Sen. Sue Shink

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.

Maddy summarySB 734 creates a bipartisan, bicameral joint oversight committee to review state agency audits. It requires the committee to have 8 members (max 4 from one party), appointed equally by House and Senate leadership, and mandates quarterly meetings to examine all completed audit reports from the auditor general. The committee can make recommendations to the legislature but cannot issue binding orders, and the bill’s effectiveness depends on a separate constitutional amendment (SJR G'25) being adopted. This is a procedural change affecting how audits are reviewed, not a policy impacting citizens or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create a permanent, bipartisan committee in Michigan's legislature to oversee state audits. It would require the auditor general to report audit findings directly to this 8-member committee (with equal representation from both parties and chambers) instead of solely to the governor. The committee would review audits of state departments, agencies, and the executive branch, with members appointed by legislative leaders. This change, if approved by voters, would amend Article IV of Michigan's constitution to establish this new oversight structure.

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 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 267 establishes the Michigan-African-Caribbean Trade Commission, a new state agency focused on fostering trade relationships between Michigan and nations in Africa and the Caribbean. The bill creates a formal commission under state agencies to develop and promote economic partnerships, directly affecting Michigan businesses and officials engaged in international trade with these regions. Key provisions include defining the commission's structure and mandate to support trade development, though specific operational details are not outlined in the provided context. This is a procedural bill creating a new commission, not a policy with immediate regulatory changes.