Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to require that administrative hearings be conducted with a fresh, independent review of the facts rather than relying solely on an agency's initial decision. It mandates that courts conduct a new, independent examination of evidence when reviewing agency decisions, instead of deferring to the agency's original judgment. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the process for challenging a hearing officer's impartiality and ensures that any disqualification does not unnecessarily delay the case unless it would cause significant harm to a party. These changes directly affect state agencies, hearing officers, and individuals involved in administrative contested cases by altering how decisions are made and reviewed.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5818 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to update definitions and establish a new Joint Committee on Regulatory Oversight and Administrative Review. The bill clarifies terms like 'agency' and 'major rule' while creating a formal process for the new committee to review proposed rules and issue objections. It also modifies requirements for how agencies publish rules, handle contested cases, and manage public comment periods.
Maddy summaryHB 5498 requires Michigan state agencies that issue permits (including licenses, approvals, or registrations) to categorize permits by industry sector and assign dedicated employees to manage each category. It directly affects state agencies like those handling construction permits, environmental approvals, or business licenses. The bill mandates that each employee managing permits must focus exclusively on one industry category, preventing them from handling multiple types of permits. This aims to streamline permit processing by creating specialized staff roles for specific regulatory areas.
Maddy summaryHB 5574 prohibits approaching within 25 feet of a first responder who is lawfully performing their duties after being verbally warned not to approach, if the person intends to interfere, threaten, or harass them. It directly affects individuals who target first responders (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) during emergency operations. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by up to 60 days in jail or $500 fines, but become felonies causing injury (up to 2 years) or death (up to 15 years), with fines up to $7,500. The law focuses on preventing direct obstruction or harm during critical incidents, not general public behavior.
Maddy summaryHB 5576 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to specifically address crimes targeting first responders. It adds intimidation or harassment of individuals based on their actual or perceived employment as a first responder (like police, firefighters, or EMTs) to the list of offenses that warrant enhanced sentencing. The bill changes Section 16t of the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure (MCL 777.16t) to require courts to consider this factor when determining sentences for such crimes. This directly affects individuals convicted of threatening or harassing first responders, ensuring their actions are treated with greater severity under sentencing rules.
Maddy summaryHB 5575 defines specific terms related to harassment of first responders in Michigan law. It adds a new section to the penal code clarifying that "first responder" includes law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The bill defines "harass" as intentionally causing substantial emotional distress through a course of conduct with no legitimate purpose. This creates a clear legal standard for prosecuting harassment against these public safety workers, directly affecting their protection under state law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to obtain explicit legislative approval before seeking waivers for SNAP work requirements. It also prohibits the department from using its own authority to grant exemptions from these work rules, though it preserves existing exemptions for temporary absences from employment. The measure directly affects the state's administration of food assistance programs by shifting the decision-making power for work requirement waivers from the department to the legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state's human services department to start publishing annual reports on Medicaid payment errors beginning in October 2026. The reports will be made available on the department's website and sent to state legislative oversight committees. These reports will detail the rates of payments made to ineligible individuals and the total amount of improper payments, using definitions established by federal law. The measure aims to increase transparency regarding how accurately medical assistance funds are distributed.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan school districts and public academies to administer the Presidential Fitness Test starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The law mandates that schools follow the specific guidelines and strategies outlined in a recent federal executive order. By adding a new section to the state's revised school code, the legislation ensures that all public schools operate under this standardized fitness assessment.
Maddy summaryHB 5501 allows developers to relocate wetlands within the same development project instead of creating new wetlands or restoring existing ones, directly affecting construction and land development permit applicants. The bill establishes a 1:1 wetland replacement ratio for in-parcel relocations when ecological functions are maintained or improved, while reducing the preference for on-site mitigation. It also introduces flexibility in mitigation ratios when using wetland bank credits and requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop guidelines for on-site mitigation planning. These changes aim to streamline permitting while maintaining wetland resource protection under Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.