Rep. John Fitzgerald

Maddy summaryHB 4166 prohibits the non-medical use of xylazine (a sedative sometimes mixed with drugs like fentanyl) in Michigan. It defines "illicit use" as any xylazine use not covered under "licit use," which includes legal veterinary applications, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or approved medical treatments. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to make possessing or using xylazine for non-licensed purposes a felony, with penalties ranging from up to 20 years in prison or fines up to $1 million depending on the amount. This directly affects individuals using xylazine outside approved medical or veterinary contexts, aligning penalties with those for other controlled substances like opioids.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 34) urges the federal government to consider the economic impacts of tariffs on trade with Canada and Mexico. It directly affects Michigan businesses, particularly in agriculture (where Canada is the top export market), manufacturing, and auto production, which rely on stable North American supply chains. The resolution reaffirms support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and highlights Michigan’s $3 billion annual agricultural exports and $55 billion in annual trade with Ontario. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally advocates for fair trade negotiations to protect Michigan’s economy.

Maddy summaryHB 4146 modifies Michigan's licensing rules for psychologists by adding a new requirement for newly licensed practitioners. The bill mandates that for the first 180 days after licensure (except for government or nonprofit employees), new psychologists must work under supervision by a fully licensed psychologist - not another limited licensee. Exceptions apply to those working in government or charitable roles who aren't diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, or those diagnosing autism who already hold a limited license for at least three years. This change directly affects new psychology licensees, altering their initial practice conditions while providing specific exemptions for certain work settings.

Maddy summaryHB 4096 expands worker's compensation protections for public safety workers by presuming that heart and respiratory diseases develop from job duties. It directly affects full-time, part-time, and paid-on-call members of fire, police, and public safety departments; county sheriffs and deputies; state police; conservation officers; and forest/motor carrier enforcement officers. The bill amends Section 405 to include these conditions as "personal injury" under the Worker's Disability Compensation Act, meaning they are presumed work-related unless proven otherwise. Before claiming benefits, applicants must first seek pension eligibility under Section 405(4), and benefits from the new presumption cannot overlap with employer-provided coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 4102 updates Michigan's physical therapy licensing rules to allow the state to join the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill amends existing licensing sections and adds new provisions (17820a and 17820b) to enable this participation. This change would let physical therapists licensed in Michigan or other compact states practice in Michigan without needing separate state licenses. The bill directly affects physical therapists seeking to work across state lines and Michigan residents needing physical therapy services. It creates a streamlined process for interstate practice under the compact agreement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan, formally recognizing the month-long observance of African American contributions to history and culture. It does not create new laws or allocate state resources; instead, it serves as a symbolic declaration by the Michigan House of Representatives to honor Black achievements and reflect on racial justice. The resolution cites historical context, including Dr. Carter G. Woodson's origins of Black History Month and President Ford's 1976 recognition. It encourages statewide awareness of African American milestones and the ongoing pursuit of equality, aligning with longstanding national observances.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically declares February 2025 as "2-1-1 Month" in Michigan to raise public awareness of the 2-1-1 helpline. It recognizes the service as a free, 24/7 resource connecting residents to community support like housing, food, and disaster assistance - used over 406,000 times in FY2024. The resolution has no binding effect and solely aims to acknowledge the helpline’s role in supporting Michiganders.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in Michigan. It encourages Michigan citizens to recognize the National FFA Organization's role in supporting agricultural education, youth leadership development, and career preparation for students in grades 7-12. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges FFA's contributions to agricultural education programs across the state.

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 summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a policy bill. It declares February 2025 as "American Heart Month" and February 5, 2025, as "National Wear Red Day" in Michigan. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about heart disease, particularly its impact on women, through educational efforts and community recognition. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impose requirements on any group.