Sen. Sue Shink

Maddy summarySB 128 establishes the Michigan-Ireland Trade Commission to promote economic partnerships between Michigan businesses and Ireland. The bill creates a new state commission tasked with coordinating trade promotion activities, facilitating business connections, and supporting export opportunities for Michigan companies targeting the Irish market. This commission will operate under state agency oversight and directly affect Michigan businesses engaged in international trade with Ireland. The bill does not impose new taxes or regulations but creates a dedicated entity to advance bilateral trade relations.

Maddy summarySB 710 bans the use and sale of coal tar sealants and other sealants high in PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) on pavement in Michigan, with exceptions for approved environmental research or development. It requires sellers to obtain a "no-Michigan-use form" from buyers who will not use the product within the state, and property owners applying these sealants without an exemption are presumed to have done so. Violations can result in civil fines of up to $5,000. The bill aims to reduce PAH pollution from pavement sealants, directly affecting property owners, contractors, and sellers of these products.

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a memorial resolution honoring Irma Clark-Coleman, a former Michigan state legislator who served in the House (1999-2002) and Senate (2003-2010). The resolution recognizes her decades of public service at both local (Wayne County) and state levels, including her advocacy for education reform and legislative work on children’s issues. Unanimously adopted by the Michigan Legislature in December 2025, it serves as a formal tribute to her legacy and does not enact any policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 532 creates special vehicle registration plates for Michigan military members, including current National Guard members, U.S. Armed Forces Reserve members, and honorably discharged veterans (including those who retired or received honorable discharges). Applicants must provide proof of service, and the plates feature a special design with "national guard" or "armed forces" wording, issued at no service fee. The plates expire on the vehicle owner’s birthday, and renewal requires no additional fee. This law directly affects eligible military members and their vehicles, expanding access beyond current plate categories.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal (SJR F) removes gender-specific language from two Michigan Constitution sections. It repeals the current definition of marriage as "the union of one man and one woman" (Article I, Section 25) and updates property rights language to be gender-neutral (Article X, Section 1). The change would affect all Michiganders by eliminating gender-based restrictions in marriage recognition and ensuring property rights for married individuals are defined without gender distinctions. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to reflect these neutral terms. The bill is currently in committee for review.

Maddy summarySB 251 proposes a new law requiring water utilities to provide clearer billing information and establish affordability programs for low-income households. It directly affects public water systems by mandating transparent rate structures and creating a process for discounted service rates. The bill aims to make water costs more predictable and accessible through concrete requirements for utility reporting and customer assistance. Specific implementation details are still under review by the committee.

Maddy summarySB 250 creates a new program to provide financial assistance for water bills to low-income households. It adds specific provisions to the state’s human services law (MCL 400.1-400.119b) to establish eligibility criteria and program administration. The policy directly affects residents struggling to afford basic water services, aiming to reduce financial strain through state-funded support. This change modifies existing law to integrate water affordability into human services programs.

Maddy summarySB 255 would decriminalize restoring water service to a lawfully occupied home after a shutoff due to non-payment, provided no metering or backflow devices are damaged. It changes penalties from potential felony charges to civil violations, with first offenses requiring up to 25 hours of community service, and repeat offenses limited to fines under $500 or up to 100 hours of service. The bill applies specifically to residents who restore service themselves, not utility workers or others. It also mandates referrals to water assistance programs for those cited under this provision.

Maddy summarySB 249 creates a task force to develop a low-income water bill assistance program for Michigan residents. The task force, appointed by the Department of Human Services within 30 days, must include representatives from small/large water providers, consumer advocacy groups, community agencies, local governments, and environmental organizations. Over nine months, the task force will advise on program best practices, create implementation guidance, develop outreach materials, seek additional funding, and recommend criteria for providers to run their own affordability programs. This bill does not directly provide assistance but establishes the framework for future program development, pending passage of related bills (SB 248, 250, 252).

Maddy summarySB 254 requires utility providers (like water or sewage services) to approve tenant requests to transfer utility accounts when moving into a rental property. It amends Michigan law to mandate that providers must accept requests from tenants under Section 1f(1) of 1972 PA 348 (which defines "lessee" as a tenant). This directly affects renters who want to continue utility service under their name when leasing a new property, rather than the previous owner or landlord. The bill does not change utility rates or create new fees, only streamlining the transfer process for tenants.