Sen. Paul Wojno

Maddy summarySB 693 changes the election timing for consolidated townships from the August primary to the May primary. It amends Section 16c of Michigan's 1851 Act 156 to require that elections for the board of a newly consolidated township occur at the next May primary (instead of August) and November general election. This affects townships undergoing consolidation and county boards of commissioners overseeing the process. The change would take effect January 1, 2027, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 698 amends Michigan's Campaign Finance Act (1976 PA 388) to update reporting requirements for candidates and committees. It modifies sections 15, 16, 17, 24b, 33, and 82 (MCL 169.215 et seq.), repealing sections 34 and 35. Key changes include clarifying late filing fee waivers for valid reasons (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters), streamlining the process for declaratory rulings on compliance questions, and strengthening procedures for filing and reviewing campaign finance complaints. These changes directly affect candidates, committees, and the Secretary of State's office, which administers campaign finance filings and enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 692 modifies how regional transit authorities in Michigan can raise funds for public transportation. It requires voter approval for local transit taxes through a November election, with ballot measures clearly stating the tax rate, duration, purpose, and whether it's a renewal or new tax. The bill mandates that at least 85% of funds collected from local taxes or vehicle registration fees must be spent on transit services within the community where the money was raised. It also adds new reporting requirements for transit authorities starting January 1, 2027, including annual cost/revenue reports and asset management plans.

Maddy summarySB 694 changes Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the primary election month for county approvals of new or restored circuit judgeships from August to May. Specifically, it requires county boards of commissioners to file resolutions with the state court administrator by the sixteenth Tuesday before the May primary, instead of the August primary. This affects counties seeking to create new judgeships or restore reduced ones, moving the deadline earlier in the year. The bill amends sections 550, 550a, 805, 8175, and 8176 of the Revised Judicature Act to reflect this change.

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 summaryThis resolution formally recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, as it is a symbolic gesture of commemoration. The resolution affirms Michigan's commitment to honoring African-American contributions to history, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. It aligns with longstanding national recognition of Black History Month, which began in 1976.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 95) symbolically recognizes February 11, 2026, as "UAW White Shirt Day" to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the UAW's first contract with General Motors and the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike. It honors the UAW's history, including the origin of the "White Shirt Day" tradition (starting in 1948), where members wear white shirts to symbolize equal respect for workers. The resolution directly affects UAW members, retirees, and Michigan communities by formally acknowledging their historical contributions to labor rights and the state's economy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 513 amends Michigan's liquor law by changing the legal definition of "brand" under Section 105 of the 1998 Liquor Code (MCL 436.1105) and adds a new Section 604. This directly affects liquor businesses, distributors, and regulators by clarifying how "brand" is legally defined in licensing and regulatory contexts. The bill does not create new taxes or restrictions but adjusts terminology to align with current industry practices. It passed unanimously in the legislature on December 2, 2025, with no opposing votes. (Note: The bill is procedural, focusing solely on statutory definition, not new policy.)

Maddy summarySB 512 amends multiple sections of Michigan's liquor distribution laws (1998 PA 58), including provisions related to licensing, distribution channels, and retailer operations. It directly affects liquor distributors, retailers, and potentially consumers by modifying existing regulatory rules. The bill adds a new section (412) and updates specific sections (105, 303, 526, 607, 609b, 1025), though the context does not detail the exact policy changes. The bill passed the legislature on December 2, 2025, with 37 votes in favor.

Maddy summarySB 462 requires retail businesses selling nicotine or tobacco products to obtain a state license. It directly affects convenience stores, gas stations, and other retailers that currently sell these products without a specific retail permit. The bill amends Michigan's existing tobacco licensing laws to add new requirements for retail sellers, including specific licensing provisions and enforcement mechanisms. The legislation is pending in committee after being favorably reported with a substitute amendment.