Rep. Pat Outman

Maddy summaryHB 4427 requires counties to issue a "brown alert" when sewage or E. coli levels in waterways reach dangerous public health levels. This directly affects county officials responsible for environmental monitoring and residents who use or live near affected waterways. The bill amends existing law by adding a new section mandating this alert system, replacing previous voluntary protocols. It creates a specific, actionable requirement for counties to notify the public during hazardous conditions. The law passed the House with strong support (94-10) and is now under review by the Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 4399 modifies Michigan law to expand the scope of practice for registered nurses certified as nurse practitioners. Specifically, it changes rules allowing these nurses to perform certain medical tasks - like diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications - without requiring direct physician oversight. The bill directly affects certified nurse practitioners in Michigan who currently face restrictions under existing law. It amends sections of the 1978 Public Health Code related to health occupations to clarify and broaden their authorized duties. The changes aim to adjust legal boundaries for these nurses' clinical responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHR 196 is a resolution demanding Michigan's Secretary of State comply with a federal request for an unredacted copy of the state's voter registration list, as required by the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. It directly affects the Michigan Secretary of State's office by mandating disclosure of voter data within legal limits. The bill does not create new law but compels adherence to existing federal requirements for voter list transparency. This procedural resolution focuses solely on directing state compliance with federal mandates, not altering election policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5165 requires Michigan's Department of Environment to transition from paper-based to electronic submissions for environmental compliance documents related to underground storage tanks starting October 1, 2026. It directly affects businesses managing underground fuel tanks, as well as other entities submitting registrations, inspection reports, and test results under Part 211 of Michigan's environmental law. The bill mandates a web-based digital system with features like mobile access, GPS tracking for facilities, embedded digital cameras for inspections, and 24/7 searchable document storage. This replaces current paper-based processes with a standardized electronic platform for all required submissions. The key change is making digital submission mandatory for all specified documents, improving data accessibility and management for the department.

Maddy summaryHB 5112 allows private individuals (not dealers) to electronically transfer ownership of watercraft and off-road vehicles through a state-run system, replacing paper title processes. It directly affects people buying or selling these vehicles privately, such as in personal sales. The bill authorizes Michigan’s Secretary of State to create and manage this electronic system, requiring private users to follow department-set procedures. This changes how non-dealer ownership transfers are handled for these vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 5110 modifies Michigan's vehicle registration process by allowing drivers to use electronic proof of insurance instead of physical documents when renewing registration. Specifically, it permits insurers to transmit vehicle policy information to the Secretary of State every 14 days as valid proof of insurance, replacing the need for paper receipts. The bill also requires that temporary registration permits (issued while waiting for plates) be provided at no cost to applicants. All electronic insurance information submitted under this provision remains confidential and cannot be shared under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, except for specific health department or court-related purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 5111 allows for electronic transfer of ownership titles for off-road vehicles (ORVs) and watercraft between private owners, replacing the current paper-based process. It requires the Michigan Department of State to establish an electronic system for these transfers, excluding dealers, and sets rules for its operation and data protection. This change directly affects private ORV and watercraft owners who sell or transfer these vehicles, streamlining title transfers without needing physical certificates. The bill updates existing title transfer rules under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to modernize the process.

Maddy summaryHR 195 is a resolution opposing Michigan's proposed Health Education Standards Framework. It urges the Michigan Department of Education to redraft the standards or the Michigan State Board of Education to reject them, specifically requesting the exclusion of content related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation from health education standards. The resolution cites parental rights and existing law requiring local control and opt-out provisions for sex education as justification. It directly targets state education officials, not students or schools, and serves as a non-binding request for policy revision.

Maddy summaryHB 5160 modifies Michigan's rules for personalized vehicle registration plates. It updates fee structures for obtaining (a $8 initial fee plus $2/month for additional months) and renewing (a $15 fee) personalized plates, and clarifies that duplicate plates cost an extra $5. The bill affects Michigan vehicle owners who request personalized plates for eligible vehicles like passenger cars, trucks, or motorcycles. It also specifies how fees fund transportation programs and sets rules for plate expiration and duplicate requests.

Maddy summaryHB 4642 amends Michigan's campaign finance law to require the secretary of state to refer violations involving themselves, their immediate family, or a connected campaign to the attorney general for resolution. This change ensures that cases where the secretary of state is a party are handled by an independent office, avoiding potential conflicts of interest. The bill does not alter the secretary of state's authority over other campaign finance matters. It specifically clarifies the process for referring such cases to the attorney general under the existing law.