Sen. Rosemary Bayer

Maddy summarySB 214 creates a Strategic Advisory Board under Michigan's existing Michigan Strategic Fund Act (1984 PA 270). The board, composed of voting members elected by appointed representatives from business, transit, economic development, housing/utilities, and education sectors, must develop strategic plans to guide the fund's work. It directly affects how the Michigan Strategic Fund operates by requiring formal strategic planning processes. The bill does not change funding levels but establishes a new governance structure to inform the fund's priorities.

Maddy summarySB 213 requires the Michigan Strategic Advisory Board to create a 10-year economic development plan for the state within one year of its appointment, with annual updates thereafter. The plan must include specific goals covering all regions (rural, suburban, urban), infrastructure needs, affordable housing, environmental protection, water resources, education access, and economic opportunities for all residents. It mandates measurable metrics for success, such as population growth and resident prosperity, and requires a "whole-government approach" to achieve these objectives. The bill directly affects the Strategic Advisory Board and Michigan Strategic Fund by establishing their planning obligations under the Michigan Strategic Fund Act.

Maddy summarySB 232 amends Michigan's Reconnect Grant program to expand access to financial aid for adult learners. It modifies eligibility requirements (setting a minimum age of 25, or 21 if funds allow before 2032) and adds a "reconnect short-term training program" offering skills scholarships of up to $1,500 for industry-recognized certificates or credentials. The bill directly affects Michigan residents aged 25+ (or 21+ with available funding) seeking associate degrees or occupational training who have not earned prior college degrees. Key mechanisms include streamlined application processes, mandatory federal aid filings, and a pathway to convert short-term training credits into associate degree coursework at community colleges.

Maddy summarySB 233 lowers the age requirement for Michigan's Reconnect program from 25 to 21 years old. This change expands eligibility for last-dollar financial aid (covering remaining tuition costs after other aid) to adults aged 21 and older pursuing associate degrees or industry-recognized credentials. The bill amends Section 1 of the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act (2020 PA 84) to align with the program's goal of increasing the state's college degree and credential attainment rate for residents aged 25-64. It directly affects adult learners seeking postsecondary education who previously did not qualify due to age restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 475 prohibits health professionals (such as doctors and nurses) from performing invasive bodily examinations on anesthetized or unconscious patients. Exceptions allow such exams only with the patient's written consent for necessary care, consent tied to a related surgical procedure, or in emergencies where consent isn't possible. The bill also requires consent forms to specify whether trainee students in health programs may perform these exams. This applies to all licensed health workers and their training programs in Michigan.

Maddy summarySB 476 updates Michigan's Public Health Code by adding a clear definition for "invasive bodily examination" to include pelvic, vaginal, rectal, and prostate exams. It also clarifies that a "health profession specialty field license" (like dental specialty certifications) is not considered a full license under the law. These changes directly affect licensed health professionals, particularly those in specialty fields, by defining scope boundaries and preventing confusion about credentialing. The bill makes concrete policy adjustments to the existing definitions without altering licensing requirements or creating new obligations.

Maddy summarySB 612 eliminates the requirement for victims to pay costs when courts deliver personal protection orders. It directly affects individuals seeking court-issued protection from domestic violence or abuse. The bill removes a financial barrier by changing court procedures so victims no longer cover the expenses for serving these protective orders. This is a procedural change to Michigan's civil court rules, shifting the cost responsibility from victims to the court system.

Maddy summarySB 611 eliminates court costs for serving personal protection orders in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking protection from domestic violence, harassment, or abuse who must legally serve court orders on others. The bill amends Michigan’s civil procedure laws (MCL 600.2559 & 600.2950) to remove the requirement that these individuals pay fees for process servers. This change simplifies access to legal protection by removing a financial barrier for vulnerable residents.

Maddy summarySB 709 establishes formal criteria for renaming Michigan highways to honor veterans or historical figures. It amends Michigan's highway law (MCL 250.1001-250.2092) by adding Section 1b, requiring the Michigan Department of Transportation to adopt specific procedures for such requests. The bill directly affects state transportation decisions and local communities seeking to rename roads. It mandates that renaming proposals must include historical significance and public input, but does not authorize specific name changes. This procedural bill focuses on creating a standardized process for highway memorials.

Maddy summarySB 708 adds new rules to Michigan's highway memorial program, limiting how often and under what conditions memorials can be designated. It restricts memorial designations to no more than 10 per calendar year, prohibits re-designating the same infrastructure for 10 years after a memorial, and requires all designations to follow specific eligibility criteria. The bill applies to all infrastructure types covered by the program, including highways, bridges, trails, and interchanges. This bill is contingent on Senate Bill 709 becoming law, as stated in its enacting section.