Sen. Veronica Klinefelt

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates state funding to the Michigan Department of Transportation for the fiscal year 2026-2027. It authorizes the department to spend the appropriated funds on its authorized programs and operations during that period. The legislation establishes the legal framework for distributing and using the budget resources designated for the transportation department.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 107 officially designates April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week within the state legislature. This commemorative resolution highlights the critical disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and supports awareness efforts led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. The measure does not alter laws or funding but serves to recognize the theme 'Rooted in Justice & Joy' and draw attention to the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in Michigan to establish worker transition programs that provide training, job placement assistance, and fair wages when restructuring or transferring ownership of facilities. It mandates that acquiring entities in utility sales offer employment to existing workers for at least 30 months before hiring outside replacements and must maintain current wage rates and benefits during that period. The legislation also directs the Public Service Commission to set service quality and reliability standards for utilities, including prohibiting extra fees for credit card payments and requiring at least one free payment option for residential customers. Utilities must annually report on their compliance with these standards, and the commission will review performance data to ensure proper system operation and maintenance.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's school disciplinary procedures to require school officials to consider specific student factors before suspending or expelling a pupil, including age, disciplinary history, disability status, trauma experiences, and housing stability. For suspensions lasting more than 10 days or expulsions, the bill creates a rebuttable presumption that such actions are unjustified unless the school board demonstrates it evaluated all required factors and held a hearing within 10 school days. The legislation mandates that schools provide detailed written notice to students and parents before hearings, including evidence summaries, and ensures continued access to educational services during removal periods. These changes apply to suspensions and expulsions under various school code sections but exclude cases involving firearm possession in weapon-free zones.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the President and Congress to reverse actions from the Trump Administration that the bill's sponsors claim are driving up energy costs. It calls for reinstating renewable energy programs, closing inefficient coal plants, and passing a war powers resolution to end the conflict with Iran, which the bill states has increased fuel prices. The measure directly addresses Michigan residents, farmers, and businesses facing higher energy and fertilizer expenses, and it requests that copies be sent to federal and state leaders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan school districts to appoint independent decision makers to conduct disciplinary hearings for students facing suspension of more than 10 days, expulsion, or alternative placement for more than 10 days. These independent decision makers must remain neutral by not investigating the incident, providing testimony, or presenting evidence, and they must apply a preponderance of the evidence standard when making decisions. The bill also grants students the right to be represented by an attorney or advocate at these hearings and mandates that schools provide written reports explaining the findings and appeal rights to students and their parents. Additionally, the legislation ensures that students with Individualized Education Programs are invited to meet with their IEP team before any disciplinary decision is implemented.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's school discipline laws to strengthen consequences for physical assaults between students in grades 6 and above. It requires school boards to suspend or expel students who commit physical violence at school for up to 180 days, while also making it the responsibility of expelled students and their families to find alternative education programs. The legislation adds new reporting requirements that mandate school districts to annually submit detailed data on expulsions, including student demographics such as race, ethnicity, disability status, and economic disadvantage. Additionally, the bill requires schools to post crime statistics on their websites and collect weekly incident data to help identify safety issues and allocate resources appropriately. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for handling student violence and improve transparency in school safety reporting.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.

Maddy summarySB 696 changes the election date required for township name changes in Michigan. Currently, townships must seek voter approval at an August election; this bill revises that to require approval at the next May election date instead. The change affects townships seeking to rename themselves, as they would now need voter approval at a May election (rather than August) following a board resolution. The bill preserves the existing requirement for a 60-day notice period before the election and the 25-year limit on name changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Deferred Presentment Service Transactions Act to update internal references related to money transmission services, specifically clarifying which financial institutions are excluded from certain transaction definitions. It directly affects payday lenders and financial institutions by revising the legal definitions of terms like "deferred presentment service transaction" and "money transmission services" within the existing regulatory framework. The key provision adds a temporary exemption through June 30, 2026, for certain licensed lenders from being classified under the money transmission services act, while also updating related terminology throughout the statute. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026, but only becomes active if a companion bill, SB 0835, is also enacted into law.