Sen. Sue Shink

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 23 through 29, 2024, as Grassroots Week in Michigan to honor precinct delegates and grassroots leaders. The measure aims to acknowledge the efforts of these individuals, who serve as the smallest link in the districting system by registering voters and organizing community support for political candidates. By officially recognizing this week, the Senate encourages all residents to express gratitude for the time and energy these volunteers dedicate to their neighborhoods. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of appreciation for their role in the democratic process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, a 1964 civil rights campaign in Mississippi where volunteers worked to register Black voters and establish community schools. The bill directly affects the state legislature by formally recognizing the historical significance of the event and honoring the Michigan residents who participated as volunteers. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the struggle for voting rights and the sacrifices made by activists during that period. The text highlights the efforts of various organizations to challenge segregation and notes the violent opposition faced by participants, including murders and beatings. Ultimately, the resolution affirms the importance of voting rights for all citizens without altering any existing legal framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Food Law to explicitly allow dogs to be present at restaurants that offer outdoor seating. The change directly affects food service establishments by clarifying that the existing rules permitting outdoor seating do not prohibit the presence of pets. By modifying specific sections of the current statute, the legislation updates the legal framework to accommodate businesses that wish to serve customers with their dogs outside. This policy adjustment does not alter health and safety standards for the food itself but rather expands the types of establishments and seating arrangements currently recognized under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of perjury in Michigan to include false statements made in records signed under penalty of perjury. It clarifies that a "record" covers information on both physical and electronic media, while defining a "signature" to include traditional marks as well as electronic symbols or processes. The amendment ensures that individuals who willfully lie about material facts in these modern digital or paper documents face the same felony penalties as those who lie under direct oath. Directly affected parties include anyone required to sign affidavits, depositions, or other legal documents, whether by hand or electronically. The change aims to close a potential loophole where false statements in non-oath contexts might not have been clearly covered by existing perjury laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms Michigan's commitment to strengthening its relationship with Taiwan by highlighting shared values and existing economic and academic partnerships. The bill specifically supports the work of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago and encourages further trade agreements and educational exchanges between the two regions. Additionally, it expresses continued support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations that affect public health, safety, and well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for how prosecutors in Michigan must handle information gathered from in-custody informants, who are individuals not directly involved in the crime but who provide testimony while incarcerated or after being charged themselves. It requires prosecutors to track and report details about any benefits offered to these informants, such as reduced sentences or financial rewards, and to share this information with state correctional agencies. Additionally, the law mandates that prosecutors disclose specific credibility factors to the defense before trial, including the informant's criminal history and any prior instances where they received benefits for testimony. If an in-custody informant testifies, the prosecutor must inform the jury that their evidence should be weighed carefully due to the potential for undisclosed benefits, and victims in related cases must be notified of any incentives given to the witness.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to clarify the requirements for proving perjury and to modify penalties for false statements made under oath. It specifies that an individual is guilty of perjury if they knowingly make a materially false statement during an investigation, with penalties ranging from up to 15 years in prison to life imprisonment if the investigation involves a crime punishable by life. Additionally, the bill addresses the consequences for refusing to comply with investigative subpoenas, allowing courts to commute sentences for contempt if a witness appears to purge themselves of the offense. These changes directly affect individuals subject to criminal investigations and the legal process used to determine guilt for lying under oath.

Maddy summarySB 757 allocates state funds for Michigan's judiciary system for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This legislation establishes the budget amount that courts and related judicial offices can spend during that period. The bill also sets rules for how these funds must be used and managed by the judicial branch. It is a standard appropriations measure designed to ensure the courts have the necessary financial resources to operate.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates state funding for the Michigan Department of Corrections for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. It authorizes the department to spend the appropriated money on its operations and expenses during that period. The legislation also establishes a conference committee to resolve differences between the Senate and House versions of the funding bill.

Maddy summarySB 903 amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to clarify the legal remedies available to tenants when landlords violate specific rental agreement rules. The bill allows tenants to sue for damages, terminate their leases, or stop landlords from using illegal clauses if the landlord fails to fix the issue within 20 days of receiving written notice. It also provides for the recovery of court costs and attorney fees for tenants who win these cases, while establishing conditions under which a tenant can skip the initial notice step, such as when a violation has already been confirmed in court. This legislation is tied to three other bills and will not take effect until all of them are passed by the legislature.