and public observances related to the day.

Maddy summaryHB 6191 amends Michigan's Child Protection Law to clarify and expand mandatory reporting requirements for school employees and individuals assigned to work under contract at schools. The bill requires these individuals, along with other professionals like teachers and counselors, to immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to centralized intake by telephone or online, followed by a written report within 72 hours. It also mandates that reporters notify their school or agency leadership about the report and protects them from dismissal or penalties for making good-faith reports. Additionally, the bill specifies that the Department of Health and Human Services must share investigation results with law enforcement if the suspected abuse involves methamphetamine or was committed by non-caregivers such as clergy or youth program staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for Michigan's Address Confidentiality Program to include additional individuals who are changing residences, such as emancipated minors and specific guardians of wards. It allows these applicants to request that their home addresses remain hidden from the public while still receiving mail and legal documents at a secure location managed by the state. To qualify, applicants must submit a notarized statement confirming they fear threats, physical harm, or harassment due to domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, or sexual assault. Once certified, participants receive a unique identification number and a card to use when registering to vote or applying for driver's licenses, ensuring their safety without losing access to essential services. The program certification is valid for four years and requires participants to update their information within 30 days of any changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's State Housing Development Authority Act to update how the authority defines and supports "effectively treatable areas" for housing rehabilitation projects. It clarifies that these areas must be near downtowns or commercial centers and meet specific economic criteria, such as having a poverty rate higher than the state average and lower property value growth. The legislation also outlines detailed requirements for neighborhood partnership plans, which must demonstrate community support and a goal of bringing at least 75% of local property to a safe condition. Additionally, the bill updates the list of eligible local governmental units, including cities, townships, and villages, to reflect current economic and population standards for receiving loans and technical assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to notify private well owners and their neighbors within a one-mile radius if testing detects unsafe levels of PFAS chemicals. The law mandates that these notifications include advice on safe water use, information on potential health risks, and details on how to access free, certified water filters. Additionally, the bill establishes a voluntary registry to ensure individuals who might be affected by future testing are informed via email when new tests occur. By adding specific sections to the state's public health code, the legislation aims to improve transparency and provide immediate resources to residents facing contaminated drinking water.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Flag Commission to organize a public contest for redesigning the Michigan state flag. The commission will consist of fifteen members, including professional artists, state historians, and representatives from various universities and government agencies. During a specific window in 2025, the commission will accept original design submissions, review them, and select a winner to replace the current flag, which will officially take effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation also establishes rules for the contest, such as requiring designers to relinquish copyright, and mandates that the commission operate under public meeting and freedom of information laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act to officially include septage, or waste from onsite wastewater treatment systems, as a renewable energy resource. By updating the legal definition of renewable energy, the legislation allows facilities that process septage in methane digesters to generate electricity and earn renewable energy credits. These credits can then be used by energy providers to meet state-mandated renewable energy standards and portfolio requirements. The change expands the types of waste materials eligible for inclusion in the state's renewable energy programs without altering other existing provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local health officers in Michigan to submit annual written reports to their local governing entities regarding school immunization levels and exemption rates. The reports, due by June 1 each year, must detail the percentage of children exempt from immunizations and identify any schools where exemption rates exceed 5%, along with plans to reduce those rates. Additionally, the bill mandates that local health officers take action, such as organizing immunization clinics, to help raise immunization levels to state-prescribed minimums. Schools must continue to collect and update immunization status data for new students entering kindergarten and first grade before November 1 and again by February 1.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create and distribute standardized forms for both medical and nonmedical exemptions to school immunization requirements. Under the new rules, physicians must use a specific state-created form to certify that a vaccine is medically contraindicated for a child, while parents seeking exemptions based on religious beliefs or other objections must obtain a separate waiver form in person from a local health department. The nonmedical waiver process includes a mandatory step where a local health officer informs the parent of the risks associated with not vaccinating before witnessing their signature. Additionally, both forms will include specific language informing users that children with exemptions may be excluded from school or group programs during disease outbreaks.