Sen. Sue Shink

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 17) is a symbolic recognition of March 17, 2025, as Saint Patrick’s Day. It does not create new laws, affect any specific group, or change policies. The resolution commemorates the Feast of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, and acknowledges Irish cultural heritage and contributions to the U.S. The Senate adopted it on March 13, 2025, as a ceremonial gesture.

Maddy summarySB 140 increases the fee for monitoring Michigan's oil and gas industry from up to 1% to up to 2% of the gross cash market value of oil and gas produced. This fee applies directly to oil and gas producers who pay it when selling their products, collected alongside existing taxes. The fee amount adjusts annually based on the fund balance: it remains at 2% if the fund has less than $7 million, or calculates as a ratio of the budget to estimated production value if the fund meets or exceeds $7 million. Proceeds fund the state's monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement activities for oil and gas operations.

Maddy summarySB 141 requires oil and gas well operators in Michigan to reduce fugitive methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by at least 95% through methods like capturing gas for sale, on-site fuel use, or reinjection. It directly affects operators of oil/gas wells (excluding simple wellheads), with specific exemptions for wells exceeding 40 tons/year of emissions if technical infeasibility is certified by an engineer. The bill mandates operators to implement capture systems, report compliance, and maintain equipment, with enforcement including $100,000 fines or permit revocation for violations (excluding prompt repairs of malfunctions). Rules to implement these requirements must be finalized within 180 days of the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summarySB 127 prohibits public bodies (such as state agencies, schools, and universities) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It defines prohibited actions as those requiring federal reporting (e.g., USDA regulations), causing injury/fear, or involving invasive procedures like surgery. Exceptions include veterinary training for treating existing conditions and routine procedures like spaying/neutering performed by veterinarians or students. Violations carry civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per day, enforceable by county prosecutors or the Attorney General.

Maddy summarySB 94 prohibits drug manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors from restricting 340B program pharmacies from accessing or receiving 340B drugs, which are discounted medications for safety-net healthcare providers. It requires 340B entities (like community health centers) to submit annual compliance reports starting in 2026, including program audits and community impact details. Additionally, drug manufacturers must report price increases exceeding 15% for drugs costing over $40 per treatment course, including cost data and patent details. These provisions directly affect pharmaceutical companies, participating pharmacies, and healthcare providers enrolled in the federal 340B drug pricing program.

Maddy summarySB 92 creates a program to reimburse small businesses for revenue losses caused by unexpected road closures or construction delays exceeding schedules. It directly affects local businesses near road projects, providing grants up to $15,000 annually based on a three-year average revenue decline. The program requires businesses to apply with documentation, and the Department of Transportation must prioritize applications using specific criteria like revenue decline rate, construction duration, and traffic disruption severity. The bill establishes a dedicated fund in the state treasury, mandates annual reports to legislative committees on grant usage, and requires decisions on applications within 120 days.

Maddy summarySB 89 creates parole eligibility for individuals convicted of first-degree murder under a felony-murder theory before November 4, 1980, who are currently serving life sentences without parole. The bill amends Michigan’s penal code to allow these specific individuals - historically convicted under a legal standard that barred parole - to be considered for parole under the state’s corrections code. This change directly affects people already incarcerated under such pre-1980 convictions, altering their sentencing status without altering their original conviction. The provision applies only to those serving life sentences on the bill’s effective date, not to new cases.

Maddy summarySB 90 amends Michigan's Corrections Code to require parole consideration for individuals sentenced before 1980 for certain crimes. It specifically creates a new process (via added sections 35a and 83a) to allow parole boards to review cases of people incarcerated for offenses listed in Section 33b (like certain violent crimes) who were sentenced prior to 1980. The bill changes existing rules by mandating that parole boards must consider these individuals for parole, rather than automatically denying it based on their sentence date. This directly affects thousands of incarcerated people in Michigan who were convicted and sentenced before 1980 for qualifying offenses.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Santana to formally recognize February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it affirms the legislature's support for the annual observance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context, honors African-American contributions, and encourages public awareness of both achievements and ongoing efforts toward racial equality. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on February 12-13, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 8) designates February 3-7, 2025, as School Counseling Week in Michigan. It recognizes the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career development, while raising awareness about the critical need to improve student-to-counselor ratios (currently 598:1 in Michigan, far exceeding the recommended 250:1). The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of counselors' contributions.