Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6293 establishes the MiNURSES program within the state health department to increase the recruitment, placement, and retention of primary care nurses in rural and urban underserved areas. The bill provides financial assistance for nursing education loans or scholarships to nurses who agree to a two-year service obligation working full-time in designated underserved locations. Payments are made as lump sums at the end of each year of service, funded by a new state treasury account that can receive money from various sources. An advisory commission is created to make recommendations on program operations, and the department must publish an annual report detailing the program's cost-effectiveness, successes, and challenges.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6321 enhances the regulatory standards for adult foster care facilities by requiring the state department to publish online information regarding facility ownership, staff-to-resident ratios, and a five-year history of violations. The bill mandates that facilities post clear complaint procedures and provide new residents with written notices detailing their rights, medication policies, and the distinction between foster care and nursing home services. Additionally, it establishes specific resident rights, including the ability to review health records and past satisfaction surveys, while requiring facilities to maintain a documented internal complaint process that responds to grievances within seven business days.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6319 amends the state's Mental Health Code to expand the legal definition of a "mental health professional" to include physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. This change allows these three groups of healthcare providers to perform specific clinical functions previously reserved for physicians or psychiatrists, such as conducting physical examinations for involuntary treatment petitions and authorizing the use of physical restraints or seclusion in mental health facilities. The bill also updates related definitions and procedural requirements throughout the code to ensure these new professionals are recognized in contexts involving patient rights, court hearings, and facility safety protocols.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6317 establishes a legal framework for community cat programs by defining free-roaming cats without visible identification as "community cats" and exempting them from state and local licensing, at-large, and feeding restrictions. The bill authorizes program sponsors to release these cats back into their original locations after they have been sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, and ear-tipped, a process that must be performed while the animal is anesthetized. Individuals who care for these cats are legally protected from being classified as owners or possessors, which prevents them from violating local pet ownership limits, though they remain subject to existing laws prohibiting animal cruelty and neglect. Sponsors and caretakers are required to maintain sterilization and vaccination records for at least three years and make reasonable efforts to arrange veterinary care for sick or injured animals.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6322 establishes mandatory training standards for unlicensed direct care staff working in adult foster care facilities. The bill requires new hires to complete specific courses within 120 days of being hired, covering topics such as empathy for the aging process, resident rights, dementia care, and identifying abuse. It also mandates annual continuing education and specialized medication administration training for staff who assist residents with taking their medicines. Facilities must maintain detailed records of all training completion and ensure that no staff member has unsupervised contact with a resident until the required initial courses are finished.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6306 expands the state's consumer protection laws by introducing higher civil fines for businesses that target elderly individuals or vulnerable adults with deceptive practices. The bill defines an elder person as someone aged 80 or older and a vulnerable adult as an individual requiring supervision due to age, disability, or mental illness, subjecting violators to penalties of up to $50,000 per violation if the conduct is persistent and knowing. Additionally, the legislation creates a revolving enforcement and education fund in the state treasury, which will be financed by attorney fees, costs, and unclaimed damages recovered from consumer protection and antitrust cases. This fund will support the Department of Attorney General's efforts to enforce these laws and educate the public on consumer rights.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6294 creates a new individual income tax credit for health care professionals who serve as preceptors for student clinical rotations at approved state institutions. For tax years between 2027 and 2031, eligible preceptors can claim $1,000 for every 250 hours of supervision completed, with a maximum annual credit of $3,000. To qualify, the professional must not receive any other payment for their preceptor services and must submit certified documentation verifying their hours when filing their tax return. Any portion of the credit that exceeds the taxpayer's total tax liability for the year will be refunded to them.

Maddy summaryMichigan House Bill 6279 amends the state's corrections code to require the Department of Corrections to provide prisoners with timely access to medical, dental, optical, and mental health care while ensuring privacy and dignity during treatment. The legislation mandates that the department identify and address the needs of prisoners with disabilities by providing assistive equipment such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. Additionally, it requires the maintenance of safe environmental conditions, including proper sanitation and ventilation, to prevent risks to prisoner health. Prisoners who believe these standards are not met can file grievances through the existing departmental system.

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 6280 requires the state Department of Corrections to establish specific policies governing the use of recording devices in sensitive medical settings within correctional facilities. The bill limits the use of audio, video, or photographic recording to situations where it is reasonably necessary for safety, security, or documentation purposes. It mandates that any recording must be conducted in a way that minimizes intrusion on prisoner privacy and requires staff to document the specific reason for using the device. Additionally, the legislation requires the department to maintain policies for the retention, storage, and access of these recordings in compliance with existing laws.