Sen. Rosemary Bayer

Maddy summarySB 462 requires retail businesses selling nicotine or tobacco products to obtain a state license. It directly affects convenience stores, gas stations, and other retailers that currently sell these products without a specific retail permit. The bill amends Michigan's existing tobacco licensing laws to add new requirements for retail sellers, including specific licensing provisions and enforcement mechanisms. The legislation is pending in committee after being favorably reported with a substitute amendment.

Maddy summarySB 465 would require retailers to obtain a license to sell nicotine or tobacco products at retail in Michigan, directly affecting stores and businesses selling these items. The bill creates temporary exemptions for certain sales, such as limited-time promotions or specific product types, while establishing the licensing requirement. It amends existing state law (MCL 722.641-722.645) by adding a new section to formalize these rules. The bill is currently in committee review after being reported favorably with a substitute amendment.

Maddy summarySB 602 amends Michigan's Marihuana Regulation Act to clarify the legal definition of "industrial hemp" under Sections 3 and 8. It specifies that industrial hemp must contain 0.3% THC or less on a dry-weight basis and explicitly includes hemp-derived products meeting this threshold. This update directly affects hemp producers, processors, and retailers who must comply with these THC limits for products like seeds, oils, and hemp-based consumer goods. The bill refines existing regulatory language to align with federal standards without creating new licensing or tax requirements.

Maddy summarySB 599 creates new licensing requirements for businesses processing, buying, selling, or wholesaling industrial hemp products, including those supplying hemp seeds. It directly affects hemp-related businesses by replacing the outdated 2014 law (MCL 286.841-286.859) with updated regulations. The bill establishes specific licensing standards for these activities, ensuring oversight of the hemp supply chain. It repeals the previous regulatory framework to modernize the industry's legal structure.

Maddy summarySB 483 creates a palliative care advisory task force within Michigan's health department. The task force will study current palliative care services and make recommendations to improve access and quality for patients facing serious illness. This affects Michigan's healthcare system by establishing a new body to address gaps in end-of-life care services.

Maddy summarySB 601 amends specific sections of Michigan's Industrial Hemp Growers Act (2020 PA 220) to update cross-references to the Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act. The bill directly affects hemp growers and businesses operating under these state regulations by modifying how the laws reference each other. Key mechanisms involve changing legal citations within sections 103, 211, 303, and 307 to ensure consistency between the two related hemp statutes. This is a procedural update to the existing legal framework, not a substantive change to hemp cultivation rules. (Note: The specific policy changes to the amended sections are not detailed in the provided context.)

Maddy summarySB 600 amends Michigan's Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act to update references and allow medical marijuana licensees to process, test, or sell industrial hemp under the same licenses. It specifically modifies sections of the law to align with the Industrial Hemp Research and Development Act, enabling existing medical marijuana facilities to engage in industrial hemp activities without separate licensing. This change directly affects licensed growers, processors, and provisioning centers under the current medical marijuana program. The bill makes a technical adjustment to the licensing framework, ensuring consistency between medical marijuana and industrial hemp regulatory provisions.

Maddy summarySB 738, the "Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act," prohibits landlords from asking about or denying rental applications based solely on an applicant's criminal record before issuing a conditional offer. It directly affects renters with criminal histories and requires landlords to provide written notice about criminal record screening before collecting application fees. Key provisions include banning pre-offer inquiries into criminal history (except for federal requirements), allowing landlords to consider only specific serious offenses (like arson, human trafficking, or recent sex offenses requiring registration) after a conditional offer, and mandating an individualized assessment with mitigating evidence for denials. Landlords must also disclose if criminal records are part of their screening process.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Donald Koivisto, a former Michigan State Senator (1990-2002) and House Representative (1981-1986). The resolution expresses the legislature's tribute to his service, highlighting his dedication to the Upper Peninsula, farming community, and bipartisan collaboration. It was unanimously adopted by both chambers as a formal expression of respect for his legacy. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely commemorates his public service.

Maddy summarySB 539 creates a "do-not-sell list" for firearms under Michigan law, requiring sellers to check this list before selling certain firearms. The bill amends existing firearm regulations (MCL 28.421-28.422) by adding Section 12c to implement this list. It directly affects firearm sellers, who must verify firearms against the list before completing a sale, and purchasers who seek to buy firearms subject to the list. The policy change focuses on preventing the sale of specific firearms without specifying which firearms qualify, as that detail would be defined in the list itself. This is a procedural mechanism to enhance firearm safety through seller verification.