Sen. Veronica Klinefelt

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Consumer Financial Services Act to update internal references related to money transmission services within the state's financial licensing framework. It directly affects financial institutions, money transmission companies, and other entities seeking licenses under the act by modifying definitions and requirements in the statute. The key changes include clarifying terminology for money transmission activities and ensuring consistency with the Money Transmission Modernization Act, which is listed as a referenced financial licensing act through June 30, 2026. The bill does not alter existing licensing fees, net worth requirements, or surety bond amounts but rather aligns the Consumer Financial Services Act's language with current money transmission regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to update sentencing guidelines for violations related to money transmission activities in Michigan. It directly affects individuals charged with crimes involving the transfer of funds, such as money laundering or unauthorized money transmission. The legislation amends an existing section of the state's criminal procedure code to revise how courts determine appropriate sentences for these specific offenses. By modifying the statutory framework, the bill aims to provide clearer sentencing standards for financial crimes involving money movement. This change would apply to prosecutors and judges handling cases under the revised guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Money Transmission Modernization Act, updates Michigan's laws governing money transmitters by replacing the 2006 Money Transmission Services Act. It establishes a new regulatory framework that requires businesses sending money or payment instruments on behalf of others to obtain state licenses, while defining specific exemptions for certain activities. The legislation creates clearer standards for what constitutes money transmission, including payroll processing, and sets requirements for customer fund protection, financial reporting, and regulatory coordination with other states. By modernizing these rules, the bill aims to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on businesses while maintaining safeguards against financial crime and ensuring consumer funds remain secure.

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 summarySB 372 allows landlords to reuse tenant screening reports prepared by prospective tenants within the previous 45 days, reducing costs for renters. Landlords who accept these reusable reports cannot charge a rental application fee, while those who decline may charge up to $25 only if they first disclose all screening criteria in writing. The bill requires landlords advertising rentals to state whether they accept reusable screening reports. It directly affects prospective tenants (who pay less for applications) and landlords (who must adjust their screening processes and fee structures). The bill amends Michigan's Landlord and Tenant Act to streamline screening and limit fees.

Maddy summarySB 375 amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to clarify that "rent" includes essential services like heat, water, electricity, and pest control provided by landlords. It prohibits landlords from charging unreasonable fees, such as late fees exceeding $30 or 3% of rent, fees for non-renewal notices beyond one month, or fees for third-party services. The bill also requires rental agreements to include specific terms like tenant/landlord names, property description, rent amount, and payment schedule. These changes directly affect Michigan tenants and landlords by increasing transparency and preventing unfair financial burdens.

Maddy summarySB 547 requires healthcare providers (like doctors and hospitals) to submit medical records and comply with insurance reviews for accident-related care under Michigan's no-fault insurance. It creates a formal process for insurers to request explanations for treatments deemed excessive, with providers able to appeal decisions to the state department. The bill also penalizes providers who submit false information during reviews as fraudulent insurance acts. These changes apply to all healthcare providers offering covered services and aim to standardize how insurers evaluate medical care against medical guidelines. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee.

Maddy summarySB 543 increases civil fines for violations of Michigan's insurance code. Insurers face fines up to $100,000 per knowing violation (capped at $500,000 total), while other entities face up to $5,000 per knowing violation (capped at $50,000 total). The bill clarifies that fines apply to non-compliant filings under specific chapters but exclude individual policy actions based on those filings. It also strengthens enforcement by allowing the director to order cease-and-desist actions and suspend licenses for repeated violations.

Maddy summarySB 549 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen data security requirements for insurers handling personal information. It requires insurers to notify Michigan residents if their unencrypted personal data (like Social Security numbers or financial account details) was accessed by unauthorized parties, or if encrypted data was accessed with the encryption key. The law also mandates that insurers notify data owners if a breach affects information they own but the insurer maintains. These notifications must be provided without unreasonable delay after determining the breach could cause substantial harm or identity theft. The bill directly affects Michigan residents whose data is held by insurers and the insurers themselves, who must now follow specific breach notification protocols.

Maddy summarySB 545 requires Michigan auto and homeowners insurers to provide clear, written explanations to policyholders when making significant changes to their coverage or rates (like increases over 10%, cancellations, or reduced coverage). It mandates that notices explain the specific factors driving the change - such as driving history or property risks - instead of vague terms like "poor loss history" or "internal models." Policyholders can request written details, and insurers must share these notices with their insurance agents under certain conditions. The law applies to policies issued after January 1, 2026, and does not replace existing cancellation notice requirements.