Sen. Veronica Klinefelt

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to establish specific rules for crimes involving sexual conduct with or involving a corpse. It directly affects judges who must determine appropriate prison sentences for these offenses by providing a structured framework for sentencing decisions. The key provision creates new statutory language within the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure consistency in how these particular crimes are punished.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new licensing and registration fees for individuals operating refrigeration facilities or removal services for human bodies in Michigan. It sets specific costs for application processing, biennial licenses or registrations, and initial inspections, with an additional fee for vehicle inspections for removal services. The law requires these fees to be paid by anyone seeking licensure or registration under the state's occupational code. The bill also includes a provision stating that it will not take effect unless a related bill, SB 544, is also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a dead human body in Michigan. It establishes that sexual contact, defined as intentional touching of specific body areas for sexual purposes like revenge or humiliation, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison or a $500 fine. More severe sexual penetration, such as entry into genital or anal openings, is classified as a felony carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The law also allows prison terms for these offenses to run consecutively to other sentences related to the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 1 of each year as "Blue Star Mothers Day" in Michigan to honor the organization Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. The legislation recognizes the group's long-standing work supporting military families, including welcoming veterans home and caring for mothers of service members. By officially naming this date, the state acknowledges the contributions of the organization without changing any laws or requiring specific actions from individuals. The act takes effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summarySB 690 amends the Michigan Code of Military Justice to update the legal framework governing the state's military forces. The bill modifies numerous existing sections and adds new provisions to address changes in military law and procedure. These updates directly affect the administration and discipline of the Michigan National Guard and other state military units. By revising specific articles within the code, the legislation ensures the state's military justice system remains current with broader legal standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing and registration system for businesses in Michigan that independently store or transport deceased human bodies. It requires separate two-year licenses for refrigeration facilities and certificates of registration for removal services, with applicants needing to disclose criminal history and demonstrate good moral character. The law mandates that these facilities and vehicles pass state inspections and must be managed by individuals holding a mortuary science license. Additionally, the bill restricts contracts for these services to specific authorized entities such as funeral homes, hospitals, and medical schools.

Maddy summaryThis law allows credit union members to designate their accounts as inactive if they are not using them but wish to keep their membership status. Under this rule, the credit union cannot charge fees on these inactive accounts, and the member can remove the inactive status at any time. If an account remains inactive for three years, the credit union must turn the funds over to the state treasury and end the membership. The change applies to domestic credit unions and requires all members of a shared account to agree before designating it as inactive.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's foster care laws to strengthen protections for children by requiring agencies to follow stricter procedures before moving a child from one placement to another. Under the new rules, agencies must notify the foster parents, the court, and a review board of any proposed change, and they must keep the child in their current home while an appeal is considered if the foster parents disagree. The law also mandates that agencies document the reasons for any move and ensures that Indian tribes are consulted when changes involve Native American children. Exceptions to these notification requirements are allowed only in cases of immediate danger, such as suspected abuse or risk of harm, where the child's safety takes priority over the standard process.

Maddy summarySB 706 modifies Michigan's vehicle code to remove unpaid driver responsibility fees from the centralized computerized driving records maintained by the secretary of state. This change affects drivers who have accumulated these fees, ensuring that such financial obligations no longer appear on their official driving history alongside traffic violations and accidents. The bill achieves this by amending specific sections of the state law that previously required these fees to be listed in the central file. Consequently, the removal of this information aims to provide a more accurate reflection of a driver's actual traffic behavior rather than their financial compliance with state fees.

Maddy summarySB 389 modifies Michigan's unclaimed property laws by adjusting the timeframes after which certain financial instruments and accounts are considered abandoned. The bill specifically shortens the dormancy period for travelers checks and money orders from 15 years to 3 years, while maintaining a 3-year wait for bank accounts, cashier's checks, and other financial deposits. These changes apply primarily to funds held by issuers or financial organizations where the owner has not communicated with the entity or shown interest in the property within the specified time. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the rules for charging fees or stopping interest payments on dormant accounts, requiring specific written contracts and advance notice for such actions. The law also establishes criteria for when the state can claim these funds, focusing on whether the financial instrument was purchased in Michigan or if the issuer is based in the state.