Sen. Kevin Hertel

Maddy summarySB 910 amends Michigan's Child Protection Law to update and clarify the definitions of key terms used in the state's child welfare system. The bill directly affects the Department of Health and Human Services, child care organizations, foster care providers, and attorneys working with children. It revises the definitions of "central registry," "child abuse," "child neglect," and other specific categories to ensure consistency across legal documents and case records. These changes aim to standardize how the state identifies and documents serious incidents involving children, including exposure to methamphetamine production and various forms of sexual abuse. By refining these definitions, the legislation seeks to improve the accuracy of data within the department's electronic case management system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's physical therapy laws to require that most treatment plans be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician or an advanced practice registered nurse. It allows physical therapists and their assistants to provide care without a prescription only for short-term cases lasting up to 21 days or 10 visits, or when the goal is injury prevention and fitness promotion. The legislation also clarifies that physical therapists cannot diagnose medical conditions or prescribe treatments that fall outside their specific scope of practice. By updating these rules, the bill aims to define more clearly the roles and limitations of physical therapists within the state's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal tool called an elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order for Michigan residents aged 60 or older, as well as for vulnerable adults and those with developmental disabilities. The order allows courts to stop specific harmful behaviors, such as entering a person's home, threatening violence, abusing their pets, or financially exploiting their assets. It also includes provisions to transfer related cases to probate courts if the person is under guardianship and requires fiduciaries to notify the court if such an order is issued against them.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's definition of racketeering to explicitly include embezzlement committed against vulnerable adults. By adding this specific crime to the list of offenses that constitute racketeering, the legislation ensures that individuals who steal from elderly or disabled persons can be prosecuted under broader organized crime statutes. The change directly affects prosecutors and defendants by expanding the legal tools available to address financial exploitation of those who cannot protect themselves. No new penalties are created; rather, the bill clarifies that this type of theft falls under the existing framework for serious, repeated criminal activity.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Michigan residents who are honorably discharged veterans or currently serving military members to enter state parks and public boating access sites for free without paying the standard recreation passport fee. To use this benefit, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs would verify the individual's status and issue a special hangtag or sticker that they must display on their vehicle. The law also maintains existing rules requiring nonresidents to purchase permits and residents to pay fees unless they qualify for other specific exemptions like free fishing days.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code to update and clarify the legal definitions of various terms related to alcohol production and sales. The primary change involves redefining "brand" to explicitly include words, names, symbols, or trademarks used by suppliers to identify their specific products, while also clarifying that a supplier's legal business name is not considered a brand unless used on the front of a container for marketing purposes. Additionally, the legislation adds new definitions for "alcohol vapor device," "alternating proprietorship," "approved tasting room," and "authorized distribution agent" to better regulate emerging industry practices. These updates directly affect brewers, winemakers, distributors, and other licensees by establishing clearer standards for how products are labeled and how certain business arrangements are recognized under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Child Protection Law to update the definitions of key terms used throughout the statute. It clarifies specific categories of abuse and neglect, including the addition of methamphetamine production exposure as a form of confirmed serious abuse. The legislation also refines definitions for related entities such as child care providers, centralized intake systems, and children's advocacy centers to ensure consistency in how these terms are applied. By modifying the definitions section, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance for state officials and caregivers regarding what constitutes child abuse and neglect under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for Michigan cities, townships, and counties to create stormwater management utilities and charge fees to property owners. To implement these fees, local governments must first develop a five-year management plan that details how fees will be calculated and includes a public hearing for community input. The law also outlines how property owners can request fee reductions or appeal their charges if they disagree with the amount assessed. Ultimately, the legislation provides the authority and procedural steps for local units of government to fund stormwater infrastructure through a dedicated utility system.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Children's Trust Fund in Michigan to increase the percentage of the fund's value that can be spent annually on child-related programs. It establishes a new spending rule where the amount available for disbursement is based on a rolling 12-quarter average of the fund's total value, including investment gains and losses. The legislation sets specific spending rates of 4.25% or 5% depending on the fund's size, with a future increase to 8% starting in fiscal year 2025. Additionally, the bill grants the state treasurer expanded investment authority similar to that of the public employee retirement system and requires detailed annual reports on how investment earnings are used.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Children Trust Michigan state board to conduct meetings remotely under the state's Open Meetings Act. It permits the board to use video or telephone conferencing to accommodate members who are absent due to specific reasons, such as military duty or local emergencies, without requiring a physical gathering. The legislation mandates that these virtual meetings maintain two-way communication for all participants and requires the board to post advance notices and agendas on its website with clear instructions for public access. Additionally, the bill specifies that members attending electronically count as present for quorum purposes and that no registration is needed for public participation beyond what is necessary for the comment period.