Sen. Paul Wojno

Maddy summarySB 706 modifies Michigan's emergency medical services (EMS) licensing rules to expand fee waivers for volunteer personnel. It allows EMS workers certified as volunteers by their life support agency (which doesn't charge for services) to avoid paying renewal or late fees, provided they maintain their volunteer status. If a volunteer later becomes employed as a licensee, they must then pay the standard fees. The bill also removes the requirement for EMS personnel to maintain national registry status to renew their licenses. This directly affects volunteer EMS providers in Michigan who work for non-charging agencies.

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 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 summarySCR 6 is a memorial resolution passed by the Michigan Legislature to honor Virgil Clark Smith, a former member of the Michigan Senate (1988-2000) and House of Representatives (1977-1988). The resolution commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including his historic role as the first African American Senate Democratic Floor Leader. It expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication, leadership, and legacy as a trailblazing legislator and later Wayne County Circuit Court judge. The resolution was adopted unanimously by both chambers in October 2025 and will be transmitted to Smith's family.

Maddy summarySB 330 expands exemptions from Michigan jury duty to include nursing mothers (with medical verification), participants in the address confidentiality program, U.S. military service members and their spouses (during active duty), hospice caregivers, and parents caring for children with serious health conditions. To claim these exemptions, individuals must provide documentation like a physician's letter, military orders, or program verification. The bill modifies existing jury eligibility rules to add these specific categories while maintaining requirements for basic qualifications like U.S. citizenship and English communication. This change directly affects those in these protected groups who would otherwise be required to serve on juries.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 80) is a symbolic recognition of Diwali's significance, not a law with policy changes. It formally acknowledges Diwali's historic, cultural, and religious importance to Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities in Michigan and globally - describing it as the "festival of lights" symbolizing light overcoming darkness and celebrating shared values like tolerance. The resolution expresses the Senate's respect for Diwali's message and its celebration by over one billion people worldwide. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect but affirms Michigan's commitment to religious diversity.

Maddy summarySB 109 changes how Michigan manages disaster and contingency funds. It sets a spending cap on these funds and modifies rules for distributing money during emergencies. The bill also creates a new dedicated fund to handle disaster-related expenses. These changes directly affect state agencies that administer emergency funding, ensuring clearer budget limits and a separate funding stream for disasters. The bill focuses on structural management of funds, not specific policy outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 557 creates tax credits for businesses in Michigan's designated aerospace defense zones. It offers a 30% credit on qualifying research and development expenses (capped at $10 million per business annually) and a 20% credit on storage/maintenance costs for finished goods inventory (capped at $1 million per business annually). To qualify, businesses must be designated by the Michigan Strategic Fund as defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, or tiered suppliers with under $5 million in annual revenue. The credits require certification from the Strategic Fund, have annual spending limits ($100 million for R&D credits, $25 million for inventory credits), and cannot be claimed on the same expenses as other credits. This bill directly affects small-to-midsize aerospace and defense businesses operating within designated zones in Michigan.

Maddy summarySB 558 creates a new aerospace and defense incentive program under Michigan's Strategic Fund, directly affecting businesses in those sectors. The bill amends existing law to allow the Strategic Fund to certify eligible investments for tax credits and provide financial incentives like grants or loans to support aerospace and defense companies. Key provisions include authorizing the fund to administer this program, certify investments for tax credit purposes, and make targeted financial assistance to eligible businesses. This change modifies the Strategic Fund Act to expand its existing economic development tools specifically for the aerospace and defense industry.

Maddy summarySB 554 creates Michigan's "blue envelope program" to help individuals with qualifying disabilities communicate critical information during interactions with law enforcement. It allows eligible people (those diagnosed with a disability or with specific communication impediment designations) to receive a free blue envelope from any Secretary of State office. The envelope holds their identification, emergency contacts, vehicle documents, and disability-related medical details, while also providing a free visible indicator (like a sticker or bracelet) to signal they carry the envelope. The program, administered by the Department of State, aims to improve safety and clarity during police encounters by making essential information readily accessible.