Rep. Will Snyder

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's social welfare act to remove age limits for medical assistance coverage related to autism spectrum disorders. It requires the state department to provide funding for diagnosis and treatment services for eligible individuals who are 21 years of age or older. The legislation defines autism spectrum disorders to include autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department seek necessary federal approval to include these services in the state's Medicaid plan within 180 days of the law taking effect.

Maddy summaryHB 6083 amends Michigan's penal code to clarify the legal status of specific amusement machines, such as crane games and older slot machines, by explicitly exempting them from gambling charges when they meet certain criteria. The bill defines a crane game as a machine where a player uses controls to attempt to retrieve a prize with a wholesale value of $3.75 or less, ensuring every item is actually retrievable by the claw. It also sets strict limits on redemption game machines, including a maximum prize value of $3.75 per play and a total accumulated prize cap of $500, while allowing for non-cash prizes like toys, novelties, and specific types of gift cards. To enforce these rules, the legislation authorizes law enforcement to confiscate non-compliant machines and requires operators to post a notice stating that these games are not licensed or regulated by the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Energy Stability Fund within the state treasury to help cover energy costs for specific groups of people. The fund can receive money from any source, and the state treasurer will manage its investments while the Department of Health and Human Services oversees its use. Money in the fund will not be returned to the general budget at the end of the year and can only be spent to provide energy assistance to low-income seniors, individuals with qualified disabilities, and veterans.

Maddy summaryHB 5557 amends Michigan's planning laws to require local governments to forecast and incorporate housing needs into their master plans. The bill mandates that these plans include a range of housing types and costs to serve a diverse population. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for appointing planning commission members to ensure the groups represent various community segments and include school board representatives in counties. These changes affect cities, villages, townships, and counties by updating how they structure their planning commissions and develop long-term development strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Michigan's laws against real estate fraud by increasing penalties for individuals who knowingly create or submit false documents to the register of deeds. It directly affects anyone involved in drafting or filing property records, as well as the officials who maintain those records. Under the new provisions, submitting a fraudulent document with the intent to defraud a property owner is now classified as a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Additionally, the law allows county prosecutors to receive evidence of such violations directly from the register of deeds. These changes aim to deter deceptive practices in property transactions and provide clearer legal consequences for those who attempt to deceive owners or the public record.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's criminal laws to impose stricter penalties for knowingly creating or submitting false documents to the Register of Deeds. It specifically targets fraudulent activities related to property transfers, including deceptive conveyances and false statements made by contractors regarding building funds. By clarifying the classification and maximum prison sentences for these offenses, the legislation aims to increase accountability for individuals who attempt to deceive public records. The changes apply to various property-related crimes, ensuring that those who intentionally falsify documents face appropriate legal consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for special "disabled veteran" license plates in Michigan to include partially disabled veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of at least 50%, in addition to those with total disabilities. The law allows these eligible veterans to obtain plates marked with "DV" and "disabled veteran" without paying the standard service fee, while also permitting their surviving spouses to use the plates after the veteran's death. Furthermore, the legislation authorizes the Secretary of State to issue free adhesive disability tabs to these veterans and their spouses, provided the applicant also meets the state's criteria for a permanent windshield placard. These changes aim to increase recognition and support for a broader range of veterans by simplifying the application process and reducing associated costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of highway M-11 in Kent County as the "Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive." The affected roadway stretches from the intersection with 3 Mile Road south to the bridge over the Grand River. By amending state highway naming laws, the legislation officially assigns this commemorative name to the route. The change applies immediately and does not alter any traffic rules or funding provisions.