Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Revised School Code to establish stricter requirements for hiring and renewing credentials for school counselors and substitute teachers. It mandates that anyone serving in a school counseling role must hold a valid credential, which requires a master's degree in an approved program, passing a state exam, and meeting specific experience or licensure standards for out-of-state professionals. Additionally, the law requires school counselor credentials to be renewed only after completing 25 hours of professional development focused on college preparation and 25 hours on career counseling, including specific topics like military options and skilled trades. The legislation also clarifies qualifications for substitute teachers, allowing those with at least 60 college credits or specific expertise in career and technical education fields to serve without a full teaching certificate. Finally, it requires school districts to report to the state superintendent if they employ individuals who do not meet these new certification or credentialing standards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to cover specific cancer drugs, including genetic therapies and immunotherapies like CAR-T cell therapy, even when used for purposes not originally approved by the FDA. Coverage is mandated for any FDA-approved drug used in cancer treatment if a physician orders it based on current medical evidence, the drug is part of a standard cancer regimen, and the patient provides informed consent for the off-label use. The law ensures that insurers must pay for the medication and its reasonable administration costs under these conditions, regardless of whether the specific cancer being treated matches the drug's initial FDA approval. This change directly affects patients seeking advanced cancer treatments and the insurance providers that must now include these therapies in their policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state of Michigan to coordinate efforts to conserve, restore, and connect 30% of the state's land and water areas by the year 2030. To achieve this goal, the state department must create six regional conservation plans by December 2025, covering all parts of the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The development of these plans requires public input from a wide range of stakeholders, including local governments, private landowners, tribal nations, and environmental organizations. Additionally, the legislation defines key terms such as biological diversity, ecosystem services, and environmental justice to guide these conservation efforts.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers with sales floors larger than 2,500 square feet from placing co-branded alcoholic beverages next to youth-oriented snacks, cartoons, or similar items. For smaller stores, the law allows either the same prohibition or the option to post a specific age-restriction sign near those displays. The term "co-branded" refers to alcohol products that share logos or packaging with non-alcoholic drinks. Any fines for breaking these rules must be added to the state's liquor enforcement fund.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's existing bottle deposit law to require a minimum 10-cent refundable deposit on a wider variety of beverage containers, including certain juices and noncarbonated drinks. It directly affects dealers, distributors, and manufacturers by mandating that they collect deposits when selling returnable containers and pay refunds when empty containers are returned. The legislation also establishes new definitions for different types of containers and creates specific rules for handling unredeemed deposits. Additionally, the bill outlines the duties of state agencies and sets penalties for violations of the new deposit requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Black Leadership Advisory Council by codifying its structure and duties into state law. The council will consist of 16 voting members, including the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and 15 individuals appointed by the governor to represent diverse Black leadership fields, with specific requirements for immigrant representation and youth inclusion. Its primary function is to advise the governor on policies aimed at eliminating racial inequity in areas such as healthcare, housing, and employment, while also identifying laws that perpetuate such disparities. The council will operate independently in its advisory role but relies on the department for budget and management, and it is required to submit an annual report on its activities and recommendations.
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 amends Michigan's income tax law to allow taxpayers to deduct family leave optimal coverage benefits from their taxable income. The change applies to individuals who pay for these specific family leave insurance plans and directly affects their state tax liability. By adding this new deduction, the legislation reduces the amount of income subject to state taxation for those who utilize the coverage. The bill does not alter how the benefits are calculated or the eligibility requirements for the insurance plans themselves.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Family Leave Optimal Coverage Act to provide paid time off and financial benefits to Michigan workers for caring for family members during events like childbirth, adoption, domestic violence, or serious health issues. To qualify, employees must have earned at least $3,000 in wages during a specific base period or be self-employed, and the program requires both employer and employee contributions to a state fund. The legislation defines eligible family members broadly to include children, parents, spouses, and domestic partners, while also setting rules for calculating benefit amounts and preventing discrimination against those who take leave. Additionally, the act outlines procedures for filing claims, resolving disputes, and reporting data to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals in Michigan to adopt and publicly post a written policy outlining the rights and responsibilities of patients. The new policy must include specific protections such as non-discrimination, access to medical records, privacy during treatment, and the right to refuse care while being informed of the consequences. A critical provision ensures that hospitals must stabilize a pregnant patient in labor before terminating the patient-provider relationship due to a refusal of treatment. Additionally, the bill mandates that facilities provide clear information about billing, financial assistance, and the staff responsible for a patient's direct care.