Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6300 amends the state's Freedom of Information Act to explicitly extend public records transparency requirements to the state legislature and the governor's office. The bill establishes specific procedures for these bodies to designate FOIA coordinators, process record requests, and handle appeals or civil actions for denied disclosures. It also defines a comprehensive list of exemptions for legislative and executive records, such as constituent communications, internal investigations, and security information, while clarifying that these new transparency rules do not override constitutional privileges and immunities.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6318 amends the state election law to explicitly prohibit denying or abridging any citizen's right to vote based on their sex. The bill adds a new section, 492c, to the Michigan Election Code to establish this specific protection. This provision directly affects all voters in the state by ensuring that gender cannot be used as a basis for restricting voting access.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates euchre as the official game of the state of Michigan. It creates a new act to formally establish this title in state law. The legislation does not impose any regulations or restrictions on how the game is played, but rather serves as a symbolic designation for the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Freedom of Information Act to explicitly extend public records disclosure requirements to the state legislature and the governor's office, which were previously excluded from the definition of a "public body." It also updates key definitions within the law to include modern digital technologies, such as cloud storage and quantum computing systems, in the scope of what constitutes a "writing" or public record. The legislation takes effect on January 1 of the first odd-numbered year at least six months after enactment, provided that a companion bill, House Bill No. 6300, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill amends the state's vehicle code to clarify that traffic violations designated as civil infractions cannot be treated as lesser included offenses of criminal charges. It establishes specific fine ranges for various driving and vehicle equipment violations, including a new provision that requires courts to waive fines and costs if a driver cited for an illegible registration plate provides proof of having obtained and installed a compliant plate before their court date. The legislation also mandates a $40 justice system assessment for most civil infractions and allows judges to order additional educational or rehabilitation programs alongside monetary penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to clarify definitions and procedures for commercial fishing in the state's Great Lakes waters. It directly affects licensed commercial fishermen, fish dealers, and the Department of Natural Resources by establishing precise meanings for terms like "abandoned gear," "quota," and various types of fishing nets. The legislation also adds new definitions to improve record-keeping requirements for fish production, storage, and sale, ensuring that all commercial activities are clearly regulated. By amending multiple existing sections and adding a new one, the bill aims to provide a more structured framework for managing allowable catch limits and enforcing fishing privileges.

Maddy summaryHB 4072 requires hospitals and freestanding surgical outpatient facilities to offer patients any unused eye drops or eye ointments after ophthalmic surgical procedures or medical care. This applies when the facility-provided medication was administered to the patient and is required for their ongoing treatment upon discharge. The bill details labeling requirements if a pharmacist dispenses the drug, and assigns the responsibility for patient counseling on its use to the prescribing doctor. This allows patients to take home remaining eye medications for continued care.

Maddy summaryHB 4103 adds a new section to Michigan's health occupations law to implement an occupational therapy licensure compact. This bill allows occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, and vice versa for therapists from other compact states. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines, reducing barriers to practice. The compact mechanism establishes standardized licensing requirements among participating states, streamlining the process for therapists to provide services in multiple jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHB 4104 updates Michigan's occupational therapy licensing rules to join a multi-state licensure compact. This would allow occupational therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill modifies existing law to align with the compact's standards and adds new sections for implementation. It directly affects occupational therapists seeking to work across state lines within the compact.

Maddy summaryHB 4042 exempts food vendors at temporary outdoor events like festivals, fairs, and community celebrations (e.g., chili cook-offs or cultural festivals) from standard food safety regulations that apply to permanent food service establishments. Specifically, it removes the requirement for these vendors to comply with the Michigan Food Code, food safety audits, and sanitation assessments during their temporary operations. This change directly affects food concession operators at events defined as "festivals" or "fairs" under the bill, including those held by local organizations or agricultural societies. The exemption applies only to the temporary nature of these events, not to permanent food service locations like restaurants or grocery stores. This is a technical amendment to existing law, not a new policy.