Rep. Sarah Lightner

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares January 27, 2025, as Holocaust Remembrance Day in Michigan. It symbolically honors Holocaust victims, survivors, and liberators through a state-level recognition, emphasizing reflection on the historical atrocities committed during the Holocaust. The resolution encourages Michiganders to remember this history as a reminder to combat hatred through education and remembrance, without creating new legal requirements or affecting specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a 15-member Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses, appointed by the House Speaker (9 Republicans, 6 Democrats). The committee's sole purpose is to study and recommend legislation regarding Michigan's minimum wage (including for service workers) and earned sick time policies. It does not change current laws but will review potential future bills on these topics. The resolution was introduced and adopted on January 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Interstate 94 in Wayne County as the "Corporal Mohamed Said Memorial Highway." The designated section runs between Oakwood Boulevard and Outer Drive W. By adding this new section to the Michigan Memorial Highway Act, the legislation officially names the road in honor of Corporal Mohamed Said.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Tribal Legislative Liaison within Michigan's Legislative Council to strengthen government-to-government relationships between the state legislature and federally recognized tribes. The office will be led by a liaison appointed by the council from a list provided by the United Tribes of Michigan, who will be supported by at least two policy advisors. Key duties include visiting each tribe annually, advising lawmakers on how proposed legislation impacts tribal communities, and providing mandatory training for legislators on tribal history and consultation processes. Additionally, the office must submit an annual public report detailing tribal concerns raised during the legislative process to the governor and legislative leaders.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the duties of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to include providing legal representation for youth in juvenile court cases, in addition to its existing role for adults. By amending the state's indigent defense act, the legislation ensures that young people facing delinquency charges receive effective legal counsel starting from their initial court appearance. The commission will be responsible for setting minimum standards for how local courts deliver these services to both adults and youth, while also managing funding adjustments based on economic indicators. Ultimately, the bill aims to standardize the quality of legal defense available to financially unable defendants across the state's juvenile justice system.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution calls on Heidi Washington, the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections, to resign due to alleged failures in addressing dangerous working conditions within state prisons. The bill cites severe staffing shortages that have forced officers to work excessive overtime, leading to fatigue, safety risks, and a high rate of vacant positions across multiple facilities. It further alleges that the administration has ignored union concerns, blocked legislative funding for retention and training, and fostered a culture of retaliation against employees who report issues. Ultimately, the measure seeks to hold the director accountable for these conditions without proposing specific policy changes or new laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to explicitly state in Michigan election law that individuals who are not U.S. citizens are ineligible to register to vote or participate in any election within the state. The key provision adds a new section to the existing election code to clarify that non-citizens cannot vote in federal, state, or local races. By codifying this restriction, the bill aims to reinforce current legal standards regarding voter eligibility without changing the underlying requirement of citizenship.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution urges the President to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, commonly known as the Remain in Mexico program, which was previously used to process migrants from Mexico. The bill asks the administration to return asylum seekers who do not meet immediate entry requirements to Mexico while their immigration cases are processed in U.S. courts. Supporters argue that this policy helps reduce the number of people crossing the southern border and eases the burden on immigration authorities. The resolution does not change any laws directly but serves as a formal request to the executive branch to restore a policy that ended in 2022.

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as Dairy Month in Michigan to honor the state's dairy industry and its economic and nutritional contributions. The measure highlights the sector's role in providing jobs, producing milk, and supporting public health through nutritious food products. By adopting this declaration, the legislative body aims to raise awareness about the importance of dairy in a balanced diet without proposing any changes to existing laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's environmental laws to clarify definitions and reporting requirements for anaerobic digesters and the materials they produce. It establishes specific criteria for what counts as "beneficial use" for various waste by-products, such as ash and digestate, when used in construction, agriculture, or other applications. Additionally, the legislation sets new benchmarks for curbside recycling access, requiring municipalities to provide services to at least 90% of urban single-family homes by 2026 and 2028. These changes aim to standardize how waste management facilities operate and ensure that recycled materials are used safely and effectively across the state.