Sen. Kevin Hertel

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a memorial resolution honoring Irma Clark-Coleman, a former Michigan state legislator who served in the House (1999-2002) and Senate (2003-2010). The resolution recognizes her decades of public service at both local (Wayne County) and state levels, including her advocacy for education reform and legislative work on children’s issues. Unanimously adopted by the Michigan Legislature in December 2025, it serves as a formal tribute to her legacy and does not enact any policy changes.

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 329 removes penalties that insurers could apply for past lapses in auto insurance coverage. It specifically eliminates requirements for applicants to prove they maintained insurance for the 6 months before applying (prior to January 1, 2022), and prohibits insurers from refusing coverage, raising premiums, or charging reinstatement fees solely due to prior coverage gaps. The bill directly affects drivers applying for auto insurance before 2022 who had brief periods without coverage. These changes streamline the application process by preventing insurers from penalizing applicants for past lapses that occurred before the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress and the President to permanently extend the Affordable Care Act's Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, which helps low- and middle-income individuals and families afford health insurance premiums through the federal marketplace. It directly affects approximately 21.8 million Americans (including 484,000 Michigan residents) who currently benefit from the credit, which caps premium costs as a percentage of household income. The resolution emphasizes that without permanent extension, millions could face higher costs, risking coverage losses and reduced access to care - particularly for working families, seniors not yet on Medicare, and those with chronic conditions. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not change policy but formally requests federal action to maintain this existing affordability mechanism.

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 314 allows county employees who have retired to be re-employed in a county sheriff's office without losing their retirement allowance. It directly affects retired county employees seeking to work in sheriff's offices. The bill amends Michigan's retirement law (MCL 46.12a) to remove the current restriction that would require forfeiting retirement benefits upon re-employment. This change creates a specific exception for sheriff's office positions. The bill passed the legislature on October 23, 2025, with 31 yeas, 4 nays, and 6 excused/not voting.

Maddy summarySB 541 creates the Michigan National Guard member benefit fund in the state treasury to support existing benefit programs for National Guard members. The fund receives deposits from any source, earns interest through state treasurer investments, and retains all money year-to-year without lapsing to the general fund. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers the fund and can only use its money to implement the Michigan National Guard tuition assistance program (2014 PA 259) and the Michigan National Guard child care assistance act. This bill directly affects Michigan National Guard members by ensuring dedicated funding for their tuition and child care benefits through these established programs.

Maddy summarySB 419 increases the annual disbursement rate from Michigan's Children's Trust Fund from 4.25% to 5% of the fund's 12-quarter rolling average (starting in 2018 if the fund meets a $23.5 million minimum), and raises it further to 8% beginning in 2026. The fund, which supports child abuse prevention and related programs using state tax revenues and other sources, uses a rolling average to smooth out annual fluctuations in value. This change directly affects the amount of money available for children's services each year. The bill does not alter the fund's funding sources or disbursement authorization process.

Maddy summarySB 420 modifies Michigan's Open Meetings Act to allow specific public bodies to hold meetings remotely under certain conditions. It permits agricultural commodity groups (like the state beef industry commission), municipal retirement system boards, energy joint agencies, and the Children's Trust Michigan board to meet electronically anytime, while other public bodies can only do so during emergencies or for accommodating absent members. The bill requires two-way communication during remote meetings, advance online notice posted 18+ hours before meetings, and accessible agendas available 2 hours prior. It also mandates clear public participation instructions and accessibility accommodations for remote attendees. These changes aim to balance flexibility for certain state boards with transparency requirements for public access.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 68 designates September 11-17, 2025, as "Patriot Week" to honor American history and founding principles. It encourages citizens, schools, government agencies, and organizations to recognize this period by studying key historical documents (like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution), figures (such as George Washington and Frederick Douglass), and symbols (including the American flag). The resolution urges participation in activities that "renew the American spirit" based on the nation's foundational values. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or obligations but serves as a formal invitation for voluntary observance.