Sen. Sue Shink

Maddy summarySCR 6 is a memorial resolution passed by the Michigan Legislature to honor Virgil Clark Smith, a former member of the Michigan Senate (1988-2000) and House of Representatives (1977-1988). The resolution commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including his historic role as the first African American Senate Democratic Floor Leader. It expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication, leadership, and legacy as a trailblazing legislator and later Wayne County Circuit Court judge. The resolution was adopted unanimously by both chambers in October 2025 and will be transmitted to Smith's family.

Maddy summarySB 623 shortens the deadline for Michigan employees to file workplace discrimination complaints related to safety concerns. It changes the current 180-day window for filing a complaint after retaliation to 30 days. This directly affects employees who report safety issues and employers who may retaliate against them. The bill modifies the existing Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to require complaints be filed within 30 days of the discriminatory act, streamlining the process for addressing retaliation. The change is procedural and does not alter other protections or enforcement mechanisms under the act.

Maddy summarySB 621 amends Michigan's election law to clarify that mobile driver's licenses and mobile state identification cards are not acceptable forms of photo ID for voting. The bill specifically excludes these mobile versions - issued to residents of mobile homes or boats - from the list of valid identification, which previously included them under broader categories. This change affects voters who rely on these mobile licenses as their primary ID, requiring them to present an alternative acceptable form of ID, such as a standard driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The bill does not alter other acceptable ID options or voting procedures.

Maddy summarySB 617 amends Michigan's state ID card law to add new options for cardholders. It allows individuals to indicate organ donation participation (via a heart symbol or digital indicator on mobile IDs), include veteran status (with verification), and optionally add blood type, immunization, medication data, or deafness status to their ID. The bill requires the Secretary of State to provide organ donation information and a registration opportunity during the ID application process. This directly affects Michigan residents applying for or renewing state ID cards, with no new fees or eligibility changes.

Maddy summarySB 618 amends Michigan's Enhanced Driver License Act to create mobile versions of enhanced licenses and identification cards. It allows residents who already hold a physical enhanced driver license or enhanced official state ID card to access a mobile digital version through a state-developed app. Key provisions include requiring the mobile version to match physical card data, using encrypted radio frequency technology (without biometrics), and charging a $4 fee for issuance or renewal. This directly affects Michigan residents with existing enhanced licenses who choose to use mobile versions for entering the U.S. at ports of entry or as digital ID. The bill does not change eligibility requirements but adds a secure mobile option for current enhanced license holders.

Maddy summarySB 620 establishes rules for businesses or organizations (called "relying parties") that verify mobile driver licenses or ID cards. It requires them to only request necessary data from the mobile device, get the user's consent before using or keeping data, and securely verify the device before accepting it. The bill prohibits relying parties from asking users to hand over their phones, searching phone content, or demanding mobile IDs for transactions. It directly affects people using mobile licenses (holders) and entities like retailers or government offices that accept them for identity checks. The law aims to protect user privacy during digital ID verification while aligning with existing Michigan license regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 619) amends Michigan's vehicle code to update licensing requirements for drivers and mobile operators/chauffeurs. It specifically revises sections related to license provisions (25, 307, 310, 311, 312, 314, 901a) and adds new sections (30d, 310a, 811c), though the exact policy changes aren't detailed in the provided text. The bill directly affects individuals holding driver’s licenses, commercial driver’s licenses, or chauffeur licenses in Michigan. As the context only lists the amended sections without describing the specific changes, a full summary of its mechanisms or provisions cannot be provided.

Maddy summarySB 622 requires Michigan to adopt federal OSHA standards within 10 working days of their federal adoption, replacing the previous requirement for state rulemaking. It also mandates that state officials justify new Michigan safety rules when federal standards don't cover specific workplace issues, including demonstrating industry-specific needs or broad consensus among employers and workers. The bill directly affects Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which must process these rules, and impacts employers and workers across all regulated industries. These changes streamline alignment with federal standards while adding transparency requirements for state rule development.

Maddy summarySB 330 expands exemptions from Michigan jury duty to include nursing mothers (with medical verification), participants in the address confidentiality program, U.S. military service members and their spouses (during active duty), hospice caregivers, and parents caring for children with serious health conditions. To claim these exemptions, individuals must provide documentation like a physician's letter, military orders, or program verification. The bill modifies existing jury eligibility rules to add these specific categories while maintaining requirements for basic qualifications like U.S. citizenship and English communication. This change directly affects those in these protected groups who would otherwise be required to serve on juries.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 80) is a symbolic recognition of Diwali's significance, not a law with policy changes. It formally acknowledges Diwali's historic, cultural, and religious importance to Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities in Michigan and globally - describing it as the "festival of lights" symbolizing light overcoming darkness and celebrating shared values like tolerance. The resolution expresses the Senate's respect for Diwali's message and its celebration by over one billion people worldwide. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect but affirms Michigan's commitment to religious diversity.