Sen. Rosemary Bayer

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Pride Month in Michigan. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of the LGBTQ+ community's history, contributions, and ongoing fight for equality rather than enacting new laws or policies. By adopting this resolution, the state legislature acknowledges the cultural and civic value of the community and aligns with national traditions of celebrating Pride Month.

Maddy summarySB 304 updates regulations for ferry services by amending two 1899 laws (sections in chapters IX and XVI of LA 437). It directly affects ferry operators and passengers by changing how ferry operations are governed. The bill requires voter approval via referendum before these regulatory changes take effect. This is a procedural update to existing law, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers in Michigan to round down the final price of cash transactions to the nearest five cents, a rule that applies to most items sold in stores but excludes taxes. It also mandates that the total price of an item be clearly displayed at the place of sale, though this requirement does not apply to goods sold by weight, vending machines, prepared food, or certain small items like gum and greeting cards. The legislation updates existing definitions to clarify terms such as "consumer item" and "automatic checkout system" to ensure consistent application of these pricing and display standards.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to set reasonable limits on election spending. The proposed change would permit lawmakers to distinguish between individual voters and artificial entities like corporations, unions, and artificial intelligence when regulating money in elections. By seeking a constitutional amendment, the bill aims to clarify that such spending restrictions are permissible under the U.S. Constitution. If passed, this measure would directly affect how election finance laws are written and enforced at both state and federal levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Michigan to align its policies with federal requirements for certified community behavioral health clinics, ensuring the state does not create rules that conflict with federal standards. It mandates the development of a process to determine new clinic locations in specific regions to prevent overlapping service areas. Additionally, the bill requires continued cooperation with the federal government on these clinics, allowing the legislature to vote on opting out, which would give state officials 12 months to stop operations if chosen. The legislation will not take effect unless it is tied to the passage of a companion bill, SB 1000.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 998 modifies Michigan's use tax law to clarify how credit for trade-in vehicles is calculated when determining the taxable amount of a purchase. The bill updates the definition of 'purchase price' to ensure that the value of a trade-in vehicle used as part payment is properly excluded from the tax base, aligning the rules with existing provisions for watercraft. This change directly affects vehicle dealers and consumers who trade in their current vehicles to buy new ones, ensuring the tax is applied only to the net cost rather than the full purchase price.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's social welfare act to establish a new prospective payment system that funds certified community behavioral health clinics based on anticipated costs rather than individual services. It requires the state department to develop payment rates using actuarial methods and mandates that any new clinic sites approved starting in 2028 undergo a review process to prevent service duplication and ensure geographic distribution. The legislation defines eligible clinics as nonprofit or government-run entities and prioritizes approval for sites operated by community mental health services programs. Additionally, the bill outlines specific policies to mitigate conflicts of interest, define retaliatory actions, and create a dispute resolution process, while noting that implementation depends on future legislative funding.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1002 allows school districts in Michigan to issue high school diplomas to women who left school between 1940 and 1946 to work or support the war effort during World War II. To receive a diploma, these individuals must apply through the Michigan veterans affairs agency, and the application can be submitted by family members or designated representatives. The bill amends existing legislation that currently provides diplomas to male veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict.

Maddy summarySB 1003 directs the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to coordinate efforts to conserve 30% of the state's land and water by 2030, including private, tribal, and public holdings. To achieve this goal, the bill requires the department to create six regional conservation plans by December 2026 that address biodiversity, climate resilience, and environmental justice while soliciting input from tribes, local governments, and various organizations. These plans must be based on scientific data, include assessments of current funding and programs, and be updated every ten years unless disapproved by legislative committees. Additionally, the bill establishes new definitions for terms like "ecosystem services" and "habitat connectivity" and mandates the development of an online tool to assist with land use decisions as technology and funding become available.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan courts to prioritize less restrictive alternatives before appointing a guardian for individuals with developmental disabilities. It mandates that judges first explore options such as using a power of attorney, a trust, a representative payee, supported decision-making, or partial guardianship to meet the individual's needs. If a full guardianship is deemed necessary, the law specifies that it must be limited strictly to what is required for protection and that personal liberty and financial freedom should not be restricted more than needed. The changes aim to encourage maximum self-reliance and independence while ensuring protection from neglect, exploitation, and abuse.