Sen. Sue Shink

Maddy summarySB 339 creates a standardized "separation of service record" that Michigan law enforcement agencies must maintain when officers leave their positions. It requires agencies to document the reason for separation and any active disciplinary investigations within one year of departure, finalize the record within 5 business days, and provide written notice to the officer. Officers can review the record, request corrections within 7 days, or submit a written statement disagreeing with inaccuracies if unresolved. This directly affects current and former law enforcement officers transitioning between agencies and their employers, ensuring transparency in separation documentation. The bill amends Michigan's existing law enforcement standards act to formalize these procedures.

Maddy summarySB 340 amends Michigan's Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act (MCL 423.507, 423.509) to clarify when law enforcement agencies can share personnel records. It updates rules for releasing "provisional service records" and separation-of-service records under related laws (2017 PA 128), ensuring these specific records are exempt from standard deletion rules. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to note if investigations into employee conduct were unfounded and prohibits using old investigation files for future hiring or promotions. It directly affects police departments, training academies, and the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards when handling employee records.

Maddy summarySB 344 modifies Michigan's property tax credit for individual income tax filers by changing the percentage rates used to calculate the credit. It directly affects homeowners who claim this credit, particularly those with lower property values who benefit from the credit against their state income tax. The bill amends specific sections of Michigan's Income Tax Act to adjust the credit percentages, making the calculation more precise. This change alters how much property tax can be deducted from income tax liability for eligible residents.

Maddy summarySB 341 updates Michigan's licensing requirements for law enforcement officers under the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act. It revises training standards (including recognition of prior experience), background checks, character fitness assessments, and physical/psychological requirements. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to verify applicants' compliance with these standards before administering an oath of office, and mandates the Commission to review documentation within 10 days to issue or deny licenses. These changes directly affect all new and current officers seeking or maintaining licensure in Michigan.

Maddy summarySB 335 requires all Michigan law enforcement agencies to adopt written "duty to intervene" policies within 12 months of the bill's effective date. These policies must mandate officers to stop or prevent excessive force by colleagues and report such incidents to a supervisor. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and their officers, making policy violations grounds for disciplinary action. It also allows agencies to use a state-created model policy but does not prevent stricter internal policies. The bill's effective date depends on the passage of companion bill SB 341.

Maddy summarySB 345 increases the property tax credit threshold for Michigan homeowners, raising the taxable value cap for homestead property tax credits from $135,000 to $160,700 for the 2024 tax year. Beginning in 2025, the cap will automatically adjust annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest $100. This change directly affects homeowners whose property value falls within the new threshold, allowing them to claim a larger credit against their state income tax for qualifying property taxes. The bill modifies Section 520 of Michigan’s Income Tax Act to implement this adjustment.

Maddy summarySB 338 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.16x) to specifically address law enforcement officers who tamper with evidence. It establishes separate sentencing parameters for officers convicted of altering, destroying, or fabricating evidence during investigations. This bill directly affects law enforcement officers in cases involving evidence tampering, ensuring their sentences are evaluated under these updated guidelines rather than general provisions. The change aims to clarify sentencing outcomes for this specific offense within the criminal justice system.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 5 is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of Darwin Booher, a former member of both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. The resolution offers tribute to his contributions and transmits copies to his family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 37 urges the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This resolution also requests the expansion of the AGOA program to include additional sub-Saharan African countries. The AGOA currently provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for certain products from eligible sub-Saharan African nations.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 49 is a tribute offered as a memorial for George Alvin McManus Jr., a former member of the Senate. The resolution honors his memory, acknowledges his service from 1991 to 2002, and directs copies to be sent to his family.