Sen. Kevin Hertel

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's use tax to exempt data center equipment purchased for qualified data centers and their contractors, provided the equipment is used within the facility's operations or permanently installed in the building. The exemption for standard data centers is conditional, requiring the state to verify that at least 400 related jobs are created by 2022 and 1,000 jobs by 2026 to continue the tax break after those dates. For larger enterprise data centers, the exemption is available for up to 65 years if the facility receives a certificate from the Michigan Strategic Fund confirming it meets specific job and investment criteria. To claim this exemption, operators must apply for and receive a certificate from the state before purchasing the equipment and must report their purchases and employment data to the Michigan Strategic Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's unemployment insurance system by increasing the maximum weekly benefit amount and adjusting how payments are calculated for dependents starting in 2025. It directly affects unemployed individuals who file for benefits, raising the weekly payment cap to $446 in 2025, $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027. The legislation also changes the calculation method for dependents, increasing the additional weekly allowance per dependent from $6 to $12.66 in 2025, with further increases planned for subsequent years. These changes are designed to provide higher financial support to eligible claimers while maintaining specific rules for verifying dependent status and preventing fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's rules for filing claims against the state in cases involving criminal sexual conduct. It creates an exception to the standard requirement that individuals must file a written notice within one year of an incident. Specifically, victims of criminal sexual conduct are exempt from the usual deadline and filing procedures outlined in the state's judicial code. The law applies retroactively to cases already in progress and depends on the passage of a related House bill to become effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state of Michigan to adjust annual reimbursements for child care providers under the Child Development and Care Program to account for inflation. The adjustments will be calculated using the Detroit Consumer Price Index, a specific measure of local cost changes. This change directly affects families and businesses that operate child care facilities within the state by ensuring their funding keeps pace with rising costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's child care licensing laws to strengthen safety standards and oversight for organizations caring for children. It requires the state to create advisory committees made up of parents and affected organizations to help develop and review rules regarding staff qualifications, facility safety, and operational conduct. A key provision mandates that inspections for health and fire safety be conducted by state staff, fire services, or local authorities, with specific exemptions for schools that already meet existing fire codes. Additionally, the bill ensures that rules are reviewed at least every five years and gives operators up to 90 days to comply with new regulations unless there is an immediate health or safety risk.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates rye as the official commercial grain of Michigan. It achieves this by adding a single line to state law that names rye (*Secale cereale*) as the state's official grain. The change is symbolic and does not alter any existing regulations or create new requirements for businesses or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's existing laws on governmental immunity to clarify when state agencies and their employees can be held liable for criminal sexual conduct. It establishes that officials and volunteers are generally protected from lawsuits for injuries or property damage caused while performing their duties, unless their actions involve gross negligence or specific exceptions like providing medical care. The legislation defines "gross negligence" as reckless behavior showing a substantial lack of concern for safety and creates specific rules for immunity regarding judges, legislators, and tactical operations. By adding a new section to the state tort liability act, the bill aims to provide clearer legal standards for holding public servants accountable in cases involving sexual misconduct while maintaining protections for routine government functions.

Maddy summarySB 1188 modifies the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct in Michigan, extending the time a victim has to file a claim for damages. Under the bill, victims have 10 years from the date of the incident to bring an action, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or resulted in a conviction. This change applies to conduct prohibited under specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code and removes previous requirements for a prior criminal adjudication. The legislation directly affects survivors of sexual assault by providing a longer window to seek civil compensation for injuries sustained.