Rep. John Fitzgerald

Maddy summaryThis bill declares October 5-12, 2024, as Student Athlete Mental Health Week in Michigan to raise awareness about the mental well-being of high school and college athletes. The resolution highlights the dedication of student athletes while acknowledging the unique stressors they face, such as performance pressure, burnout, and stigma that may prevent them from seeking help. By officially recognizing this week, the state aims to encourage open conversations about mental health challenges and promote the availability of support resources for this demographic.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates September 15 through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month within the state of Michigan. It directly affects state government operations by establishing a formal period to recognize and celebrate the histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents. The resolution highlights the diverse cultures and achievements of these communities in areas such as education, science, and the workforce. By adopting this declaration, the Michigan House of Representatives acknowledges the significance of this observance without altering any laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows counties and local authorities to install automated speed cameras in school zones to enforce speed limits. Before these systems become fully operational, officials must conduct a public awareness campaign and present the plan to local school boards. During the first 30 days of this campaign, drivers who exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or more will receive only a written warning instead of a fine. After the 30-day period, violations will result in a civil infraction with a fine ranging from $100 to $150. The law also outlines how evidence from the cameras is used in court and provides a process for vehicle owners to contest citations if they were not the driver at the time of the violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how fines and court costs are distributed among counties and local governments in Michigan's district courts. It primarily affects county treasurers, local political subdivisions, and the courts that assess these penalties. The legislation updates the rules for allocating money from civil infractions, specifying different percentages that go to libraries versus local governments depending on the type of violation and the district involved. It also clarifies definitions for commercial vehicles and outlines how fines related to specific vehicle code violations should be handled. Additionally, the bill allows local governments to create their own bureaus to process civil infraction admissions if they choose.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan 4-H Foundation fund within the state treasury to hold money and assets contributed from various sources. It authorizes the state treasurer to manage investments for the fund, ensure earnings stay within the account, and distribute the money to the Michigan 4-H Foundation on a quarterly basis. The legislation includes a provision stating that it will not take effect unless a related bill, HB 5058, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes supervision requirements for individuals holding temporary licenses as emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technician specialists, or paramedics in Michigan. Under the new rules, these temporary license holders must practice only under the direct supervision of a similarly licensed professional who holds a permanent license rather than a temporary one. The legislation applies to all temporary license holders in these health occupations and does not alter the licensing standards for permanent practitioners. The act takes effect immediately upon approval and is tied to the passage of a companion bill, HB 4613.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits using a victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity as a legal defense in criminal cases. Specifically, it bars evidence of such information from being used to claim reasonable provocation, heat of passion, or reduced mental capacity. Additionally, the bill states that discovering or knowing about a person's gender identity or sexual orientation does not justify using force against them. These rules apply to all criminal proceedings in Michigan to prevent bias from influencing the outcome of a trial.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's public health laws to allow the state health department to issue nonrenewable temporary licenses to individuals who have met all licensure requirements for emergency medical roles except for specific exams. These temporary licenses are valid for one year and permit the holder to practice only under direct supervision. The measure directly affects aspiring medical first responders, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who need time to complete their required examinations. It also includes a provision stating that the law does not take effect unless a companion bill, HB 4614, is also enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates a specific stretch of M-53 in Macomb County as the "Officer Leroy Imus Memorial Highway" to honor a fallen law enforcement officer. The legislation affects the Michigan State Transportation Department by amending state laws to recognize this new name for the road segment running from 17 Mile Road to Hall Road. Once signed into law, the change immediately updates official records and signage to reflect the memorial title.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new fundraising license plate in Michigan specifically for the Michigan 4-H organization. Under the plan, the Secretary of State would work with 4-H to design the plates, and any money raised from their sale would be transferred to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. The legislation includes a condition that it will only take effect if a related bill, HB 5056, is also passed into law.