Sen. Rosemary Bayer

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's existing breastfeeding protections to explicitly include the expression of human milk, such as pumping breast milk in public spaces. It prohibits businesses and public service providers from denying access or displaying signs that discourage individuals from breastfeeding or expressing milk. The law applies to any place of public accommodation or public service, ensuring that these activities are treated with the same non-discriminatory standards as actual breastfeeding.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the fines for violating Michigan's natural gas safety regulations, raising the maximum penalty per violation from $10,000 to $200,000 and the total cap for related violations from $500,000 to $2.5 million. It requires the Public Service Commission to adjust these fines annually for inflation starting September 1, 2024, using the Detroit area Consumer Price Index. The law also mandates that the commission consider factors like the violator's financial ability and history of prior offenses when setting specific fine amounts. Additionally, the bill strengthens penalties for willfully damaging pipeline signs or markers, classifying such acts as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases death and disability benefits for Michigan public safety officers who are injured or killed while performing their duties. Starting October 1, 2024, the state will pay $50,000 to the officer's surviving spouse or dependents, or to their estate if no family members exist, whereas claims paid before that date will receive $25,000. The additional payment is intended to be given on top of any other benefits the family may already receive. The law applies retroactively to any benefit applications that were pending on or after the October 1, 2024 effective date.

Maddy summarySB 1028 updates Michigan law to require county road commissions to use competitive sealed bidding when purchasing machines, tools, and materials over $250,000, with an exception for emergency situations. The bill also mandates that these commissions create a plan to ensure minority business enterprises have equal opportunities to compete for contracts and purchases. Additionally, it adjusts the threshold for required competitive bidding annually based on the Detroit Consumer Price Index and allows commissions to finance property purchases through installment plans lasting up to 30 years. These changes directly affect county road commissions and the vendors they contract with for road maintenance projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Nancy C. Cassis, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It recognizes her career as a public servant and details her legislative achievements, including her work on tax policy and her receipt of various awards. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to her family and requests that copies of the document be sent to them as a tribute.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 21, 2024, as Maltese American Heritage Day to honor the contributions of Maltese Americans in Michigan. The measure commemorates the 60th anniversary of Malta's independence and acknowledges the state's large population of Maltese immigrants and their descendants, particularly in the Metro Detroit area. By adopting this resolution, the legislature formally recognizes the cultural and economic impact of this community without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of supporting children affected by cancer. The measure, introduced by Senator Erika Geiss, serves to recognize the resilience of patients and their families while acknowledging the progress made in treatment and research over recent decades. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the bill aims to encourage increased support and attention to the cause without imposing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for parking in designated electric vehicle charging spaces by defining what constitutes an electric vehicle parking space and the equipment used to charge vehicles. It prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in these marked spaces unless the vehicle is actively plugged in, while requiring space owners to post clear signs detailing the restriction, time limits, and potential fines. The legislation applies only to public charging spaces and allows local governments to create similar laws that do not conflict with state rules. Additionally, the bill updates existing parking violation procedures to ensure that registered vehicle owners can be held responsible for parking infractions and have the right to seek reimbursement from the actual driver if they were not authorized to operate the vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Month to raise awareness about the issue. The bill directly affects the members of the legislative body by asking them to formally acknowledge the importance of mental health support and suicide prevention efforts. It highlights the urgency of the crisis by citing statistics on suicide rates and the barriers to treatment, such as stigma and cost, while promoting the 988 lifeline as a resource for those in distress. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage the community to invest in mental health resources and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.