Maddy summaryThis bill creates the American Freedmen reparations commission within the Michigan Department of Treasury to study and propose reparations for individuals with ancestors who were enslaved and denied rights due to the Dred Scott decision. The commission will consist of nine members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and grassroots organizations, tasked with gathering historical evidence of slavery and discrimination in the state. Its primary duties include analyzing the lasting effects of slavery, recommending data collection methods to track disparities, and submitting a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature within 18 months. The legislation defines reparations broadly to include monetary payments, programs to close the racial wealth gap, and the creation of educational institutions similar to land-grant colleges.
Rep. Kristian Grant
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires state agencies and local governments to collect specific demographic data from individuals they already survey. Starting in 2027, these entities must break down responses for Black, African, and Caribbean populations into three categories: descendants of enslaved Americans, those without enslaved ancestors, and those with unknown or unreported status. The law defines these groups based on ancestry and direct immigration from Africa or the Caribbean, excluding anyone with a history of U.S. enslavement from the African and Caribbean labels. By mandating these subcategories, the legislation aims to provide more granular data on racial heritage within government records.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's existing laws regarding post-conviction DNA testing to allow certain defendants to request new trials based on DNA evidence. It primarily affects individuals convicted of felonies before January 8, 2001, who are currently serving prison sentences, enabling them to petition for DNA testing of biological material collected during their original investigation. The legislation outlines specific conditions under which courts must grant testing, such as when the material has not been previously tested or when newer technology could yield more accurate results. If the testing excludes the defendant as the source of the biological material, the court must appoint counsel and hold a hearing to determine if a new trial is warranted. Additionally, the bill requires that victims be notified of these petitions and ensures that the costs of testing are covered by the state if the defendant cannot afford them.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Michigan to honor victims and support survivors of firearm-related incidents. The measure serves as a symbolic declaration intended to encourage community engagement and awareness regarding the impacts of gun violence. It does not alter any laws or create new regulations but rather establishes an official observance period for public education and remembrance.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes declaring June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month throughout the state of Michigan. It aims to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of LGBTQ+ residents while commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. The resolution encourages all Michiganders to acknowledge the value of diversity and the specific roles LGBTQ+ individuals play in the state's economy and communities.
Maddy summaryHB 4696 amends Michigan's Guardianship Assistance Act (MCL 722.872) to expand the definition of "relative" for eligibility purposes. The bill adds that a "relative" may include individuals not related within the fifth degree by blood or marriage if they have a strong emotional connection to the child or the child's parent (especially for infants), as determined by the Department of Health and Human Services or the child's tribe for Indian children. This change directly affects foster youth and potential guardians seeking guardianship assistance payments by broadening who qualifies as a "relative" under the law. The amendment is tied to companion bill HB 4697 and would take effect only if both bills pass.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Guardianship Assistance Act to clarify eligibility for state-funded guardianship payments. It specifies that relatives or licensed foster parents caring for a child for at least six months may qualify, requiring background checks and fingerprinting for all adults in the home. The bill distinguishes between federal IV-E funding (for children meeting specific federal criteria) and state funding for other eligible children. It also ensures siblings placed together in a relative guardianship can each receive payments if they meet the criteria. The policy directly affects guardians caring for children in relative or foster care arrangements.
Maddy summaryHB 5981 requires automobile insurers in Michigan to file premium rates that achieve specific percentage reductions for personal protection insurance coverage by July 1, 2020, and maintain those reductions through 2028. The bill mandates that the state insurance director review and disapprove any filings that fail to meet these reduction targets, which vary based on the policy's coverage limits. Additionally, insurers must pass on savings from medical treatment costs incurred in accidents before July 2, 2021, and cannot issue or renew policies without director approval of their rates.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's no-fault insurance laws to set new maximum payment limits for medical treatment and rehabilitation services provided to injured individuals. It establishes specific reimbursement percentages based on Medicare rates, which vary by year and the type of provider, such as general physicians, hospitals with high indigent patient volumes, specialized trauma centers, and designated freestanding rehabilitation facilities. The legislation also includes provisions for providers lacking Medicare payment benchmarks by capping their charges at a percentage of their historical rates from 2019. These changes directly affect healthcare providers treating personal protection insurance claims and the insurers that reimburse them.
Maddy summaryHB 5636 designates a specific segment of Telegraph Road (US-24 between 9 Mile Road and 14 Mile Road) as the "Deputy Claude Wilson Memorial Highway." This bill is purely commemorative, naming a roadway section in honor of Deputy Claude Wilson without altering any traffic laws, funding, or infrastructure. It amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act by adding Section 123 to formally establish the highway name. The bill has been introduced but not yet acted upon by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.