Rep. Greg Alexander

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Rare Disease Advisory Council within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to advise the state on research, diagnosis, and treatment for rare diseases. The council will be composed of a diverse group of members, including medical professionals, patient advocates, industry representatives, and individuals with rare diseases, who will serve four-year terms. Once established, the council is authorized to hold public hearings, consult with experts, and apply for grants to develop recommendations for improving care and support for those affected by conditions that impact fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal protections for individuals who voluntarily provide emergency bleeding control, such as using pressure, dressings, or tourniquets, to people in medical distress. It states that these individuals cannot be sued for damages resulting from their actions unless they act with gross negligence or willful misconduct. The law applies to anyone without a pre-existing duty to help who responds in good faith to an emergency situation. This change aims to encourage bystanders to assist with life-saving bleeding control measures without fear of civil liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that health club owners, operators, and employees have no legal duty to provide emergency services when using an automated external defibrillator (AED) on their premises. It achieves this by amending the existing Good Samaritan Act to explicitly state that individuals are not required to render emergency aid in these situations. The legislation also confirms that this change does not restrict the protections already available under the state's Good Samaritan Act for other types of emergency assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's health education standards to require middle and high school students to receive instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator use, and first aid response kits. The curriculum must be based on guidelines from recognized organizations like the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association and should include hands-on practice for students physically able to participate. Schools are permitted to use various community professionals, such as paramedics or firefighters, to teach these skills, while online-only programs are exempt from the hands-on requirement. Additionally, the law clarifies that regular teachers do not need CPR certification unless they are teaching a course that results in an official certification card for the students.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget to sell or transfer two specific state-owned parcels of land in Arenac County. It establishes rules for determining fair market value and allows the property to be sold to the public, offered to local governments, or transferred to other state agencies under certain conditions. A key provision requires that if the land is sold to a local government for less than its full market value, the buyer must agree to use it exclusively for public purposes such as parks, education, or law enforcement. The legislation also mandates that any money earned from the sale must first cover the costs of the transaction before any remaining revenue goes to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares October 2024 as Disability Employment Awareness Month within the state of Michigan. It aims to raise awareness about employment issues affecting people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to the workforce. The resolution specifically commends various local organizations, such as Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Disability Network Michigan, for their efforts in improving job access. It encourages all citizens to learn more about these issues and to support individuals with disabilities and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's recreational trespassing law to clarify when property owners can legally restrict access for activities like hiking, hunting, and trapping. It establishes that entry is prohibited on fenced, enclosed, or posted properties, while maintaining that farm properties and connected wooded areas are always restricted regardless of signage. The legislation also preserves specific exceptions, such as allowing fishermen to cross banks to avoid hazards and permitting individuals to enter to retrieve a lost hunting dog. By defining these rules and the requirements for posting signs, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance on the responsibilities of property owners and the rights of recreational users.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution declares December 2024 as War Dogs Month in Michigan to honor military working dogs and their handlers. The measure highlights the historical contributions of these animals in saving lives and detecting threats during various conflicts. It also calls for sustained support and investment in military working dog programs to ensure their continued readiness and effectiveness. Copies of the resolution are to be sent to military leadership and veterans' organizations to raise awareness of these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's civil procedure laws to allow courts to award legal costs and fees to the prevailing party in lawsuits involving the state, provided the state's position was not substantially justifiable. It defines "costs and fees" to include reasonable expenses for expert witnesses, studies, and attorney fees, while setting a standard cap of $75 per hour for legal services unless special circumstances justify a higher rate. The legislation also establishes specific eligibility criteria, excluding wealthy individuals and large organizations from receiving these awards, and requires the state to demonstrate that its actions caused the plaintiff to incur the expenses. Additionally, the bill outlines conditions under which a court may deny an award if the state's legal stance was frivolous or if the plaintiff engaged in conduct that unnecessarily prolonged the legal process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to clarify rules for contested cases and remove certain restrictions on how hearings are conducted. It ensures that all parties receive clear notice of hearings and have the right to present evidence and arguments, while also allowing presiding officers to order rehearings if the initial record is insufficient. A significant provision exempts parole hearings from these administrative procedures, meaning parole decisions will no longer follow the standard contested case rules. Additionally, the bill includes specific instructions for handling hearings involving state legislators, requiring that their testimony or participation be postponed to days when they are not attending legislative sessions.