Sen. Kevin Hertel

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates state funding for the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. It authorizes the department to spend the designated money on its operations and programs during that period. The legislation establishes the legal framework for these financial transactions to ensure the agency has the necessary resources to fulfill its duties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 2024 as Gun Violence Awareness Month to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. The measure highlights the widespread impact of gun-related deaths in the United States and specifically acknowledges tragedies at Michigan State University and Oxford High School. It also recognizes the "Wear Orange" movement, which originated after the death of Hadiya Pendleton, as a symbol for raising awareness about the issue. The resolution encourages citizens to support community efforts to prevent gun violence and to value human life.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Michigan legislative body to officially recognize June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Pride Month. The measure does not change any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the LGBTQ+ community's history and contributions to the state. By adopting this resolution, the Senate highlights the cultural and civic importance of the community while honoring past struggles and recent legal victories for equality.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for Michigan employers who offer paid leave to employees donating organs. To qualify for the credit, an employer must have a written policy providing at least 12 weeks of paid time off at 100% of the employee's regular wage, which can be used before, during, or after the donation. Employers can claim a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against their liability for the wages paid during this leave period, with any unused credit allowed to carry forward for three years. The law applies to tax years starting on or after January 1, 2024, and requires employees to submit written verification from a physician confirming their status as an organ donor.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify definitions and requirements for individuals working as emergency medical services personnel, such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians. It mandates that education program sponsors must inform students if their training programs lack specific accreditation before they begin paramedic courses. Additionally, the law requires that all licensing examinations for these roles be administered by nationally recognized organizations approved by the state department. These changes aim to standardize training quality and ensure clear communication about program credentials for those seeking licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan school districts to report the immunization status of new students to local health departments on specific deadlines. It establishes a 90% and later a 95% compliance threshold for having valid immunization records for new entrants, with stricter reporting requirements starting in the 2025-2026 school year. If a district fails to meet these reporting deadlines or does not reach the required percentage of vaccinated students, the state will withhold 5% of the district's funding until compliance is achieved. The bill also includes a provision that any withheld funds are permanently lost if the district does not achieve compliance by the end of the fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires parents to provide specific documentation regarding immunizations and vision screenings for children enrolling in Michigan public or nonpublic schools for the first time. It mandates that new students in kindergarten, seventh grade, and eventually twelfth grade submit proof of vaccinations, a religious exemption, or a statement confirming they are in the process of getting vaccinated. Additionally, the bill establishes a reporting schedule where school administrators must submit annual updates on the immunization and vision status of these new students to the state health department. The legislation also includes a provision that prevents it from taking effect unless a companion bill, SB 875, is passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires parents of children entering the seventh and twelfth grades to provide proof of immunization at school registration, aligning with existing rules for first-time school registrants. It mandates that schools verify a minimum of one dose for each disease specified by the health department before allowing attendance, with parents required to submit updated records within four months if doses are incomplete. The legislation also directs the state health department to adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended immunization schedule by reference and to expand its immunization registry to include data on lead screening. Additionally, the bill requires the department to annually report on immunization rates for students entering seventh and twelfth grades. Finally, the bill includes a tie-breaker provision, meaning it will only take effect if two companion bills, SB 876 and SB 877, are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors the memory of Michael L. Green, a former Michigan state representative and senator who recently passed away. It recognizes his long public service career, including his work in Tuscola County and his legislative roles in both the House and Senate, while noting his personal history and community involvement. The resolution expresses the legislature's tribute to him and directs that copies of the document be sent to his family as a sign of respect.