Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to strengthen protections against harassment within educational institutions, covering public and private schools, colleges, and vocational programs. It explicitly defines harassment to include unwelcome conduct that interferes with a person's education or creates a hostile environment, and it clarifies that such harassment includes sexual conduct quid pro quo situations. The legislation holds institutions responsible for harassment by their employees, contractors, or other agents, as well as harassment by outsiders, if the school receives notice and fails to act. To avoid liability, schools must demonstrate they have implemented comprehensive prevention policies, conducted annual training for students and staff, established clear complaint procedures, and provided timely supportive measures to affected individuals.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 6081 amends Michigan's state income tax law to allow taxpayers to deduct distributions from baby bond trust accounts when those funds are used for eligible education expenses. This change directly affects individuals who have invested in Michigan's 529 college savings plans and are using the money to pay for tuition or other qualified costs. The bill modifies the existing tax code by adding a specific line item that reduces taxable income by the amount of these distributions, effectively providing a tax benefit for utilizing the savings. By aligning the treatment of baby bond withdrawals with other education-related deductions, the legislation aims to simplify the tax process for families saving for higher education.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to change how income is calculated for people applying for Michigan's state medical assistance program. Specifically, it would exclude money received from the Michigan Baby Bond Trust Account program when determining if an applicant qualifies for help. The bill does not alter other rules regarding support payments from estranged spouses or parents, nor does it change the overall income threshold used for eligibility. Because this bill requires another piece of legislation to pass first, it is currently inactive and has not yet taken effect.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Baby Bond Trust Fund within the Michigan Department of Treasury to support the state's existing baby bond trust account program. The fund will be financed through various sources, managed by the state treasurer, and used to cover the costs of administering the program and establishing individual accounts for designated beneficiaries. Money held in the fund at the end of each fiscal year will remain available for future use rather than being returned to the general fund. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit an annual report on the fund's activities to the governor and legislative leaders. This measure is contingent upon the simultaneous passage of related companion bills to fully implement the program.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's governmental immunity laws to explicitly exempt school employees and volunteers from liability when they are sued for harassment. It clarifies that this exemption applies regardless of whether the conduct is considered discretionary or ministerial, provided the individual was acting within their authority and did not commit gross negligence. The legislation also maintains existing protections for judges, legislators, and medical personnel while defining specific terms like "gross negligence" and "tactical operation." Ultimately, the measure aims to remove barriers that might prevent victims of school harassment from seeking legal recourse against public officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove the $300 annual cap on retirement allowance increases for state employees in Michigan. Under the new rules, the annual increase would be calculated as 3% of the retirement allowance, without the previous dollar limit. The legislation also modifies how supplemental payments are distributed to retirees based on investment returns and service credits. These changes would directly affect current and future state retirees by potentially increasing their annual pension growth.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent Family Advisory Board within Michigan's Department of Corrections to improve visitation policies and family reunification efforts. The board will consist of 11 to 16 members, including representatives from the department, the legislative corrections ombudsman, current and former incarcerated individuals, and family members, who will meet regularly and hold public informational sessions. Additionally, the bill modifies hearing procedures by requiring that prisoners be granted access to video recordings of restricted visits before their evidentiary hearings, unless such access is deemed dangerous or disruptive. The department must also consult with the advisory board on any proposed changes to visitation policies and provide them with draft documents for review.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Climate Resiliency Corps program in Michigan to train and employ residents in projects that address climate change, such as creating green infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture. The program would be managed by the Michigan Community Service Commission in partnership with local governments, nonprofits, universities, and other organizations, with a goal of placing at least 40% of participants in environmental justice communities. Selected corps members, who must be state residents at least 17 years old, would receive wages or stipends, scholarships, and workforce development training while working on approved resiliency projects. The legislation also creates a dedicated state fund to finance grants, scholarships, and the administrative costs of running the program.
Maddy summaryHB 6069 amends Michigan's existing use tax law to clarify how the tax applies when people buy goods or services outside the state but use them here. The bill introduces new rules for taxing vehicles, recreational vehicles, aircraft, and other large items, requiring the tax to be paid before these items are registered or titled. It also updates exemptions for family gifts and estate transfers while establishing specific revenue targets for local community stabilization funds. Ultimately, the legislation aims to ensure that individuals who bring taxable items into Michigan for personal use pay the appropriate 6% tax, regardless of where the purchase originated.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners in Michigan who have already qualified for a property tax exemption due to poverty to skip the annual reapplication process for up to three years, provided they continue to own and occupy the home and receive a fixed income from sources like Social Security or public assistance. Under current rules, eligible individuals must file a new claim with their local board of review every year, but this legislation creates an exception for those whose income does not fluctuate significantly, thereby reducing administrative burdens for low-income residents. The law also requires homeowners to file a simple affidavit within 45 days if their living situation changes or if they no longer meet the income requirements, ensuring that the exemption is only maintained for those who remain eligible.