Rep. Rachel Hood

Maddy summaryThis bill allows two or more local governments in Michigan to join together to create a single authority responsible for providing emergency services. Under the new rules, these municipalities can transfer their existing emergency services to the shared authority and decide the specific geographic area the authority will cover. The authority must publish its founding documents online or at the local clerk's office, and it can collect taxes only from properties within its designated jurisdiction if it does not cover the entire municipality. This change enables smaller towns to pool resources for emergency response while maintaining their individual legal status.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges Congress to pass the Kidney PATIENT Act of 2023, which aims to protect access to essential oral medications for dialysis patients. The proposed law would delay a scheduled change to Medicare payment rules that would have shifted coverage for certain kidney drugs from Part D to a bundled dialysis payment system starting in 2025. By postponing this shift until 2033 or until an approved intravenous alternative is available, the bill seeks to prevent potential disruptions in medication availability for people with end-stage renal disease. The measure directly affects the roughly 808,000 Americans living with end-stage renal disease and specifically highlights concerns for minority and low-income communities who rely on these treatments.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month within the state of Michigan. The measure aims to raise public understanding of PTSD, an anxiety disorder that impacts millions of Americans, and encourages citizens to support those affected by the condition. By declaring this specific month, the bill seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder and highlight the availability of effective treatments like therapy and medication. It serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness rather than implementing new laws or funding programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to update the legal definition of drug paraphernalia. It clarifies that items specifically designed for planting, growing, manufacturing, or using controlled substances are considered paraphernalia, while explicitly excluding testing products like fentanyl strips used to check for dangerous chemicals. The update ensures that the definition covers a range of tools, including scales, diluents, and various devices used for ingestion or concealment, without expanding the scope to include safety testing equipment.

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 resolution officially designates June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in Michigan. It serves as a formal declaration by the state legislature to recognize and honor the history, contributions, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community within the state. The measure does not alter laws or create new regulations but instead functions as a symbolic gesture to affirm the value and dignity of LGBTQ+ residents.

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 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 requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover telemedicine services at the same level as in-person visits, ensuring patients do not face higher costs or reduced benefits for remote care. Under the new rules, insurers cannot mandate face-to-face contact for services that are clinically appropriate to deliver via secure audio or video technology, provided the healthcare professional is licensed in the patient's state. The law applies to all health insurance policies delivered or renewed in Michigan and defines telemedicine as remote communication using interactive audio, video, or store-and-forward messaging systems. While insurers retain the right to set standard copayments and deductibles, they must allow coverage for telemedicine without requiring physical examinations unless specifically needed for clinical safety.