Rep. Phil Skaggs

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to specifically address the use of technology for automobile theft. It makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for anyone who possesses tools or electronic devices designed to unlock or start a vehicle with the intent to steal it. The law further increases the penalty to up to ten years if the offender is part of a criminal organization targeting multiple vehicles. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that previously issued keys or cards belonging to the lawful owner are not considered prohibited tools under this statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Vehicle Code to modify how points are assigned to various traffic convictions and infractions. It directly affects drivers, insurance companies, and the Secretary of State by changing the specific point values associated with different violations. The key change involves adjusting the point totals for speeding offenses, where exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 miles per hour now carries 4 points instead of 6, and speeding between 10 and 15 miles per hour over the limit is reduced to 3 points. Additionally, the bill clarifies that points will not be assessed for certain non-moving violations such as overweight loads or defective equipment. These adjustments aim to refine the driver's license point system to better reflect the severity of specific traffic behaviors.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's election laws to add a review process for recall petitions before they can be circulated to voters. It requires the Board of State Canvassers for state officials and county election commissioners for local officials to meet and determine if the reasons listed on a petition are factual and clear. During this review, the targeted official and petition sponsors can present arguments, and either party may appeal the board's decision to a court. If the review finds reasons unclear or false, the entire petition is rejected; if the board fails to meet the deadline, the petition is automatically considered valid. The bill also sets a 180-day window for circulating a valid petition and allows individuals to resubmit rejected petitions for a new review.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 19, 2024, as Sickle Cell Awareness Day within the state of Michigan. The measure directly affects the state's legislative body, which adopted the text to align with the United Nations' global observance of the date. By issuing this declaration, the bill aims to support public events and initiatives focused on raising awareness about sickle cell disease and reducing associated prejudices. The resolution does not alter laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal recognition of the condition and the community efforts surrounding it.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares June 20, 2024, as World Refugee Day throughout the state of Michigan. It is a symbolic resolution that does not change laws or allocate funding, but rather serves to recognize the contributions of refugees and highlight the global refugee crisis. By officially designating this date, the legislature encourages residents to reflect on the achievements of new neighbors and the state's history of welcoming refugees.

Maddy summaryHB 5823 introduces the Age-Appropriate Design Code Act in Michigan to regulate online services likely to be accessed by children under 18. The law requires businesses with significant revenue or data collection practices to prioritize children's privacy, safety, and wellbeing by prohibiting dark patterns and mandating data protection assessments. Key provisions restrict the collection of precise geolocation data, limit automated profiling of minors, and establish clear definitions for what constitutes personal information and dark patterns. The act also creates a fund and outlines civil sanctions for violations, aiming to ensure digital environments are safer for young users.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for distributors of returnable beverage containers in Michigan, starting in the 2024 tax year. Eligible companies can claim a credit of $0.005 for each returnable container they sell, with the credit amount increasing annually based on the national Consumer Price Index. To receive the credit, distributors must submit specific reports to the state and can get a refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. The legislation applies to various business structures, including partnerships and corporations, and defines key terms by referencing existing state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify how death records are certified and reported, primarily affecting funeral directors, physicians, and medical examiners. It establishes specific timelines, requiring medical certification to be completed within 48 hours of death and the filing of death records within 72 hours, while also mandating the use of a new web-based application system for submitting these reports. The legislation defines key terms such as "institution" and "miscarriage" and outlines a hierarchy of who can certify a death if the attending physician is unavailable, ranging from authorized representatives to pathologists. Additionally, the bill includes a provision to protect the privacy of infants who were born alive following an attempted abortion and subsequently died, ensuring their records are filed without identifying information for parents or informants.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan laws to clarify when county medical examiners must investigate deaths and how they should be notified by healthcare providers. It requires an investigation if a death results from violence, occurs unexpectedly, happens without recent medical care, or involves an abortion, while also mandating immediate notification for sudden or suspicious deaths. The legislation grants medical examiners the authority to subpoena records for investigations and ensures that such records remain confidential under the freedom of information act. Additionally, it introduces a specific requirement for notifying examiners if multiple individuals with similar physical characteristics are involved in the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 13, 2024, as Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Day throughout Michigan. It aims to honor the work of organizations and individuals dedicated to reducing violence and to encourage the public to support these community-driven efforts. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about the importance of violence prevention programs.