Sen. Paul Wojno

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan State Police retirement system to clarify definitions and rules for calculating retirement benefits. It specifically changes how "final average compensation" is calculated for officers who joined after June 10, 2012, by using the average salary from their last five years of service instead of the previous two-year period. The legislation also expands the list of eligible retirement plans that officers can use to roll over their pension funds and clarifies terms related to deferred retirement and leave time programs. These changes directly affect state law enforcement officers who are currently active, separating, or already retired under the state employees' retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Michigan law enforcement officers hired after a specific date to purchase retirement credit for their prior service as state employees. To qualify, eligible officers must pay an amount calculated by the retirement system's actuary to cover the value of that previous work, provided they are not already receiving a pension for the same time period. The legislation permits officers to make these payments in installments using either tax-deferred contributions or additional payments, with a deadline of May 30, 2025, to start the process and a four-year window to finish paying. If an officer completes the purchase, the time worked as a state employee will count toward their retirement benefits under the new law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Michigan state employees in law enforcement roles to voluntarily switch their retirement plans from the general state system to the Michigan State Police retirement system. Eligible workers, including corrections officers and conservation officers, can make this change by submitting a written election between January 2, 2025, and June 6, 2025. If a participant chooses to switch, the change becomes permanent on June 7, 2025, and they will no longer be part of the original retirement plan. The law requires that married employees obtain their spouse's signature on the election form, though exceptions may be made for special circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Veterans Coalition Fund within the state treasury to support a specific grant program for veterans. The state treasurer is responsible for managing and investing the money in the fund, while the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will administer the fund and oversee its audits. Money in the fund will not be lost at the end of the fiscal year, and funds can only be used to create and operate the grant program after a formal appropriation. The bill does not take effect unless a related piece of legislation, Senate Bill 540, is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summarySB 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.

Maddy summarySB 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.