Sen. Rosemary Bayer

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the number of judges for specific Oakland County judicial districts in Michigan's court system. It reduces District 48 (covering Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding areas) from 3 to 2 judges, effective when a vacancy occurs or an incumbent doesn't seek re-election. Similarly, it reduces District 50 (Pontiac) from 4 to 3 judges under the same conditions. The changes apply only to these districts and do not alter other boundaries or court operations. The bill focuses on adjusting judicial staffing levels based on vacancy timing, not new policies.

Maddy summarySB 805 establishes licensing requirements for standalone hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinics in Michigan. It mandates that these facilities obtain state licensure, appoint a qualified medical director and safety coordinator, comply with NFPA 99 safety standards, and meet FDA-approved treatment protocols. Clinics must display their license/permit and accreditation publicly, provide patients with clear information about treatment risks, FDA-approved uses, and insurance coverage limitations, and obtain written consent before treatment. The bill directly affects clinic operators, healthcare providers, and patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ensuring standardized safety and transparency.

Maddy summarySB 780 prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies in Michigan from entering into, modifying, or renewing federal immigration enforcement agreements under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It directly affects the Michigan State Police and all city, village, township, and county police departments. The bill’s key provision bans these specific agreements starting on its effective date, preventing local police from collaborating with federal immigration authorities on enforcement. This policy change shifts local law enforcement focus away from federal immigration enforcement partnerships.

Maddy summarySB 547 requires healthcare providers (like doctors and hospitals) to submit medical records and comply with insurance reviews for accident-related care under Michigan's no-fault insurance. It creates a formal process for insurers to request explanations for treatments deemed excessive, with providers able to appeal decisions to the state department. The bill also penalizes providers who submit false information during reviews as fraudulent insurance acts. These changes apply to all healthcare providers offering covered services and aim to standardize how insurers evaluate medical care against medical guidelines. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee.

Maddy summarySB 543 increases civil fines for violations of Michigan's insurance code. Insurers face fines up to $100,000 per knowing violation (capped at $500,000 total), while other entities face up to $5,000 per knowing violation (capped at $50,000 total). The bill clarifies that fines apply to non-compliant filings under specific chapters but exclude individual policy actions based on those filings. It also strengthens enforcement by allowing the director to order cease-and-desist actions and suspend licenses for repeated violations.

Maddy summarySB 549 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen data security requirements for insurers handling personal information. It requires insurers to notify Michigan residents if their unencrypted personal data (like Social Security numbers or financial account details) was accessed by unauthorized parties, or if encrypted data was accessed with the encryption key. The law also mandates that insurers notify data owners if a breach affects information they own but the insurer maintains. These notifications must be provided without unreasonable delay after determining the breach could cause substantial harm or identity theft. The bill directly affects Michigan residents whose data is held by insurers and the insurers themselves, who must now follow specific breach notification protocols.

Maddy summarySB 545 requires Michigan auto and homeowners insurers to provide clear, written explanations to policyholders when making significant changes to their coverage or rates (like increases over 10%, cancellations, or reduced coverage). It mandates that notices explain the specific factors driving the change - such as driving history or property risks - instead of vague terms like "poor loss history" or "internal models." Policyholders can request written details, and insurers must share these notices with their insurance agents under certain conditions. The law applies to policies issued after January 1, 2026, and does not replace existing cancellation notice requirements.

Maddy summarySB 550 requires auto and home insurers in Michigan to provide policyholders with clear, written explanations of how their insurance rates are calculated. Specifically, insurers must send annual notices detailing rating classifications, how rates vary based on those factors, and how policyholders can verify their premiums (Sec. 2112). The bill also strengthens filing rules for insurers, mandating detailed rate manuals be submitted to the state insurance department for review (Sec. 2106, 2108), with a 90-day waiting period for auto insurance rate changes. Additionally, it prohibits "redlining" (denying coverage based on location) and requires insurers to certify filings comply with state rules. This directly affects insurers (who must file and disclose) and policyholders (who gain transparency into rate calculations).

Maddy summarySB 546 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen penalties for insurers delaying claim payments. It requires insurers to pay 12% annual interest on unpaid claims after 60 days, with tiered rates (1.5% for 30 days late, 2% for 31-90 days, 4% after 90 days) for claims not paid on time. The bill also mandates health plans pay "clean claims" (complete documentation) within 30 days, with interest if delayed, and clarifies timelines for proof of loss. This directly affects insurers, policyholders, third-party claimants, and health providers like hospitals or clinics processing medical claims.

Maddy summarySB 544 amends Michigan's Insurance Code (MCL 500.2026) to prohibit insurers from changing coverage terms or denying claims after a claim is filed. Specifically, it bans "re-underwriting" a policy or altering coverage based on a claim that has been submitted, which directly protects policyholders from unfair treatment after filing a claim. The key provision (added as subsection (o)) prevents insurers from using claim history to deny coverage or increase premiums retroactively. This policy change ensures insurers must complete underwriting before issuing a policy, not after a claim arises. The bill aims to prevent insurers from unfairly penalizing customers who file legitimate claims.