This bill establishes the Black Leadership Advisory Council by codifying its structure and duties into state law. The council will consist of 16 voting members, including the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and 15 individuals appointed by the governor to represent diverse Black leadership fields, with specific requirements for immigrant representation and youth inclusion. Its primary function is to advise the governor on policies aimed at eliminating racial inequity in areas such as healthcare, housing, and employment, while also identifying laws that perpetuate such disparities. The council will operate independently in its advisory role but relies on the department for budget and management, and it is required to submit an annual report on its activities and recommendations.
This bill modifies Michigan's worker's compensation laws to require insurance companies to file notices with the state director within 30 days when issuing, terminating, or changing policies. The legislation allows these notices to be submitted electronically without charging fees for the electronic filing system itself. Additionally, the bill directs the state director to create a rule-making process to establish and collect filing fees for these notices, while exempting renewals of existing policies from the filing requirement.
SB 536 amends the Michigan Plant Rehabilitation Act to update the legal definitions of key terms used in industrial tax programs. The bill clarifies what constitutes a "speculative building," which is defined as a new facility constructed before a specific tenant is identified or an existing building that has been unoccupied for at least four years in certain counties. It also provides more detailed criteria for "restoration" versus "replacement," specifying that major renovations involving structural improvements, equipment upgrades, or land changes qualify as restoration if they meet specific thresholds. These updated definitions directly affect local governmental units, development organizations, and property owners who apply for tax exemptions related to industrial facilities.
This bill is a resolution that formally honors Lillie Lester, the first woman and first Black woman to serve as a legislative sergeant-at-arms in the United States. It recognizes her significant contributions to the Michigan House of Representatives and her role in the civil rights movement, highlighting her career from a factory worker to a trusted advisor to lawmakers. The resolution acknowledges her legacy by noting her impact on the state legislature and her community, and it directs that copies of the document be sent to her family. This measure serves as an official record of appreciation rather than changing any laws or policies.
SB 537 amends Michigan law to update the definitions of key terms used in the state's plant rehabilitation and industrial development programs. The bill clarifies what counts as a "replacement facility," "new facility," and "industrial property," specifically expanding the list of eligible activities to include high-technology operations, strategic response centers, motorsports complexes, and various logistics and manufacturing uses. It also adjusts the criteria for certain electric generating plants and convention centers to qualify for these economic development initiatives. By refining these definitions, the legislation aims to provide clearer guidance to local governments and businesses regarding which projects can access tax exemptions and other benefits under the existing district programs.
This bill requires railroad companies in Michigan to operate freight trains with a crew of at least two people. The rule applies to all freight trains but includes specific exceptions for locomotives used in helper service, which assists trains with mechanical issues or steep grades, and hostler service, which moves trains short distances within a yard. Additionally, the requirement does not apply if a federal law or regulation already mandates a crew of two or more for freight trains in the state. By adding this section to the existing railroad code, the legislation establishes a clear minimum staffing standard for freight operations while acknowledging current federal standards and specialized operational scenarios.
This bill requires private physician offices and urgent care clinics in Michigan to ask new patients aged 18 to 45 if they want information about donating bone marrow. It also mandates that these facilities ask new patients if they are interested in learning about the state's organ and tissue donor registry. If a patient requests this information, the providers must offer educational materials and contact details for relevant donation programs. The law allows these inquiries and the delivery of information to happen verbally, in writing, or electronically.
This bill requires hospitals in Michigan to adopt and publicly post a written policy outlining the rights and responsibilities of patients. The new policy must include specific protections such as non-discrimination, access to medical records, privacy during treatment, and the right to refuse care while being informed of the consequences. A critical provision ensures that hospitals must stabilize a pregnant patient in labor before terminating the patient-provider relationship due to a refusal of treatment. Additionally, the bill mandates that facilities provide clear information about billing, financial assistance, and the staff responsible for a patient's direct care.
This bill expands Michigan's Essential Health Provider Repayment Program to include midwives alongside other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and dentists. By adding midwives to the list of eligible "designated professionals," the legislation allows them to receive loan repayments or expense reimbursements if they agree to work full-time in designated health resource shortage areas. The key mechanism involves a contractual agreement where the state repays a portion of the professional's education debt or training costs in exchange for a service commitment that matches the repayment amount or lasts for at least two years. This change aims to incentivize midwives to practice in underserved communities to help address local healthcare needs.
This bill expands Michigan's civil rights protections by explicitly adding pregnancy and lactating status to the definition of "sex" under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. It directly affects businesses, educational institutions, and public services by prohibiting discrimination against individuals based on these specific conditions. The law clarifies that places of public accommodation include various private clubs, such as country clubs and sports organizations, ensuring broader coverage against unfair treatment. By amending existing statutes, the measure aims to ensure that pregnant people and those who are lactating are treated with the same protections as other individuals in public spaces.
This bill amends Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to allow individuals to specify their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment if they become pregnant while a patient advocate designation is in effect. It clarifies that a person's pregnancy status does not limit their right to designate a patient advocate or to include instructions on medical care, anatomical gifts, and decision-making standards. The legislation explicitly prohibits using a patient advocate designation to withhold or withdraw treatment from a pregnant patient in a way that results in the patient's death, while still permitting clear and convincing instructions on other end-of-life decisions. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for accepting the designation, including the need for the proposed advocate to sign an acceptance form and adhere to fiduciary standards.
This bill amends Michigan's Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to hold meetings remotely for members with disabilities or those on military duty. It establishes specific rules for when remote attendance is permitted, such as requiring all non-disabled members to be physically present after December 31, 2021, while exempting certain agricultural and retirement system groups from this restriction. The legislation also mandates that electronic meetings must support two-way communication between members and the public, including options for typed comments during public speaking periods. Additionally, it defines disability as a condition that substantially limits major life activities and clarifies that a physical meeting location is not required for these electronic sessions.
