Rep. Stephen Wooden

Maddy summaryHB 4132 amends Michigan's personal protection order law to explicitly include animal-related abuse as a prohibited act in domestic violence cases. The bill adds new language (subsection 1(k)) making it illegal for a respondent to injure, kill, threaten, or remove an animal in which the petitioner has ownership interest, or to retain an animal taken from the petitioner. This directly affects domestic violence victims who rely on pets for emotional support, expanding court orders to protect both people and their companion animals. The provision specifies it does not override lawful animal use (e.g., hunting under state law) and aligns with existing protections for victims.

Maddy summaryHB 4130 amends Section 2 of Michigan's Animal Welfare Fund Act (MCL 287.992) by updating the definition of "State animal anticruelty laws" to explicitly include specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.49-750.70, 750.70a, and MCL 750.50(8) and (12)). This technical update ensures the fund act correctly references existing animal cruelty laws without creating new policies or funding. The bill affects how the Animal Welfare Fund Act applies to enforcement of current animal protection laws. It is a procedural clarification, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 11, 2025, as "White Shirt Day" in Michigan to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the United Auto Workers' (UAW) first contract with General Motors. It honors the UAW's history, including the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike, and recognizes the tradition of UAW members wearing white shirts to symbolize equality and respect for blue-collar workers. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no new policies or direct impacts on legislation or affected groups. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on February 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a symbolic resolution designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Michigan. It does not create new programs or change funding but aims to raise public awareness about CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand, high-wage careers like healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. The resolution acknowledges that over 112,000 Michigan high school students participated in CTE programs during the 2023-2024 school year, with most pursuing postsecondary education or employment. It is directed at state officials and the public to support workforce development awareness.

Maddy summaryHB 4036 removes an expiration date (sunset provision) from Michigan's distance education reciprocal exchange program, which allows colleges and universities to share courses across state lines. The bill repeals Section 7 of the 2015 Higher Education Authorization and Distance Education Reciprocal Exchange Act (MCL 390.1697), making the program permanent. This directly affects Michigan colleges and out-of-state institutions participating in the reciprocal course-sharing agreement, ensuring the program continues without needing annual renewal.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 13) introduced by Michigan Representative Jasper Martus and adopted on January 29, 2025. It honors the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, recognizing his life, presidency, post-presidential humanitarian work through the Carter Center, and receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize. The resolution expresses the Michigan House of Representatives' tribute to Carter's "spirit of humanitarianism" and commitment to "peaceful solutions" and "compassion in governance." It directs that copies be sent to the Carter family as a symbol of Michigan's esteem for his contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns President Trump's January 20, 2025, pardons of individuals convicted for crimes related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including 26 people from Michigan. It is a symbolic statement (not a law) expressing disapproval of pardoning those involved in the violent insurrection that injured officers and caused significant damage. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Matt Koleszar and sent to the President and Michigan congressional delegation for acknowledgment. It does not alter legal outcomes or impose new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares January 2025 as National Stalking Awareness Month in Michigan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies; instead, it symbolically recognizes stalking as a serious crime and acknowledges efforts by victim services and law enforcement. The resolution highlights Michigan's legal definition of stalking and relevant statistics (like 18,000 stalking reports in 2022) to underscore the importance of public awareness. It was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on January 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4016 designates May of each year as "Huntington's Disease Awareness Month" in Michigan. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public and medical awareness about Huntington's disease, which affects thousands of Michiganders and has no cure. It does not create new funding, regulations, or policy changes - it simply aligns Michigan with national recognition efforts for this progressive neurological condition. The bill was introduced in January 2025 and referred to committee for further review.