Sen. Rosemary Bayer

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state-funded program to provide bonus payments to qualified child care providers in Michigan. The legislation establishes a dedicated fund within the Department of Treasury that can be financed through state appropriations, federal funds, and private donations. Payments from this fund are distributed based on the number and age of children served, with younger children under 36 months receiving a higher rate than older children. The bill requires providers to have billed the state for services within the past six months to be eligible for these payments. It also includes provisions ensuring the money remains in the fund year-to-year and cannot be used to satisfy federal matching requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Workplace Employee Boundaries Act, prohibits employers from requiring employees to check work emails, texts, or calls outside of their regular working hours. It allows workers to set specific times when they are available for work-related messages and protects them from retaliation, such as firing or threatening them, if they do not respond during off-hours. The law also bans employers from forcing employees to give up these protections as a condition of getting a job and provides for fines and extra pay for violations. Exceptions exist for emergencies, urgent notices to all staff, and situations where employees are already paid to be on call.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state treasurer to move all interest earned from the countercyclical budget and economic stabilization fund into the child care payment fund. The law requires that interest accumulated between fiscal year 2024 and the bill's effective date be deposited within 90 days, while all future interest must go to the child care fund immediately. These funds are intended to support child care services in Michigan by utilizing earnings from the state's economic stabilization reserve. The legislation is currently tied to Senate Bill 946, meaning it will not become active unless that companion bill is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 1, 2026, as International Workers' Day within the state. The measure honors the contributions of Michigan's workforce and commemorates the historical significance of the labor movement, including events like the Haymarket Affair and the Flint Sit-Down Strike. By adopting this resolution, the legislative body acknowledges the importance of workers' rights and the state's legacy in advancing economic and social justice.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 118 designates April 20-26, 2026, as Black April Memorial Week to honor the end of the Vietnam War and the subsequent refugee exodus. This resolution directly affects the Senate and the Vietnamese American community in Michigan by creating an official period for remembrance and reflection. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture to acknowledge the sacrifices made during the war and the resilience of Vietnamese immigrants who resettled in the United States.

Maddy summarySB 868 allocates state funding to the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill establishes the budget amount available for the department to use during that period and authorizes the spending of those funds. This legislation directly impacts the department's operations and programs by providing the financial resources necessary to carry out its duties. The bill follows standard appropriations procedures by being introduced, having rules suspended, and being referred to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 869 is a budget bill that allocates funds to Michigan's Department of Education for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The legislation establishes the legal authority for the state to spend money on education programs and operations during that period. It does not change existing education policies or programs but simply provides the financial resources needed to continue them. The bill affects state education administrators and school districts that receive funding from the department.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 7) is a ceremonial recognition, not a law. It formally designates February 11, 2025, as "UAW White Shirt Day" to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the UAW's first contract with General Motors and honor the tradition started in 1948 where UAW members wear white shirts to symbolize equal respect for blue-collar workers. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for the UAW's contributions to Michigan's workforce and economy. It has no legal effect or direct impact on any individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to repeal the Local Financial Stability and Choice Act of 2012, a law that previously set financial rules for local governments in Michigan. By removing the specific sections of the Michigan Compiled Laws associated with that act, the legislation would eliminate those existing financial regulations. Consequently, local municipalities and other local entities would no longer be subject to the oversight and requirements established under the repealed statute. The bill was introduced by Senator Mary Cavanagh and is currently under consideration by the Committee on Local Government.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 931 requires large electric utilities in Michigan to submit detailed applications to the state commission before building new major transmission lines. The bill mandates that these applications include specific information, such as proposed routes, cost estimates, and an evaluation of how the project could use existing utility corridors or share space with current infrastructure. By emphasizing the consideration of opportunities to parallel with existing rights-of-way, the legislation aims to streamline the approval process for new power lines while encouraging the use of available land. This measure directly affects electric utilities with 50,000 or more residential customers in the state.