Sen. Erika Geiss

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Bruce Patterson, a former Michigan state legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and Senate. It recognizes his public service career, which included leadership roles in committees on energy policy, environmental protection, and consumer rights, as well as his advocacy for nursing home care and water pollution control. The resolution expresses the Legislature's tribute to his memory and directs that copies be sent to his family.

Maddy summarySB 794 prohibits landlords from using algorithmic pricing software that incorporates nonpublic competitor data - such as actual rent prices or occupancy rates from other landlords - to coordinate rent pricing or enter into anti-competitive agreements. The bill defines "nonpublic competitor data" as information not widely available to the public and bans its use in software that advises landlords on rent amounts for prospective tenants. This directly affects landlords who rely on such tools to set or adjust rental rates. Violations would be treated as violations of Michigan's antitrust laws, potentially leading to penalties.

Maddy summarySB 795 requires landlords in Michigan to offer tenants the option of having their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus. Landlords must provide this option when a lease is signed and annually thereafter, with clear disclosure of fees (capped at $10/month or actual cost), opt-in/out procedures, and a 6-month waiting period after opting out. The law applies to most rental agreements but excludes small landlords with 15 or fewer units (unless they own multiple properties) and assisted housing developments. Tenants who opt in can build credit history, while landlords must follow specific disclosure rules and cannot charge fees for non-payment of the optional reporting fee.

Maddy summarySB 372 allows landlords to reuse tenant screening reports prepared by prospective tenants within the previous 45 days, reducing costs for renters. Landlords who accept these reusable reports cannot charge a rental application fee, while those who decline may charge up to $25 only if they first disclose all screening criteria in writing. The bill requires landlords advertising rentals to state whether they accept reusable screening reports. It directly affects prospective tenants (who pay less for applications) and landlords (who must adjust their screening processes and fee structures). The bill amends Michigan's Landlord and Tenant Act to streamline screening and limit fees.

Maddy summarySB 374 changes Michigan's eviction court record rules to help tenants by making it easier to seal or remove their records. It requires courts to seal eviction records until a judgment for possession is entered and allows sealing after judgment if the tenant vacated before the case, received emergency rental assistance, or owed less than $900 in rent. The bill automatically removes (expunges) records three years after a judgment becomes final and restricts access to sealed records - only allowing limited release for scholarly, educational, or legal purposes with court approval. This directly affects tenants in eviction cases and landlords who might otherwise use sealed records to deny housing.

Maddy summarySB 375 amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to clarify that "rent" includes essential services like heat, water, electricity, and pest control provided by landlords. It prohibits landlords from charging unreasonable fees, such as late fees exceeding $30 or 3% of rent, fees for non-renewal notices beyond one month, or fees for third-party services. The bill also requires rental agreements to include specific terms like tenant/landlord names, property description, rent amount, and payment schedule. These changes directly affect Michigan tenants and landlords by increasing transparency and preventing unfair financial burdens.

Maddy summarySB 806 creates a dedicated "hyperbaric oxygen therapy inspection fund" in the state treasury, funded by licensing fees paid by freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities. The fund is managed by the state treasurer and administered by the state health department, with all money used solely for inspecting these facilities. This bill directly affects hyperbaric oxygen therapy providers and the state's inspection process for their facilities. The fund ensures consistent, dedicated funding for inspections, replacing general appropriations for this specific purpose.

Maddy summarySB 803 creates a new licensure requirement for freestanding facilities that provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a medical treatment using pressurized oxygen. It directly affects businesses operating standalone HBOT centers and patients receiving this therapy by establishing specific safety and operational standards. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add licensing rules for these facilities, ensuring they meet state health and safety criteria. This change applies to facilities not located within hospitals, requiring them to obtain state licensure before operation.

Maddy summarySB 804 adds new licensing requirements for freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities in Michigan, directly affecting these specialized treatment centers. The bill requires facilities to appoint a medical director and safety coordinator, comply with national fire safety standards (NFPA 99), and ensure staff meet specific licensing qualifications. It defines key terms like "accreditation organization" and "qualified health professional" to establish clear operational standards. The legislation is contingent on three related bills (SB 803, 805, 806) also being enacted.