Sen. Paul Wojno

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Michigan's department of insurance to request federal permission to create a state-run reinsurance program that helps stabilize health insurance markets. If approved, the program would allow insurers to recover some costs for high-risk patients, potentially lowering premiums and expanding coverage options. The legislation requires the department to share draft plans with the public and lawmakers before submitting a final application to the federal government. Implementation of the program depends on the successful approval of a companion bill, SB 0973, which must also be enacted for this measure to take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new nonprofit corporation to operate Michigan's state-based health insurance exchange, which will serve as a marketplace for consumers and small businesses to purchase qualified health plans. The legislation creates a 12-member board to govern the exchange, with members appointed from the insurance industry, consumer advocates, and public officials to oversee its operations. Key provisions include setting up rules for conflict of interest, defining roles for state agencies, and enabling a system for direct enrollment assistance to help consumers navigate the marketplace.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local election officials in Michigan to combine multiple election precincts into a single polling place for certain local elections, excluding general November elections, primaries before them, and statewide or federal elections. The consolidation is limited to precincts with no more than 15,000 active registered voters and must be decided at least 60 days before the election. Officials must notify voters by mail or other methods and post written notices at each original precinct location indicating where the consolidated voting will take place. The bill also requires that each affected precinct remain a complete unit and not be split during the consolidation process.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 245 proposes changes to Michigan's insurance code, primarily affecting how insurers process and pay claims to insureds, beneficiaries, and third-party claimants. The bill expands the definition of unfair or deceptive insurance practices to explicitly include conduct that occurs during claims handling and resolution. It requires insurers to pay benefits on a timely basis or pay 12% interest, otherwise considering it an unfair trade practice unless the claim is reasonably in dispute. Additionally, for benefits not paid timely, the insurer would be liable for the full amount of the loss, irrespective of policy coverage limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments in Michigan to notify the Secretary of State within 20 days of making specific changes to election rules, such as altering how winners are determined or switching between district-based and at-large voting systems. It also mandates that localities inform the state at least 20 days before removing voters from registration lists and within five business days of requests to inspect voting equipment or ballot data. To ensure transparency, the Secretary of State must post these notifications on the state website in an accessible format and publicly list any local government that fails to comply with these reporting deadlines. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2028, after a consultation period with county clerks, municipal clerks, and voting rights advocates.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 961 creates a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. The bill prohibits local governments and officials from implementing election rules or practices that create disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of minority groups to elect candidates of their choice. Key provisions include establishing definitions for voting methods and protected classes, requiring a court-appointed monitor under certain circumstances, and creating a fund to support enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, a new entity designed to collect, archive, and make election data publicly available at no cost. The institute will be created through an agreement between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and assuming responsibility for most operating costs. Key provisions include the centralization of precinct-level election results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and demographic estimates, which must be maintained for at least 12 years before permanent archival. The institute will also offer research opportunities, training classes, and technical assistance to local governments and the public while implementing rigorous cybersecurity standards for the data it holds.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 963 creates the Language Assistance for Elections Act to require Michigan local governments to provide election materials in languages other than English for residents with limited English proficiency. The law mandates that counties, cities, and townships must offer translated ballots, voting instructions, and signage if their population includes a specific number of voters who share a single non-English language. The Secretary of State will publish a list of affected jurisdictions and languages annually, while also providing certified translations and electronic voting systems to ensure accuracy. Local governments will be reimbursed for additional costs associated with implementing these translation and testing requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 102 amends existing Michigan law regarding the fees county treasurers charge for providing transcripts and abstracts of records. The bill modifies the specific fees for various paper records, such as abstracts of taxes, copies of documents, and certificates. It also establishes new provisions for electronic copies of records, setting a maximum charge per parcel and an overall cap for each request. Additionally, it specifies certain property tax and equalization data that county treasurers must provide electronically if available, and prohibits the resale of these electronic records for commercial purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for how Michigan villages can approve petitions to annex new land or incorporate existing areas. It clarifies that landowners or residents must sign petitions to start the process, while also allowing village councils to initiate annexation through a formal resolution. The legislation establishes specific thresholds for signatures, such as requiring at least 20% of qualified voters in the proposed area or a minimum of 100 signatures statewide, and sets procedures for conducting population counts when necessary. Additionally, the bill clarifies how conflicts between this act and other state laws regarding annexation should be resolved, prioritizing existing statutes in certain situations. These changes aim to streamline the legal procedures villages must follow when expanding their boundaries or merging with other municipalities.