Rep. John Fitzgerald

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover hearing-related services and devices for individuals under 19 who have been evaluated by an audiologist for hearing loss. The coverage includes audiologist exams, hearing aid fittings, maintenance, repairs, remote microphones, and speech therapy, though insurers may still apply standard cost-sharing rules like deductibles and co-pays. The law specifically excludes plans tied to health savings accounts to ensure compliance with federal tax regulations and will only take effect on January 1, 2026, if a related bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance providers in Michigan to cover hearing aids for children under 19 who have been medically evaluated and referred by a specialist. Under the new rules, insurers must pay up to $3,000 for every pair of hearing aids purchased every three years, with the amount adjusted annually based on inflation. The coverage applies only to devices selected by an audiologist after a specific evaluation process, and patients may choose more expensive models if they are willing to pay the difference out of pocket. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, but it will not become active unless a separate related bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's public health code to regulate medical exfoliation procedures, which include dermaplaning and microdermabrasion. It requires that anyone performing these treatments must do so under the supervision of a licensed physician, except for the physicians themselves. Additionally, the law mandates that patients must give their informed consent before undergoing these procedures. The bill does not take effect unless another related bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows retirement systems in Michigan to pay pension benefits directly to a special needs trust if the retiree or their designated beneficiary directs it in writing. The change specifically applies to trusts established under federal law to help individuals with disabilities maintain government benefits while receiving support. It also permits payments to go to the trust after the retiree dies if the beneficiary is a minor or unable to manage their own affairs. By repealing an older section, the legislation clarifies how these funds can be managed without disrupting other financial protections.

Maddy summaryHB 6155 updates Michigan laws to clarify how local government public corporations can invest their surplus funds. The bill explicitly lists a wide range of permissible investments, including U.S. government securities, specific types of corporate bonds, commercial paper, and obligations from other states. It also establishes new requirements for investment officers, mandating that they hold specific professional certifications or work under the supervision of a registered investment adviser. Additionally, the legislation allows local governments to enter into agreements to pool their funds for investment purposes and sets limits on how much money can be invested in certain corporate securities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's occupational code to update definitions and licensing requirements for cosmetologists, estheticians, and natural hair culturists. It clarifies that "braiding" and "natural hair cultivation" are distinct services that do not involve chemical treatments, while "skin care services" include facials, waxing, and body treatments but exclude permanent makeup and tanning. The legislation also establishes new training hour requirements for estheticians, increasing the mandate from 400 to 750 hours for those starting training on or after July 1, 2024, and expands the definition of cosmetology establishments to include mobile salons and cosmetology suites.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's probate laws to improve how courts handle guardianships and conservatorships for individuals who cannot manage their own affairs. It introduces a new process allowing judges to appoint a temporary guardian for up to six months when immediate action is needed to protect a person's welfare, even if formal notice to all interested parties has not yet been given. The legislation also clarifies the procedures for removing or replacing conservators and allows interested parties to request specific court orders, such as requiring financial reports or adjusting bond amounts. These changes are designed to streamline oversight and ensure quicker responses to situations where a guardian or conservator is not effectively performing their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's legal process for appointing guardians or conservators for individuals who may be incapacitated. It requires courts to inform petitioners about less restrictive alternatives before filing and mandates the appointment of a legal representative for the individual unless they already have one. The legislation also establishes stricter rules for medical evaluations, ensuring that detailed reports on an individual's condition and capacity are shared with relevant parties while keeping the full report confidential from the public record. Additionally, the bill guarantees the right to an independent medical evaluation and outlines specific content requirements for professional assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws regarding guardianship and conservatorship to strengthen the rights of individuals facing incapacity proceedings. It requires guardians ad litem, who represent vulnerable people during these hearings, to personally visit the individual and clearly explain their legal rights, such as the ability to contest the petition or limit a guardian's authority over medical decisions. The legislation also mandates that courts provide free legal counsel to indigent individuals who wish to contest a guardianship or request specific limits on a guardian's powers. Additionally, the bill directs guardians ad litem to explore alternatives to full guardianship, such as limited guardianship or patient advocacy designations, and ensures that compensation for these representatives is only granted if they have fulfilled their new reporting duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to regulate the appointment and duties of professional guardians and conservators. It requires courts to find that no suitable family member or friend is available before appointing a professional and mandates that these professionals submit criminal background checks and post a financial bond. The legislation also establishes strict rules for compensation, requiring professionals to disclose any outside income received for their role, and outlines specific care standards such as maintaining a visitation schedule and ensuring adequate staffing. Additionally, the bill clarifies notification procedures for interested parties and defines the limits on what support staff can do, prohibiting them from making major financial or medical decisions.