Rep. John Fitzgerald

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sales tax law to change how a specific portion of sales tax revenue is distributed to the public safety and violence prevention fund. Starting in October 2023, the state will deposit 1.5% of the collections from the standard 4% sales tax into this new fund on a monthly basis. The legislation also outlines existing rules for distributing other sales tax revenues to schools, transportation projects, aviation, and health initiatives. By specifying these allocation percentages and timelines, the bill ensures that designated funds are collected and transferred to their intended programs without altering the overall tax rate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in Michigan to issue rebates to policyholders if the insurer fails to meet federal medical loss ratio standards. The law mandates that companies report their financial calculations and rebate details to both the state department and the federal Department of Health and Human Services. However, the requirement does not apply to plans that are exempt under federal law, such as those covering retirees or grandfathered policies. Essentially, the measure ensures that insurers pass unused premium funds back to consumers when their spending on medical care falls below a specific threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new crime to Michigan law that makes it a felony to threaten someone with releasing or creating sexually explicit images in order to force them to do something against their will. The law specifically targets individuals who use these threats to obtain sexual videos or other items of value, with penalties ranging from up to five years in prison for a first offense to up to twenty years for a third or subsequent offense. The punishment increases to a maximum of twenty-five years if the victim is a minor or vulnerable adult, or if the threat causes serious physical or mental harm or death. The legislation also clarifies what counts as sexually explicit material and defines vulnerable adults, while allowing courts to order behavioral health counseling for minors who commit this offense.

Maddy summaryHB 5078 expands the ability of healthcare providers to prescribe and dispense opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, to a broader group of people beyond just patients at risk of overdose. The law now allows these medications to be given to family members, friends, or other individuals who might assist someone during an overdose emergency, as well as to specific agencies and their employees who act under a doctor's direction. To support this change, the bill grants legal immunity to prescribers and pharmacists from civil lawsuits if a properly stored and dispensed dose causes injury or death. Additionally, it clarifies that when issuing prescriptions to these non-patient recipients, the name of the agency or individual should be listed as the patient on the prescription. This legislation takes effect on April 2, 2025, and is contingent upon the passage of a companion bill.

Maddy summaryThis law requires every public high school in Michigan to offer at least one computer science course starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The courses must meet state educational standards and be listed on the school's catalog, with a preference for in-person instruction unless a school operates entirely virtually. The legislation defines computer science as a field focused on creating new technologies rather than just using them, ensuring the curriculum covers principles, design, and societal impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's medical assistance program to require coverage for mental health screenings during the postpartum period for eligible individuals. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum people receiving state-funded healthcare by ensuring their mental health needs are addressed as part of their medical services. The key provision mandates that the state pay for these screenings under the existing medical assistance plan, aligning with federal standards for reasonable charges. This change expands the scope of covered services without altering the broader structure of hospital, nursing home, or pharmaceutical benefits already available under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to ensure low-income households receive financial help with energy bills. It mandates that the state department simplify the application process into a single form and requires assistance to prioritize vulnerable populations. The law also directs providers to offer services that help participants budget for energy costs and connect them with weatherization programs to reduce energy waste. Additionally, the bill updates reporting requirements, shifting the deadline for annual program distribution reports to March 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Opioid Antagonist Act to allow agencies and their trained employees to distribute naloxone directly to any individual, expanding access beyond the previous restrictions. It grants these agencies and workers immunity from civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution for distributing or administering the drug, provided their actions do not involve gross negligence or willful misconduct. The law also clarifies that agencies can purchase and possess naloxone specifically for the purpose of distributing it to the public. This legislation takes effect on April 2, 2025, contingent on the simultaneous enactment of a companion bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Corrections to help prisoners obtain driver's licenses and state identification cards before they are released on parole or complete their sentences. The department must collect necessary documents and photos at least 60 days prior to release and forward them to the Secretary of State, while also informing inmates about this assistance upon entry into the system. To support these efforts, the legislation creates a dedicated "reentry success fund" to cover the costs of the program. The bill also allows the Secretary of State to access prisoner information electronically to verify identities during the application process.

Maddy summaryThis law requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover the cost of blood pressure monitors for pregnant or postpartum individuals. The coverage applies to devices delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed within the state and is subject to standard cost-sharing requirements like deductibles and co-pays. This change directly affects pregnant and postpartum patients who need to monitor their blood pressure as part of their care.