Sen. Kevin Hertel

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for assaulting or interfering with letter carriers by adding them to the list of protected workers under Michigan's existing assault laws. It makes it a felony to harm, obstruct, or endanger anyone performing their duties, including postal workers, with increased prison terms and fines depending on the severity of the injury. The law applies to any individual who knows or should know the person is working, and penalties range from up to two years in prison for minor offenses to up to 20 years if the victim dies. The bill does not prevent additional charges for other crimes committed during the same incident and allows prison sentences to be served consecutively to other related convictions.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 107 officially designates April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week within the state legislature. This commemorative resolution highlights the critical disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and supports awareness efforts led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. The measure does not alter laws or funding but serves to recognize the theme 'Rooted in Justice & Joy' and draw attention to the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 297 aims to protect registered professional nurses by ensuring their refusal to work beyond their predetermined schedule is not grounds for administrative action. It also establishes penalties for hospitals that violate rules related to mandatory overtime for nurses, as referenced in section 21526. Hospitals found in violation could face an administrative fine of $1,000 for each instance, along with other potential sanctions. This bill amends the Public Health Code to implement these provisions, directly affecting nurses and hospitals.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 296 prohibits hospitals from requiring registered professional nurses to work beyond their regularly scheduled, on-call, or voluntarily agreed-upon hours. It mandates that nurses working 12 or more consecutive hours receive 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time immediately afterward. Exceptions to this prohibition include declared states of emergency, mass casualty incidents, certain patient-care procedures, and situations where an oncoming nurse is unexpectedly absent. The bill also protects nurses from retaliation if they refuse work assignments that exceed these limits and requires hospitals to post notices informing nurses of these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to raise public awareness about individuals with limb loss or limb difference. The bill directly affects people living with limb loss, their families, healthcare providers, and the general public by promoting education and support during the designated month. Key provisions include recognizing the prevalence of limb loss, highlighting prevention strategies like diabetes management and safety practices, and acknowledging the importance of prosthetic care for daily living and independence. The resolution serves as a commemorative measure rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summarySB 581 updates definitions in Michigan's downtown development law to clarify how tax increment financing (TIF) programs operate. It specifically revises the definition of "downtown district" to allow multiple geographic areas within a business district under certain conditions (like inter-municipal agreements), defines "captured assessed value" for TIF calculations, and limits "catalyst development projects" to one per authority (requiring $300 million+ investment in cities over 600,000 population). These changes directly affect municipalities operating downtown development authorities that use TIF to fund redevelopment. The bill focuses on precise terminology to ensure consistent application of existing TIF rules, without creating new funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.

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 summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 150th anniversary of the first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell on March 10, 1876. The bill formally recognizes the historical significance of this invention and its lasting impact on global communication and society. It honors the innovators and workers who advanced telecommunications technology and transmits a copy of the resolution to AT&T as a symbol of appreciation for the company's role in developing communications networks.

Maddy summarySB 525 limits when Michigan state agencies can use drones (unmanned aircraft systems) to inspect facilities they regulate, requiring facility owners' consent or specific circumstances. Exceptions include obtaining written consent from owners (with conditions about FAA compliance), using a warrant, addressing imminent safety threats, inspecting infrastructure like roads or telecom towers, or during declared emergencies. Agencies must mark state-owned drones and share collected data (videos, photos) with facility owners upon request. The law explicitly excludes law enforcement drone use during investigations.