Rep. Tom Kunse

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to expand Michigan's medical assistance program to cover transportation services for individuals with behavioral health needs. It requires the state department to pay for these transport costs for eligible people and mandates that transport providers follow existing mental health code regulations. The legislation defines behavioral health transport as travel to and from treatment facilities and specifies that only approved agencies can provide this service. Importantly, the bill will not become law unless it is passed together with a companion bill, HB 5943.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing framework in Michigan for agencies that provide specialized transportation services for individuals experiencing mental health crises. It creates specific definitions for these services, which are designed to move medically stable people who do not require physical or chemical restraints to the nearest facility capable of meeting their needs. The legislation mandates that licensed agencies operate under medical supervision, maintain detailed logs of every trip, and implement strict safety and hygiene protocols for their vehicles and staff. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of transports, police interventions, and any investigations into staff misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new exemption from standard teen driver training for home-schooled students in Michigan who are seeking a learner's permit or intermediate license. Under the law, parents or guardians can administer their own driving curriculum as long as it meets the state's minimum instructional and driving standards. To qualify, the parent must submit a signed certificate to the Secretary of State confirming the student completed the required hours, including specific behind-the-wheel experience and nighttime driving. The bill also establishes a process where the Secretary of State must approve or reject the certificate within 10 business days, and if no response is received or specific defects are not listed, the certificate is automatically considered approved. Additionally, the legislation grants parents immunity from civil liability and administrative penalties if they submit a certificate in good faith, while prohibiting the state from adding extra documentation requirements beyond those specified.

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 summaryHB 5457 creates a state fund to support hyperbaric oxygen therapy through grants and a temporary pilot program. The Department of Health and Human Services will administer the fund, using it for grants and operating the pilot program. After the pilot concludes, any remaining funds will transfer to the general state fund. The bill requires another bill (HB 5456) to be enacted first.

Maddy summaryHB 5456 establishes a pilot program providing free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Michigan veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill creates a state grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, funding providers to deliver treatment at no cost to eligible veterans. Providers must use FDA-cleared chambers meeting specific safety standards and be accredited by organizations like the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine. The program requires the department to implement rules within 12 months and ends after the pilot period concludes.

Maddy summaryHB 4358 modifies Michigan's Home Rule City Act to standardize when city officials' terms begin. It requires that all elected city officers (like mayors and council members) serving terms starting after December 31, 2024, must begin their terms at 12 noon on the first day of the month following their election - replacing any existing charter provisions allowing earlier start dates. The bill also mandates that individuals filling vacant positions cannot take the oath of office until election results are certified by the board of canvassers. This applies to all Michigan cities with home rule charters and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryHB 4359 modifies Michigan village election rules by changing the start date for elected officials' terms from November 20 to December 1. It clarifies that villages electing six trustees (instead of three) must serve two-year terms, rather than four-year terms, and updates vacancy procedures to require a petition signed by 10% of voters within 10 days to trigger a special election when the council falls below quorum. These changes directly affect village officials and voters in all Michigan villages operating under the General Law Village Act (MCL 62.4 et seq.), streamlining term start dates and vacancy resolution. The bill passed with immediate effect in September 2025.