Sen. Rosemary Bayer

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's education savings program to align its tax rules with the most recent federal changes. It directly affects individuals and organizations who contribute to or withdraw funds from these state-approved savings accounts for higher education. The key provision expands what counts as a qualified expense to include costs for registered apprenticeships and interest payments on qualified education loans. Additionally, the bill clarifies that withdrawals used for these new purposes, as well as existing ones like scholarships or service academy attendance, remain free from state income tax penalties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates November 9-16, 2024, as Kindness Week to honor the global observance. It encourages individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations to perform acts of kindness and pay them forward during that period. The measure does not create new laws or require specific actions but serves to recognize the value of kindness and promote positive community behavior.

Maddy summarySB 1000 updates the definitions used in Michigan's ABLE program, which helps individuals with disabilities save money for expenses like housing and education. The bill specifically clarifies how the state interprets federal tax laws by setting the reference date for the Internal Revenue Code to January 1, 2024, or allowing taxpayers to choose the current year's version. This change ensures that the program's rules align with the most recent federal guidelines regarding who qualifies for the account and what expenses are covered. As a result, residents of Michigan and other states with similar programs can continue to use their savings accounts without confusion over outdated tax definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Pet Cemetery Regulation Act to create a legal framework for operating pet cemeteries and crematoriums in Michigan. It requires operators to file land dedications that permanently restrict property use for pet burial or entombment and mandates the creation of an endowed care fund, which must be funded by at least 15% of individual burial fees to ensure long-term site maintenance. The legislation also defines specific terms for various burial methods and sets a minimum size requirement of three acres for new pet cemeteries, while outlining procedures for reclaiming land if owners fail to pay required fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the fees that individuals must pay to file various civil cases in circuit courts. It specifically sets new dollar amounts for filing civil actions, appeals, jury trial demands, and motions, while also establishing fee exemptions for certain family law matters involving child custody or support. The legislation includes provisions for waiving these fees for indigent parties and outlines how collected funds will be distributed to state and county treasurers. Because the bill is tied to another piece of legislation, it will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1041 proposes to repeal a 1913 law that regulated telephone lines and companies in Michigan. This bill would remove the legal framework that designated telephone services as common carriers and assigned regulatory duties to the Public Service Commission. The legislation includes a condition that it only becomes effective if a separate, related bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summarySB 1040 proposes changes to Michigan's existing laws regarding home sales and telephone solicitations. The bill updates the official title of the statute and modifies specific sections that outline the rights and duties of parties involved in these transactions. Additionally, it repeals several older sections that previously regulated telephone solicitations. This legislation directly affects consumers and businesses engaged in home solicitation sales and phone marketing within the state.

Maddy summarySB 1039 updates Michigan's consumer protection laws to strengthen rules against deceptive telephone solicitations and other unfair trade practices. The bill amends existing statutes to explicitly define and prohibit specific misleading behaviors, such as falsely claiming products are new, exaggerating price reductions, or misrepresenting a consumer's need for repairs. It also introduces stricter requirements for environmental claims, ensuring that labels like "recycled" or "degradable" are backed by evidence, and adds new protections for vulnerable consumers who may be unable to understand agreements due to disability or illiteracy. By clarifying these definitions and adding new prohibited acts, the legislation aims to provide clearer guidance to businesses and better safeguards for consumers engaging in various transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Telephone Solicitation Act in Michigan to regulate how businesses and organizations make phone calls for sales, charity contributions, employment offers, or prize promotions. It defines specific terms such as "vulnerable individuals" (those 75 or older or with disabilities) and "vulnerable telephone numbers" like emergency lines and hospitals to protect these groups from unwanted contact. The law prohibits calling these protected numbers and requires clear, written consent from residents before using automated dialers, recorded messages, or prerecorded voicemails for solicitation purposes. Additionally, the act clarifies that calls to existing customers are generally allowed unless the customer has explicitly requested to stop receiving them, while also defining lead generation and low-income workers within the new framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.