Sen. Erika Geiss

Maddy summarySB 714 amends Michigan's sports betting law to regulate advertising and promotions for internet gaming. It requires all sports betting ads to be pre-approved by the state board and prohibits advertising to anyone under 21, limiting ads to audiences where under 21s make up no more than 30% of viewers/readers. The bill also bans deceptive claims, mandates disclaimers about gambling addiction helplines, and prohibits sponsorships targeting minors (with limited exceptions for venues or channels). Violations carry fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses or license revocation for third violations. These rules apply directly to sports betting operators and their marketing efforts.

Maddy summarySB 713 regulates advertisements for internet gaming in Michigan by requiring all ads to be approved by the state board and comply with state law. It bans deceptive marketing, prohibits advertising to anyone under 21 (with strict proof that under 30% of an ad's audience is under 21), and mandates addiction disclaimers with a helpline number. Internet gaming operators face fines up to $5,000 for first violations and license revocation for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects online gaming companies and advertisers, while allowing municipalities to set reasonable sign restrictions that don’t conflict with the law.

Maddy summarySB 710 bans the use and sale of coal tar sealants and other sealants high in PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) on pavement in Michigan, with exceptions for approved environmental research or development. It requires sellers to obtain a "no-Michigan-use form" from buyers who will not use the product within the state, and property owners applying these sealants without an exemption are presumed to have done so. Violations can result in civil fines of up to $5,000. The bill aims to reduce PAH pollution from pavement sealants, directly affecting property owners, contractors, and sellers of these products.

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a memorial resolution honoring Irma Clark-Coleman, a former Michigan state legislator who served in the House (1999-2002) and Senate (2003-2010). The resolution recognizes her decades of public service at both local (Wayne County) and state levels, including her advocacy for education reform and legislative work on children’s issues. Unanimously adopted by the Michigan Legislature in December 2025, it serves as a formal tribute to her legacy and does not enact any policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 350 would allow Michigan public school students to opt out of the workforce readiness assessment portion of the Michigan Merit Examination. Currently required for high school graduation, this section tests job skills and career readiness; the bill would give students the choice to skip it without academic penalty. The change directly affects students in Michigan public schools who take the exam, which is mandatory for graduation. The bill amends state law (MCL 388.1704b) to create this opt-out option, focusing on student choice in a specific assessment component.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal (SJR F) removes gender-specific language from two Michigan Constitution sections. It repeals the current definition of marriage as "the union of one man and one woman" (Article I, Section 25) and updates property rights language to be gender-neutral (Article X, Section 1). The change would affect all Michiganders by eliminating gender-based restrictions in marriage recognition and ensuring property rights for married individuals are defined without gender distinctions. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to reflect these neutral terms. The bill is currently in committee for review.

Maddy summarySB 251 proposes a new law requiring water utilities to provide clearer billing information and establish affordability programs for low-income households. It directly affects public water systems by mandating transparent rate structures and creating a process for discounted service rates. The bill aims to make water costs more predictable and accessible through concrete requirements for utility reporting and customer assistance. Specific implementation details are still under review by the committee.

Maddy summarySB 250 creates a new program to provide financial assistance for water bills to low-income households. It adds specific provisions to the state’s human services law (MCL 400.1-400.119b) to establish eligibility criteria and program administration. The policy directly affects residents struggling to afford basic water services, aiming to reduce financial strain through state-funded support. This change modifies existing law to integrate water affordability into human services programs.

Maddy summarySB 255 would decriminalize restoring water service to a lawfully occupied home after a shutoff due to non-payment, provided no metering or backflow devices are damaged. It changes penalties from potential felony charges to civil violations, with first offenses requiring up to 25 hours of community service, and repeat offenses limited to fines under $500 or up to 100 hours of service. The bill applies specifically to residents who restore service themselves, not utility workers or others. It also mandates referrals to water assistance programs for those cited under this provision.

Maddy summarySB 249 creates a task force to develop a low-income water bill assistance program for Michigan residents. The task force, appointed by the Department of Human Services within 30 days, must include representatives from small/large water providers, consumer advocacy groups, community agencies, local governments, and environmental organizations. Over nine months, the task force will advise on program best practices, create implementation guidance, develop outreach materials, seek additional funding, and recommend criteria for providers to run their own affordability programs. This bill does not directly provide assistance but establishes the framework for future program development, pending passage of related bills (SB 248, 250, 252).