Sen. Veronica Klinefelt

Maddy summarySB 111 creates a new "elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order" to protect individuals aged 60+ or those defined as vulnerable adults (e.g., with developmental disabilities or under specific legal protections). The order can restrain specific harmful actions, including assault, firearm possession, animal abuse, property destruction, financial exploitation, and interference with personal liberty. It also allows courts to order return of assets, prohibit access to funds, award damages, and require bond security to prevent financial harm. The bill mandates transferring cases to probate court if the petitioner is under guardianship, ensuring coordinated legal oversight. This directly affects vulnerable Michiganders facing abuse or exploitation by caregivers or others.

Maddy summarySB 195 repeals Michigan's 2016 law (PA 389) that prevented local governments from regulating plastic bags and similar containers. This repeal directly affects cities and counties, allowing them to create their own rules about plastic bag use, fees, or bans. The bill removes a state-level barrier that previously blocked local environmental policies targeting single-use plastic containers. It does not create new regulations but restores local authority over this issue. The change enables communities to address plastic pollution through tailored approaches.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Chang designating March 2025 as Social Work Month. It recognizes the contributions of social workers in Michigan and across the U.S., highlighting their roles in mental health care, child welfare, advocacy for vulnerable populations, and community support. The resolution calls on citizens to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating this month. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups through legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 17) is a symbolic recognition of March 17, 2025, as Saint Patrick’s Day. It does not create new laws, affect any specific group, or change policies. The resolution commemorates the Feast of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, and acknowledges Irish cultural heritage and contributions to the U.S. The Senate adopted it on March 13, 2025, as a ceremonial gesture.

Maddy summarySB 149 amends Michigan's Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act to update the definition of "public employer" to explicitly include regional airport authorities (as defined in the aeronautics code) and community colleges. This change requires these entities to contribute to the state's health insurance fund for their employees, as previously required of other public employers like school districts. The bill does not alter health benefits or costs but clarifies which organizations must comply with the act's contribution rules. It directly affects public employers such as community colleges, regional airport authorities, and other newly included entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts where stores can display alcoholic beverages that share branding with non-alcoholic products (like soda or juice) near items targeting children. Large stores (over 2,500 square feet) must keep these alcoholic products away from cartoon-themed candy, toys, or youth-oriented snacks. Smaller stores (2,500 sq ft or less) can either avoid such displays or post clear 8.5x11 inch signage stating "THIS PRODUCT IS AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AVAILABLE ONLY TO PERSONS WHO ARE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER" on affected displays. Fines for violations go to a liquor enforcement fund.

Maddy summarySB 110 adds a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of an emergency first responder (police, firefighter, etc.) who died while on duty. It directly affects surviving spouses who own their primary residence (homestead) and do not remarry. The bill expands existing homestead tax exemptions - previously limited to disabled veterans and their spouses - to include this group, allowing them to avoid property taxes on their home indefinitely. To qualify, the spouse must apply annually by December 31, and the exemption applies to any homestead property they own, including property acquired after the first responder's death.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Santana to formally recognize February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it affirms the legislature's support for the annual observance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context, honors African-American contributions, and encourages public awareness of both achievements and ongoing efforts toward racial equality. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on February 12-13, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 8) designates February 3-7, 2025, as School Counseling Week in Michigan. It recognizes the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career development, while raising awareness about the critical need to improve student-to-counselor ratios (currently 598:1 in Michigan, far exceeding the recommended 250:1). The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of counselors' contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 3) authorizes the Senate Majority Leader to take legal action against the House of Representatives to compel it to present nine specific bills to the Governor. The bills - passed by both chambers during the 2023-2024 legislative session - were returned to the House on December 20, 2024, but the House has refused to present them to the Governor despite a constitutional requirement under Michigan’s Article IV, Section 33. The Senate seeks to enforce this duty through court action, targeting House Bills 4177 and 4665-4667 (2023) and 4900-4901, 5817-5818, and 6058 (2024). The resolution focuses solely on procedural compliance, not policy content.