Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to strengthen penalties for cruelty toward animals and expand the financial and ownership consequences for offenders. It establishes a tiered sentencing system that imposes stricter prison terms and fines for severe acts like killing or torturing companion animals, while also allowing courts to order restitution for the costs of investigating, housing, and treating injured animals. Additionally, the legislation grants judges the authority to permanently ban convicted individuals from owning any animals and to revoke probation if those individuals violate the ban. The bill explicitly exempts lawful activities such as hunting, fishing, and standard farming practices from these new restrictions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. It defines various election methods and protected classes, while also outlining the duties of local government officials and allowing for court-appointed monitors in specific situations. The legislation prohibits discriminatory activities related to voting and sets up a fund to provide remedies and civil sanctions for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, a new entity designed to collect, archive, and publicly share election data. The institute will be established through a partnership between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and assuming most operational costs. Key provisions include maintaining a nonpartisan, free online repository of election results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and demographic estimates for at least the previous 12 years. The institute will also offer research opportunities, training classes, and technical assistance to local governments and the public while adhering to strict cybersecurity standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "language assistance for elections act" to require local governments in Michigan to provide voting materials in languages other than English for residents with limited English proficiency. Localities must offer these services if they have a specific number of eligible voters who share a non-English language, with thresholds adjusted based on whether the requirement starts before or after January 1, 2030. The secretary of state will publish annual lists of affected areas and languages, while also providing translated documents and ensuring all translations are done by certified professionals rather than relying on automatic tools. Additionally, the law creates a language access advisory council to guide the program and mandates that counties assisting local governments during early voting must also follow these language requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a waiver allowing individuals recently released from prison to obtain automobile insurance without penalty for a lapse in coverage during their incarceration. It requires applicants to provide a certified statement confirming they were in a correctional facility and released within the last six months to qualify for this exception. By adding this provision to existing underwriting rules, the legislation prevents insurers from refusing coverage, limiting options, or charging higher premiums solely based on the failure to maintain insurance while the person was imprisoned.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 145 is a non-binding measure that formally recognizes the historic, cultural, and religious significance of Diwali. The resolution highlights how the festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Michigan and around the world, noting its themes of light triumphing over darkness and community togetherness. It expresses the Senate's respect for those who observe the holiday and aligns its message of tolerance with American ideals. Because this is a commemorative resolution rather than a law, it does not create new legal requirements or change existing policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the fees county treasurers charge for providing transcripts, abstracts, and copies of property tax records. It establishes specific rates for paper documents, such as 25 cents per year for tax abstracts and a minimum charge of 50 cents for any request. The legislation also sets a maximum fee of 30 cents per parcel record, capped at $2,000 total, for electronic copies of real property data like owner names, assessed values, and tax bills. Additionally, it allows large charter counties with over 2 million people to set their own fees as long as the cost does not exceed the actual expense of providing the service.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's existing port authority laws to clarify definitions and expand the operational powers of these agencies. It specifically allows port authorities to enter into a wider variety of financial agreements, such as lines of credit and insurance contracts, to manage their funding. The legislation also grants authorities the ability to pledge the full faith and credit of their cities or counties to secure debt for projects and permits them to operate leased facilities if a tenant defaults. These changes directly affect local governments and port authorities by providing them with more flexible tools to finance and manage maritime infrastructure and related commercial facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for renewing licenses for emergency medical services personnel in Michigan, including EMTs, paramedics, and instructors. It establishes specific renewal fees for different license types, sets a standard late fee for missed deadlines, and clarifies that volunteers who do not charge for their services are exempt from these costs. Additionally, the legislation extends the grace period for relicensing after a license expires and removes the requirement for renewers to maintain national registry status.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.