Sen. Kevin Hertel

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in Michigan to continue covering dependent children until they turn 26 and ensures these children receive the same benefits and premiums as other covered dependents. It also prohibits insurers from denying enrollment based on a child's birth outside of wedlock, failure to be claimed on a tax return, or non-residence with the parent. Additionally, the legislation bans lifetime and annual dollar limits on essential health benefits for most individual and small group plans while mandating coverage for specific services like mental health care, prescription drugs, and preventive screenings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund within the state treasury to support a specific grant program for veterans. The state treasurer is responsible for managing and investing the money in the fund, while the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will administer the fund and oversee its audits. Money in the fund will not be lost at the end of the fiscal year, and funds can only be used to create and operate the grant program after a formal appropriation. The bill does not take effect unless a related piece of legislation, Senate Bill 540, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires railroad companies in Michigan to operate freight trains with a crew of at least two people. The rule applies to all freight trains but includes specific exceptions for locomotives used in helper service, which assists trains with mechanical issues or steep grades, and hostler service, which moves trains short distances within a yard. Additionally, the requirement does not apply if a federal law or regulation already mandates a crew of two or more for freight trains in the state. By adding this section to the existing railroad code, the legislation establishes a clear minimum staffing standard for freight operations while acknowledging current federal standards and specialized operational scenarios.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Michigan Mental Health Code to allow psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants to petition for involuntary outpatient treatment orders. Previously, only physicians, psychologists, and other specific professionals could file these petitions to extend treatment for individuals who might refuse care voluntarily. The legislation defines these new eligible providers and requires that their clinical assessments be reviewed by a psychiatrist before a petition is submitted. This change aims to broaden the pool of qualified health professionals who can initiate extended treatment plans under the state's mental health code.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands dispute resolution options for people receiving mental health services in Michigan by mandating that they be offered mediation to settle conflicts with service providers. It requires health programs to inform individuals of their right to mediation when services begin and annually thereafter, while also ensuring that mediators are trained, independent, and knowledgeable about behavioral health laws. The legislation sets specific timelines for the mediation process, requiring it to start within 10 business days and conclude within 60 days, and establishes that any agreements reached are legally binding. Additionally, the bill mandates that contracted mediation organizations report their outcomes to the state department every six months to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the transfer of a 92.98-acre state-owned property in Green Oak Township, Livingston County, from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The legislation outlines the specific boundaries of the land and establishes that the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget will manage the transfer process while the receiving department covers associated survey and closing costs. Once approved by the State Administrative Board, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will assume full administrative control and responsibility for the property and any improvements on it.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Land Division Act to clarify how many separate parcels can be created when a large piece of land is split. It establishes specific limits based on the size of the original land, such as allowing up to four parcels for the first 10 acres and adding more for every subsequent 10 acres. The legislation also permits additional parcels in certain cases, such as when new roads are built or if one resulting piece remains larger than 60% of the original area. Furthermore, it allows for further splitting of existing exempt parcels after 10 years, provided the new divisions meet specific size and local zoning standards. These changes aim to provide clearer rules for landowners and local officials regarding land division without requiring full platting for smaller subdivisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal process in Michigan that allows misdemeanor defendants with mental health issues to be diverted from jail into a supervised outpatient treatment program instead of facing immediate criminal prosecution. Under the new rules, prosecutors, defendants, or their attorneys can request an assessment to determine if a person qualifies for this diversion, and if approved, a judge can order community-based treatment for up to 180 days. During this period, the criminal charges remain pending but are automatically dismissed after the treatment term ends, provided the defendant complies with the plan, while any violations of the treatment order are handled as a separate civil matter rather than a criminal one.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cities in Michigan to create special assessment districts to fund the maintenance or improvement of private roads within their boundaries. It enables the city legislative body to approve such projects by resolution or upon receiving a petition from more than half of the property owners along the road. Costs for these projects are shared pro rata among all property owners in the district based on their frontage, and the program can last up to five years unless a new district is established to continue it.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's school attendance laws to require kindergarten enrollment for children who turn five by September 1, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It allows parents to enroll children who turn five by December 1 in kindergarten, though schools can recommend against it while the parent keeps the final decision. The law also mandates that all public schools and academies offering first grade must provide kindergarten. Additionally, the bill clarifies that school districts are not required to operate their own schools directly and sets new age limits for compulsory attendance through age 18 for most students.