Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Michigan to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to award all their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most votes nationwide. The legislation declares that the one-person, one-vote principle requires the candidate with the highest national total to become President and outlines how Michigan's chief election official would count votes and designate the winner once the compact is active. The agreement only takes effect when states participating in it collectively hold a majority of the Electoral College votes, ensuring the current system remains in place until that threshold is met. If the compact becomes active, Michigan's laws regarding elector appointment will follow the compact's rules rather than conflicting state statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 6172 updates the Michigan Public Health Code to clarify how animal shelters and other Class B dealers can legally obtain and use sodium pentobarbital for euthanizing injured, sick, homeless, or unwanted domestic pets. The bill requires these facilities to secure a limited permit, maintain usage records, and ensure staff complete specific training programs approved by the state veterinarian that align with American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines. Additionally, it establishes a transition period for existing staff to meet new training requirements by January 1, 2022, while also reinforcing general rules for prescribing and dispensing controlled substances by practitioners and pharmacists.

Maddy summaryHB 6173 updates the Michigan penal code to clarify definitions and strengthen penalties related to animal fighting and baiting. The bill explicitly defines "animal control agencies" as shelters licensed under the Animal Protection Act and expands prohibitions to include renting or obtaining venues for these illegal activities. It also mandates that animal control agencies sterilize or secure a deposit for sterilization before adopting animals with fighting histories. Additionally, the legislation imposes stricter sentencing guidelines for owners whose trained fighting animals attack people and establishes specific misdemeanor charges for failing to restrain such animals on their property.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires officials who issue dog licenses in Michigan to inform owners about the availability of microchipping services at veterinarians and animal shelters. It defines animal control and protection shelters according to existing state laws to ensure consistency in how these facilities are identified. The legislation does not take effect until a companion bill is passed, meaning it currently has no immediate impact on policy.

Maddy summaryHB 6174 updates the definitions within Michigan's law regulating the use of dogs and cats for laboratory research. The bill clarifies who qualifies as an "animal protection shelter," a "dealer," and a "research facility" to ensure consistent application of existing rules. It also specifies which organizations are eligible to receive animals from research facilities before they are euthanized. This legislative change is currently tied to another bill, meaning it will only become effective if both are passed together.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Animal Welfare Fund Act by clarifying the definitions of several key terms used within the law. It explicitly states that "animal control shelter" and "animal protection shelter" refer to facilities licensed under a 1969 statute, while also defining the responsible state department, the fund itself, and who qualifies as a veterinarian. Additionally, it specifies that "state animal anticruelty laws" include specific chapters of the Michigan penal code regarding animal care. The bill is tied to another piece of legislation and will only take effect if that companion bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws to regulate pet shops, animal shelters, and dog breeding facilities by requiring them to undergo state inspections and obtain licenses. It establishes clear definitions for different types of facilities, such as small-scale and large-scale breeding kennels, and mandates that all adopted dogs, cats, and ferrets be altered, or spayed/neutered, unless specific exceptions apply. The legislation also creates a requirement for veterinarians to issue health certificates for animals sold by pet shops or breeders, ensuring they are free from visible communicable diseases. By amending existing statutes and adding new sections, the bill aims to standardize procedures and minimum requirements across the state to improve animal welfare and public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's environmental laws to strengthen regulations on the recycling and disposal of single-use and rechargeable batteries. It establishes a new "battery stewardship" program that will require producers to manage the end-of-life disposal of covered batteries starting in 2028, ensuring they are handled through approved programs rather than general waste. The legislation also sets a sales ban on certain covered batteries beginning in 2028, allowing only those from manufacturers with approved stewardship plans to be sold. Additionally, the bill updates existing definitions and penalties for improper battery disposal while creating a formal process for producers to submit and have their disposal plans reviewed by the state department.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish a formal framework for the recycling and end-of-life management of single-use and rechargeable batteries. It creates new legal definitions for key terms such as "covered battery," "producer," and "stewardship organization" to clarify which products and companies are subject to the new regulations. The legislation outlines requirements for producers to participate in battery recycling programs that meet specific collection and recycling efficiency goals. Additionally, it defines the roles and responsibilities of battery recyclers and collection sites to ensure proper handling of batteries sold or distributed in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how Michigan would appoint presidential electors if the state joins an agreement to choose the President based on the national popular vote rather than the Electoral College. It requires the state Board of State Canvassers to calculate the total national popular vote for each candidate and designate the winner accordingly, while also reporting these results to other participating states. If a tie occurs for the national popular vote, the bill specifies that Michigan would appoint electors based on which candidate received the most votes within Michigan itself. The legislation updates existing election laws to ensure these procedures are followed and includes requirements for issuing official certificates of appointment.