Rep. Stephen Wooden

Maddy summaryHB 4038 amends Michigan's Insurance Provider Assessment Act to redirect funds collected from insurance companies. It specifies that money must be used for: (1) paying Medicaid managed care organizations up to $14 million annually for capitation rates; (2) offsetting lost revenue from health insurance claims assessments ($315 million for 2018-19, $240 million for 2019-20); and (3) funding a health data utility with $6 million in 2026, increasing to $8 million annually starting in 2028 (adjusted for inflation via the Consumer Price Index). The bill ensures these funds remain in a dedicated account and do not lapse to the general fund. This directly affects Medicaid providers, the state treasury, and the health data utility managing public health information.

Maddy summaryHB 4037 establishes requirements for health data utilities in Michigan, defining them as systems that securely combine and share health data for treatment, care coordination, and public health purposes. It requires the Health Information Technology Commission to develop a strategic plan addressing data standards, privacy, security, cost reduction, and patient access by 2026. The bill mandates a request for proposal process to select a Michigan-based health information exchange to operate this utility by March 2026, directly affecting hospitals, providers, payers, and patients who interact with the state's health data systems. Key provisions include protecting patient privacy, reducing medical errors, and ensuring interoperability between health care entities.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4498 proposes to amend Michigan's Public Health Code to allow the Department of Health or local government agencies to authorize and establish "needle and hypodermic syringe access programs." These programs aim to reduce the spread of communicable diseases by providing sterile needles and syringes, as well as other related items. Individuals participating in these authorized programs would be exempt from criminal penalties for possessing or distributing needles, syringes, drug paraphernalia, trace amounts of controlled substances in used equipment, or drug testing equipment. The bill amends sections 7401 and 7403 of the Public Health Code to incorporate these new exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 4497 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to modify the legal definition of "drug paraphernalia." The bill establishes that "drug paraphernalia" does not include testing products used to determine if a controlled substance contains harmful chemicals, toxic substances, or hazardous compounds that could cause physical harm or death. This specifically includes items like fentanyl testing strips. This change affects individuals who possess or use such testing products, clarifying their legal status under the law.

Maddy summaryHB 4496 amends Michigan's insurance code to require health insurance policies to cover a 12-month supply of prescription contraceptives. It mandates that insurers provide coverage for these contraceptives, which are on the health plan's formulary, to be dispensed all at once unless otherwise requested or instructed by a prescriber. The bill also requires coverage for necessary outpatient services related to prescribing or dispensing contraceptives, if other prescription drugs are covered by the policy. While standard cost-sharing like copayments and deductibles can apply, insurers are prohibited from imposing utilization controls that limit the supply to less than 12 months. This measure applies to health insurance policies beginning December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 105 proposes to formally censure Representative Josh Schriver of Michigan's Sixty-sixth House District. The resolution asserts that Representative Schriver, in his official capacity, made statements promoting the "great replacement" conspiracy theory. These statements are cited as being inconsistent with his oath of office to uphold the U.S. Constitution and as violations of House rules regarding member conduct and maintaining public confidence. If adopted, the resolution would officially reprimand Representative Schriver for these actions.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4478 proposes to update Michigan's sentencing guidelines for crimes involving firearms. It aims to amend section 11b of chapter XVII of the Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.11b). This revision would modify the existing framework used by the judicial system to determine penalties for firearm-related offenses, directly affecting individuals charged with such crimes. The bill is tied to House Bill 4479.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4476 designates May 8th of each year as "Victory in Europe Day" in the state. This designation commemorates the victory of the United States and its allies over Nazi Germany during World War II.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4485 proposes to amend the law concerning county employee retirement benefits. The bill aims to allow retired county employees to be re-employed specifically within a county sheriff's office. Under this proposed change, individuals returning to work in a sheriff's office would be able to do so without forfeiting their existing retirement allowance. The specific details of the amendment are not provided in the truncated bill text.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4480 proposes amendments to Michigan's campaign finance act. This bill would allow candidates for elective office to use campaign funds to pay for specific caregiving expenses. These expenses include the direct care, protection, and supervision of a child or a person with a disability or medical condition, provided these costs directly result from the candidate's campaign activities. The bill defines what constitutes "caregiving expenses," excluding items such as private school tuition or general medical expenses, and limits payments to relatives unless they operate a professional caregiving service at a standard rate.