Maddy summaryHB 4254 prohibits public bodies (like state agencies, universities, or local governments) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It specifically bans methods that would cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or invasive procedures (such as surgery), with exceptions for veterinary training with owner consent and routine procedures like spaying/neutering. The bill establishes civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per violation for noncompliance, enforced by county prosecutors or the attorney general. Named "Queenie's Law," it amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add these protections for dogs used in experimental purposes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution calls on the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to extend the 2025 firearm hunting season to November 1-30, 2025. It aims to give hunters and processors more time to donate venison through the Hunters Feeding Michigan program before SNAP benefits pause on November 1, 2025. The resolution does not change hunting laws but requests the Commission adopt these dates to support food bank donations during the SNAP interruption. It directly affects the Commission and the Hunters Feeding Michigan program, which distributes donated venison to food banks statewide.
Maddy summaryThis resolution declares October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes the importance of early detection and breast cancer prevention, referencing statistics on diagnoses and mortality rates in the state and nation. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or requirements - it solely serves to highlight awareness efforts during October 2025 for all Michiganders.
Maddy summaryHB 5148 prohibits local governments and towing companies from exchanging payments or fees to secure contracts for towing services. It bans local units from requiring tow companies to pay fees for responding to incidents (like accidents or disabled vehicles) and prevents tow companies from offering payments to governments to gain business. This directly affects local governments entering contracts with towing services and the towing companies themselves. The bill focuses on preventing conflicts of interest in towing contracts, not on altering traffic fine amounts (which are addressed in other sections of the vehicle code).
Maddy summaryHB 5149 prohibits motor vehicle repair facilities in Michigan from charging storage fees while a vehicle is under repair or during billing disputes. It requires facilities to provide customers with a written, itemized estimate before work begins, including all fees and charges, and bans exceeding that estimate without the customer’s written or oral consent. The bill specifically targets hidden storage fees (Section 7e(f)) and strengthens existing estimate requirements (Section 32), applying directly to repair shops and their customers. This policy change aims to prevent surprise charges and increase transparency in vehicle repair billing.
Maddy summaryHB 5147 establishes new rules for towing damaged or disabled vehicles in Michigan. It requires towing agencies to provide written disclosures before towing, including costs, storage location, and owner rights (Section 271), and to issue itemized final invoices detailing all charges and vehicle condition (Section 272). Towing companies must maintain records for five years and post disclosure information visibly (Sections 273-274). These rules directly affect towing businesses and vehicle owners, ensuring transparency before towing and during storage. Violations prevent agencies from charging fees or enforcing contracts (Section 271(6)).
Maddy summaryHB 5142 modifies Michigan's licensing requirements for interior designers by amending sections of the Occupational Code (MCL 339.303a and 339.601) and adding a new Article 20A. The bill directly affects interior designers seeking or holding a license in Michigan, changing how they meet qualification standards. Key provisions include updating educational and experience requirements for licensure under the amended sections. This is a procedural bill focused on regulatory updates to the licensing process, not new financial or operational mandates.
Maddy summaryHB 5141 amends Section 2 of Michigan's 1939 Labor Relations Act (MCL 423.2) by removing specific exclusions from the definition of "employee." This change would extend labor protections to workers previously excluded, including domestic workers, agricultural laborers, and certain supervisors. The bill directly affects these workers by ensuring they fall under the act's coverage for organizing, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution. It makes a concrete policy change to the legal definition without altering other provisions of the law.
Maddy summaryHB 5146 clarifies procedures for handling abandoned vehicles and towing services in Michigan. It defines "abandoned vehicle" more precisely (e.g., vehicles left on public property for 18+ hours with valid plates) and requires police to verify if a vehicle is stolen before towing. The bill mandates that owners receive written notice with details about the vehicle and their right to contest abandonment or towing fees within 20 days, including a $40 bond requirement for hearings. It also creates a public website listing abandoned vehicles for 1 year, affecting vehicle owners, towing agencies, and law enforcement.
Maddy summaryHB 5144 amends Michigan's building permit process to allow qualified interior designers to submit applications for residential construction projects. Specifically, it adds interior designers (licensed under Michigan's occupational code) to the list of professionals permitted to file building permit applications, alongside architects and engineers. The bill requires these interior designers to include their license number and expiration date on all residential permit applications. This change directly affects interior designers working on residential buildings, streamlining their ability to initiate construction projects without requiring an architect or engineer's involvement. The amendment updates Section 10 of the 1972 Construction Code Act to reflect this expanded eligibility.