Hello from Lansing!
February has been a busy month for us. Over 100 new laws took effect on Feb. 13, making Michigan a better place by putting people first. In addition, my team and I are working hard on your behalf. We have been providing testimony on important bills all month, like updating Michigan’s car seat safety standards to include a child’s height and weight for the first time in Michigan history. If you’d like to learn more about this legislation, I will be hosting a happy hour at HOMES Campus in Scio Township, THIS FRIDAY, Feb. 23, from 4-5:30 p.m. More details are below.
As always, my team can be reached at CarrieRheingans@house.mi.gov or (517) 373-8835.
In Service,
Carrie Rheingans
State Representative
District 47
Legislative Updates
2023 Laws Going into Effect
After a historic year, Michigan passed many significant pieces of legislation that took effect on Feb. 13.
Gun safety laws
This year, gun safety-related legislation (SBs 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 471, 472, and 528 and HBs 4138 and 4142) will take effect, including the following: safe gun storage requirements, expanded background checks, laws permitting courts to temporarily remove guns from those a judge deems to pose a threat to themselves or others, and temporarily prohibitions on those with domestic violence convictions from possessing and purchasing firearms.
LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Protections Expanded
SB 4 expands the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include legal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
Restoring Workers’ Rights
To give power back to the workers and unions, HB 4004 repeals the state’s so-called “right-to-work” law. HB 4007 reinstates the prevailing wage law that requires the contractors hired by the state to pay union-level wages.
Reproductive Health Act
The Reproductive Health Act (SBs 474, 476, and 477 and HBs 4949, 4951, 4953, 4954, 4955, and 4956) removes restrictive regulations for clinics that have no bearing on the services they provide, repeals a state law requiring the purchase of a special insurance rider to cover abortion, and removes a law banning higher education institutions’ pregnant and parenting services offices from providing referrals for abortion services.
Car Seat Safety Standards
The last time Michigan updated its car seat safety standards was in 2009. To put that in perspective, the kids who were in car seats the last time our guidelines were updated are either driving themselves or have their learner’s permits. My bill (HB 4511) and state Rep. John Fitzgerald’s bill (HB 4512) will bring Michigan’s standards up to current federal and industry standards, bring down the civil fine from $25 to $10, and allow courts to waive the fine altogether if the person demonstrates that they took corrective action.
Motor vehicle incidents are the second leading cause of death for children. We must enhance protections for young children by encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure children are placed in the appropriate safety or booster seat.
Two weeks ago, my legislative director, Ryan Bartholomew, gave testimony on HB 4511 in the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Last week, both bills were passed out of the committee. Now we wait for the full Senate to pass the bills, which we are hopeful will soon be on the governor’s desk!
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My legislative director, Ryan Bartholomew, testifying on HB 4511.
Community Resources
Tax Filing Season
The 2024 tax season is upon us, and the Michigan Department of Treasury is now accepting and processing individual income tax returns.
Individuals can file their state income tax return with a tax professional, or by mailing in paper forms and documents. All Michigan and federal income tax returns and payments of any taxes owed must be received by April 15.
Please go to the Michigan Individual Income Tax webpage to learn more about filing your individual income tax, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the retirement tax rollback, and more.
Washtenaw County’s Child Savings Account
Washtenaw County Intermediate School District and county government are proud to launch the My Future Fund, a county-wide children’s savings account program. Eligible Washtenaw County first- through sixth-graders will receive free money and support for college and career training.
Complete the My Future Fund Release of Information form by March 19 for your grade-schooler to be included in the next round of deposits, if eligible, at this form page.
Upcoming Events
February’s Constituent Engagement Happy Hour
On Friday, Feb. 23, from 4-5:30 p.m., I will be hosting a constituent happy hour at HOMES Campus (112 Jackson Plaza in Ann Arbor).
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If you’d like to learn more about what is happening in the district and Lansing, please mark your interest on my official Facebook event page.
Community Violence Intervention Town Hall
On Monday, March 11, from 6-7:30 p.m., special guests state Sen. Sue Shink, Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney, and I will be hosting an educational town hall on steps taken and resources available for community violence intervention in Jackson County at Jackson College (2111 Emmons Road in Jackson).
March’s Constituent Engagement Coffee Hour
On Friday, March 15, from 10-11 a.m., I will be hosting a constituent coffee hour in Dexter with special guest state Rep. Jennifer Conlin at the Dexter Senior Center (7720 Ann Arbor St. in Dexter).
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