Sen. Jeff Irwin

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the ability of pharmacists and community-based organizations to dispense opioid antagonists without requiring individual patient prescriptions. It allows a state public health physician to issue standing orders that authorize these groups to distribute the medication during public health emergencies or when standard prescribing barriers hinder public health goals. The legislation includes specific rules for how these orders must be written, how long they remain in effect, and provides legal immunity to the physicians and organizations involved, except in cases of gross negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands protections for people buying Medicare supplement insurance in Michigan by prohibiting insurers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on an applicant's health status or medical history. It specifically requires insurers to offer these policies to older adults during their initial six-month enrollment period for Medicare Part B, as well as to those switching plans within 60 days of their birthday or non-age-eligible individuals who have already enrolled in Medicare Part B. Under the new rules, qualifying applicants cannot face preexisting condition exclusions if they have had continuous creditable coverage for at least six months, and any such exclusions must be reduced by the length of that prior coverage. The legislation also clarifies which types of insurance do not count as creditable coverage, such as accident insurance, workers' compensation, and limited dental or vision plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's laws to allow individuals convicted of felonies before January 8, 2001, to request DNA testing of biological evidence collected during their original investigation. For those convicted on or after that date, the law requires showing that the evidence was never tested, or if it was, that new technology could provide more accurate results. To qualify, a petitioner must prove the biological material is still available and was central to proving their identity as the perpetrator of the crime. If the court orders testing and finds the defendant is not the source of the DNA, it will appoint legal counsel and hold a hearing to decide whether a new trial is warranted. The bill also ensures that victims are notified of these petitions and that testing costs are covered by the state for indigent defendants.

Maddy summarySB 1155 amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to explicitly prohibit landlords and tenants from engaging in unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable trade practices. The bill expands existing definitions of unlawful behavior to include specific actions such as making false claims about property conditions, misrepresenting the need for repairs, or using deceptive tactics regarding lease terms and fees. By clarifying these prohibited acts, the legislation aims to provide clearer standards for what constitutes unfair trade practices in residential housing transactions. This update directly affects both property owners and renters by reinforcing legal protections against misleading representations and abusive sales tactics.

Maddy summarySB 1159 amends Michigan's wrongful death laws to explicitly allow families to recover damages for the lost future earning capacity of a deceased person. The bill clarifies who is eligible to receive these damages, including spouses, children, parents, and other relatives, as well as beneficiaries named in a will or trust. It establishes strict procedures for notifying potential claimants and requires them to submit their claims within a specific timeframe to receive a share of any settlement or judgment. Additionally, the legislation outlines how courts should distribute proceeds, ensuring that funds for medical expenses and funeral costs are paid first before distributing remaining amounts to eligible survivors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement agencies in Michigan to get written consent from a parent or legal guardian before using anyone under 18 as an informant or a participant in law enforcement activities. The law defines specific types of agencies covered, including police departments, sheriff offices, and university police, while excluding minors who are legally emancipated. If an agency uses a minor without this required consent, parents can go to court to stop the practice and may receive at least $500 plus their legal fees as compensation.

Maddy summarySB 1115 updates the Michigan Medical Records Access Act to clarify who qualifies as an authorized representative for accessing medical records, specifically adding life insurance beneficiaries and heirs for deceased patients. The bill also expands the definition of a "qualified individual" to include veterans and others appealing disability benefit denials, ensuring they are not charged fees for obtaining their own records. Additionally, the legislation modifies fee structures for medical records companies, setting a $20 initial request fee and establishing lower per-page rates for paper copies to reduce costs for patients and their representatives. These changes directly affect healthcare providers, medical records companies, and individuals seeking access to their health information.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a waiver allowing individuals recently released from prison to obtain automobile insurance without penalty for a lapse in coverage during their incarceration. It requires applicants to provide a certified statement confirming they were in a correctional facility and released within the last six months to qualify for this exception. By adding this provision to existing underwriting rules, the legislation prevents insurers from refusing coverage, limiting options, or charging higher premiums solely based on the failure to maintain insurance while the person was imprisoned.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for Michigan cities, townships, and counties to create stormwater management utilities and charge fees to property owners. To implement these fees, local governments must first develop a five-year management plan that details how fees will be calculated and includes a public hearing for community input. The law also outlines how property owners can request fee reductions or appeal their charges if they disagree with the amount assessed. Ultimately, the legislation provides the authority and procedural steps for local units of government to fund stormwater infrastructure through a dedicated utility system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.