Rep. John Fitzgerald

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 25, 2025, as World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day in Michigan. It directly honors individuals living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, their families, and support organizations like the Spina Bifida Association within the state. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about these conditions, promote earlier detection and support, and recognize ongoing efforts to improve care and research. As a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, it does not impose obligations but seeks to foster community recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 189) passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor the Detroit Red Wings hockey team on its 100th season. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply recognizes the team's historical significance to Michigan. The resolution cites the Red Wings' founding in 1926, 11 Stanley Cup championships, cultural impact as "Hockeytown," and community work through their foundation. The House formally resolved to commemorate the team and transmitted a copy to the Red Wings organization as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution ceremonially recognizes physical therapy professionals in Michigan by designating October 2025 as Physical Therapy Month. It encourages all Michigan residents to learn about physical therapy benefits, express gratitude to practitioners, and explore how the field supports community health. The bill has no binding policy changes or funding provisions - its purpose is purely symbolic recognition of the profession's role in healthcare. It directly affects Michigan residents and physical therapy practitioners by highlighting their contributions during a designated month.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 178) designates September 20-27, 2025, as "Michigan Trails Week" to celebrate the state's extensive trail system. It recognizes that Michigan's over 13,000 miles of trails support tourism, local businesses, public health, and environmental conservation. The resolution encourages residents and visitors to explore, maintain, and advocate for trails during this week, while directing copies to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares September 15-October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Michigan. It is a symbolic state recognition, not a policy change, affirming the observance of Hispanic and Latino American contributions to Michigan and the nation. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or affect specific groups; it simply aligns Michigan with the existing national observance established by federal law in 1988. The declaration enables state agencies and communities to organize events celebrating Hispanic heritage during that period.

Maddy summaryHB 5019 requires juveniles convicted of specific crimes - including prostitution-related offenses (like violating sections 451, 454, or 462 of the Michigan Penal Code) - to provide DNA samples and secretor status for state law enforcement databases. It directly affects juveniles found responsible for these offenses, mandating DNA collection by juvenile agencies without requiring consent or a court order. The bill imposes a $60 fee on affected juveniles to cover DNA profiling costs, with funds directed to the state police forensic division. This amendment expands existing DNA collection requirements under the Juvenile Facilities Act to include additional prostitution and commercial sexual activity violations.

Maddy summaryHB 5017 amends Michigan's DNA Identification Profiling System Act to require permanent DNA retention for individuals arrested or convicted of specific prostitution-related misdemeanors, including window peeping for commercial sex, indecent exposure, and leasing property for prostitution. This expands the current law, which previously required DNA collection only for felony offenses or certain other misdemeanors, by adding these particular prostitution offenses to the list triggering mandatory DNA collection. The bill affects people charged with these specific misdemeanors who would not have previously required DNA retention under the law. It does not change DNA collection for felony offenses or other existing categories.

Maddy summaryHB 5011 would allow juveniles who were victims of human trafficking to have related criminal records sealed. It amends Michigan’s existing expungement law (MCL 712A.18e) to specifically include offenses committed while a juvenile was a trafficking victim, removing a barrier that previously prevented sealing such records. The bill applies to juveniles with up to one felony-level offense or three misdemeanor-level offenses directly tied to trafficking, as defined under current law. This change would enable victims to clear records that might otherwise hinder education, employment, or housing opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal defense for individuals charged with crimes who were victims of human trafficking. It allows defendants to argue that their criminal act was a direct result of being trafficked, applying to both felony and misdemeanor charges under Michigan law. To use this defense, the defendant must prove it by a "preponderance of evidence" (more likely than not). The bill amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to include this provision, directly affecting trafficking victims facing criminal charges for acts committed under coercion.

Maddy summaryHB 5021 requires local labor organizations representing casino gaming employees in Michigan to register biennially with the Gaming Control Board and provide detailed personal information about designated individuals, including home addresses, Social Security numbers, criminal history (even expunged convictions), fingerprints, and employment details. The bill establishes disqualification grounds for union officers or employees if they have certain criminal convictions (including gambling, theft, fraud, or prostitution-related offenses), made false statements, or engage in ongoing criminal activity for economic gain. Disqualification for prostitution charges specifically applies only if the individual has an ongoing pattern of such behavior, not isolated incidents. This bill directly affects union leaders in Michigan's casino industry by creating new transparency requirements and eligibility standards for their roles.