Rep. Stephen Wooden

Maddy summaryHB 5495 prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping, detaining, or arresting individuals based solely on personal characteristics like race, ethnicity, language accent, location near immigrant communities, or perceived religious, sexual, or political identity. It also bans officers from entering a dwelling using a federal agency administrative warrant. The bill defines key terms including "immigrant" (non-citizen residents) and "personal characteristics," and clarifies that federal officers may only enforce state law under specific conditions outlined in amended Section 15d. This directly affects all Michigan law enforcement officers and the people they interact with during stops or searches.

Maddy summaryHB 5488 lowers the minimum age requirement for licensure as a medical first responder or emergency medical technician (EMT) in Michigan from 18 to 17 years old. It amends Section 20950 of the Public Health Code (MCL 333.20950), specifically changing the age requirement in subsection (2)(a) from "18 years of age or older" to allow 17-year-olds to apply. The bill does not alter other licensing requirements, such as education programs, passing exams administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, or military service pathways. This change directly affects 17-year-olds seeking these emergency medical services roles who previously could not obtain licensure until age 18.

Maddy summaryHB 5483 amends Michigan's penal code to specifically protect United States Postal Service letter carriers by adding them to the list of protected individuals under assault laws. The bill increases penalties for assaulting, obstructing, or endangering these workers based on injury severity: up to 2 years for basic assault, 4 years for serious injury requiring medical care, 15 years for serious bodily impairment, and 20 years if the assault causes death. It clarifies that existing penalties for assaulting law enforcement or emergency personnel also apply to letter carriers when they are performing their duties. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and does not affect other potential charges for the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 234) urges the Trump-Vance Administration to stop making threats against Denmark regarding Greenland. It directly addresses U.S. officials, emphasizing that Greenland is an autonomous territory within Denmark (recognized under international law) and that any political change must come from Greenlanders freely, without coercion. The resolution calls for diplomacy based on respect for sovereignty and international law, rather than threats or military pressure, to protect NATO alliance unity. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect but expresses congressional concern about actions undermining U.S. alliances and international norms.

Maddy summaryHB 4282 amends Michigan's liquor licensing law (MCL 436.1513) to change requirements for businesses selling alcohol for on-premises consumption. It directly affects restaurants, bars, and similar establishments seeking or holding licenses to serve alcohol at their locations. The bill modifies specific statutory provisions governing these licenses but does not specify new categories or additional restrictions. This change alters the existing legal framework for these permits without altering broader licensing categories.

Maddy summaryHB 5349 requires Michigan's Department of Health to create standardized forms for two types of school immunization exemptions. Medical exemptions (for health reasons) must include details like the vaccine type, reason for exemption, and expiration date. Non-medical exemptions (for religious or other objections) must include education about vaccine benefits and risks, require in-person form pickup from a health department, and include witnessed signatures. This bill directly affects parents seeking exemptions, schools requiring immunization records, and local health departments distributing the forms.

Maddy summaryHB 5344 amends Michigan's school code to update how public schools report student vaccination rates. It requires schools to submit annual immunization status reports to health officials by November 1 and February 1, including vision screening data for kindergarten students. Starting in 2028, schools must provide de-identified, aggregated data showing vaccination rates (fully/partially immunized and waiver percentages) and share each student's vaccination status with parents via mail, email, website links, and physical notices in school offices. The bill focuses on transparency and data collection for public health monitoring, without changing vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5348 requires Michigan schools to use standardized forms created by the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for documenting student immunization records and exemptions. It affects public and nonpublic schools enrolling new students or those entering grade 7, as well as parents submitting exemption forms. The bill modifies existing requirements by mandating that all immunization documentation, including medical contraindication forms and religious exemption statements, must use MDHHS-approved templates instead of current forms. This change standardizes reporting to ensure consistency in tracking student immunization status across all schools. The policy does not alter vaccination requirements but updates the administrative process for submitting compliance documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 5350 requires local health departments to annually report school immunization rates and exemption data to local governing bodies (like city councils). Starting June 1, 2028, health officers must submit detailed, de-identified reports showing overall vaccination levels, medical and non-medical exemption percentages, and list schools with over 5% exemptions along with plans to reduce them. This directly affects schools, health departments, and local governments by increasing transparency around vaccination coverage. The bill amends existing law to strengthen accountability for immunization compliance without changing exemption rules themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 5353 requires Michigan health insurers to cover all immunizations listed in the state's Public Health Code (MCL 333.9227) under health insurance policies. This applies to insurers offering policies in Michigan, directly affecting both insurers and policyholders who need these vaccinations. The bill adds a new section (3406uu) to the insurance code, mandating coverage for recommended vaccines without additional cost to the patient. The law will only take effect if companion bill HB 5351 is also enacted.