Rep. Greg Alexander

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Medical Debt Act, prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in credit reports and bars creditors from reporting such debts to these agencies. It also prevents lenders from using unpaid medical bills as a negative factor when making credit decisions, with the exception of large mortgage loans exceeding federal limits. Additionally, the law restricts collection agencies from falsely claiming that medical debt will be reported on a consumer's credit file. These measures aim to protect individuals from having their medical financial obligations negatively impact their creditworthiness and future borrowing opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 4894 modifies Michigan's Skilled Trades Regulation Act by adding Section 1020 to remove a requirement that building inspector applicants must have completed qualifying experience within the 5 years before applying. This change directly affects individuals seeking registration as building inspectors by allowing them to use qualifying experience earned more than five years prior. The bill's key mechanism eliminates a specific time limit on qualifying experience, making it easier for applicants with older experience to apply. It does not change other licensing fees or standards, only the experience timeline for building inspector registration.

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 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 summaryHB 5358 modifies Michigan's teacher licensing requirements. It requires teachers seeking professional certification to complete a 3-credit course on diagnosing and supporting students with reading disabilities, including specific tools and strategies. The bill also creates streamlined pathways for out-of-state teachers to obtain Michigan certification if they've taught successfully for at least 3 years in their previous state, waiving some exam and reading course requirements. These changes directly affect teachers, school districts, and teacher preparation programs by altering certification standards and reciprocity processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to establish a presumption that equal or approximately equal parenting time with both parents is in a child's best interest. It requires courts to inform parents about joint custody options and the presumption of equal time during custody disputes, and specifies that "joint custody" means either shared decision-making for important child welfare matters or equal physical time with each parent. The bill also clarifies that joint custody does not affect child support obligations, which remain based on each parent's resources and the child's needs. This applies directly to parents involved in custody cases and judges handling such cases under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHB 5211 would amend Michigan's Child Custody Act to create a legal presumption that equal or nearly equal parenting time between both parents is in a child's best interest for disputes between parents. This presumption would apply unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence that equal time is not appropriate. The bill does not change the existing "best interests of the child" standard (listed in Section 3), but establishes equal parenting time as the default starting point under Section 5. This applies specifically to custody disputes between parents, not involving agencies or third parties, and does not affect provisions addressing cases involving criminal sexual conduct by a parent.