Rep. Matt Bierlein

Maddy summaryHB 5145 changes documentation requirements for Michigan's public assistance programs, including food assistance. It replaces self-attestation with verifiable documents for applicants to prove identity (e.g., driver's license, birth certificate), income (e.g., pay stub, tax return), and Michigan residency (e.g., utility bill, lease). The bill requires applicants to upload these documents via the MI Bridges online portal before eligibility is determined. It also mandates that the department use alternative verification methods if documents are missing, rather than automatically denying benefits. This bill directly affects individuals applying for or renewing public assistance benefits in Michigan.

Maddy summaryHB 4727 requires courts in Michigan to appoint only licensed professional guardians or conservators for individuals under legal protection (wards, developmentally disabled, or incapacitated persons). It mandates that these professionals must hold a license under Michigan's occupational code, and prohibits unlicensed employees from making medical, financial, or housing decisions for the individuals they serve. The bill also requires transparency by requiring professionals to disclose outside compensation from sources other than the ward's estate and to maintain visitation schedules for wards. These changes take effect two years after the bill's passage.

Maddy summaryHB 4728 requires professional guardians and conservators to obtain a state license. This bill directly affects individuals and agencies that manage finances or personal care for vulnerable adults (like seniors or people with disabilities) who cannot make decisions for themselves. The key provision adds new licensing requirements through amendments to existing law, establishing standards for these professionals. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 4729 updates Michigan's rules for appointing guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities. It requires courts to prioritize licensed professional guardians (under Article 14A of the Occupational Code) when appointing guardians, and prohibits unlicensed employees of such guardians from making medical, financial, or housing decisions for these individuals. The law also mandates that courts consider the individual's preference for a guardian before making an appointment. These changes take effect two years after the bill's passage, aiming to ensure guardianship appointments meet professional standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to expand Michigan's medical assistance program to cover transportation services for individuals with behavioral health needs. It requires the state department to pay for these transport costs for eligible people and mandates that transport providers follow existing mental health code regulations. The legislation defines behavioral health transport as travel to and from treatment facilities and specifies that only approved agencies can provide this service. Importantly, the bill will not become law unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5943.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing framework in Michigan for agencies that provide specialized transportation services for individuals experiencing mental health crises. It creates specific definitions for these services, which are designed to move medically stable people who do not require physical or chemical restraints to the nearest facility capable of meeting their needs. The legislation mandates that licensed agencies operate under medical supervision, maintain detailed logs of every trip, and implement strict safety and hygiene protocols for their vehicles and staff. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of transports, police interventions, and any investigations into staff misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the fees that healthcare providers and medical records companies can charge patients for accessing their medical records in Michigan. It raises the initial request fee from $20 to $31.54 and adjusts per-page copying costs based on the number of pages, with higher rates for pages beyond 20. The law also requires annual fee adjustments starting in 2028 based on the Detroit consumer price index and maintains fee waivers for medically indigent individuals who receive one free set of copies per provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all participants in Michigan driver education courses to complete a work zone safety education course starting January 1, 2027, before receiving a level 2 graduated driver license. The mandatory course, developed with the Department of Transportation, must cover at least 30 minutes of instruction on identifying construction zones, safety precautions for workers and drivers, traffic violation penalties, and safe driving strategies around construction equipment. The course can be delivered online or in-person, must be included at no additional cost to students, and the Department of State will create a standardized curriculum that can be updated through collaboration with transportation agencies and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Secretary of State to conduct criminal background checks using fingerprint-based systems before authorizing any individual to administer driver's license knowledge tests or driving skills tests. The legislation also mandates that applicants for commercial vehicle endorsements must complete these background checks, and it adds new requirements for examining officers to report their findings in writing. Additionally, the bill clarifies that driving skills tests must include behind-the-wheel road tests and ensures that commercial learner's permits are held for at least 14 days before testing. These changes apply to all individuals administering driving tests in Michigan and aim to enhance the integrity of the licensing process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Credit Union Act to allow the state director of credit unions to share confidential examination reports with qualified private insurance organizations that insure credit union shares. The change permits the director to provide sensitive documents to these insurers if the documents relate to a credit union whose shares are primarily insured by them, provided the insurer agrees to keep the information confidential and privileged. While the bill maintains strict protections against public disclosure and legal discovery for these documents, it creates a specific exception for sharing data with private insurers to assist in their regulatory oversight. This provision is part of a larger legislative package aimed at streamlining communication between state regulators and various financial oversight bodies.