Sen. Sue Shink

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens tenant rights in Michigan by establishing a formal "repair and deduct" process that allows renters to fix critical housing issues when landlords fail to do so. It requires landlords to begin repairs within specific timeframes after receiving written notice, ranging from 24 hours for immediate health hazards like mold or bedbugs to seven days for other defects. If a landlord does not act within these deadlines, tenants may legally withhold rent, place it in an escrow account, or hire contractors to perform the repairs and deduct the costs from their rent. The legislation also mandates that rental agreements explicitly include these rights and prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who follow the proper procedures. However, the bill cannot take effect until three other related housing bills are also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Tenants Right to Organize Act in Michigan, granting residential tenants the legal right to form tenant unions and engage in collective activities. It defines specific rules for how these unions can operate, including distributing literature, holding meetings, and collecting dues, while also outlining conditions under which tenant organizers may visit rental properties. The legislation prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants or interfering with union activities, such as by delaying maintenance or revoking access to amenities, and provides for civil fines and attorney fees as penalties for violations. Importantly, the bill does not take effect until three companion bills are also passed, indicating it is part of a broader legislative package.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits landlords from including specific clauses in rental agreements, such as those that waive tenant rights, limit legal remedies, or prevent tenants from forming a union. It directly affects both landlords and tenants by banning provisions that would allow a landlord to alter agreement terms without written consent, accelerate rent payments unfairly, or require a tenant to give up their right to a jury trial. The legislation also mandates that all rental agreements include a prominent notice informing tenants of their legal rights and outlines specific timelines for landlords to provide written notice of lease renewals and rent increases. By invalidating any clause that violates these new restrictions, the bill aims to ensure that rental contracts comply with existing state laws and protect the procedural rights of both parties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Michigan legislative body to officially recognize June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Pride Month. The measure does not change any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the LGBTQ+ community's history and contributions to the state. By adopting this resolution, the Senate highlights the cultural and civic importance of the community while honoring past struggles and recent legal victories for equality.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows landlords in Michigan to accept "reusable screening reports" provided by prospective tenants, which are consumer reports prepared within the last 45 days at the tenant's expense. If a landlord chooses to use such a report, they are prohibited from charging the applicant a separate rental application fee. Conversely, if a landlord does not accept these reusable reports, they may charge a fee of up to $25 to cover the cost of obtaining their own consumer report. The legislation also requires landlords to clearly state in their rental advertisements whether they accept reusable screening reports and mandates written disclosure to applicants about the information used for screening and the criteria for denial.

Maddy summarySB 884 amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to strengthen regulations against deceptive trade practices, specifically targeting false environmental claims and misleading product representations. The bill requires that any product labeled as recycled, recyclable, degradable, or made from a specific recycled content must strictly adhere to federal guidelines and provide evidence that the item will fully decompose in a landfill or composting facility within a reasonable time. Additionally, the new section prohibits merchants from representing a product as degradable unless they can substantiate that it breaks down into natural elements quickly after disposal. These changes directly affect businesses selling consumer goods by mandating accurate labeling and preventing confusion about a product's environmental impact.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month to highlight the condition and encourage public understanding. The bill focuses on raising awareness for a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues, causing symptoms such as joint instability, skin bruising, and digestive issues. By establishing this awareness month, the legislation aims to support those living with EDS and promote further medical research and funding. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor patients and advocate for scientific study.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors the memory of Michael L. Green, a former Michigan state representative and senator who recently passed away. It recognizes his long public service career, including his work in Tuscola County and his legislative roles in both the House and Senate, while noting his personal history and community involvement. The resolution expresses the legislature's tribute to him and directs that copies of the document be sent to his family as a sign of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's eviction laws to protect tenant privacy by allowing courts to seal and eventually expunge court records related to eviction proceedings. Under the new rules, records are automatically sealed until a landlord wins a judgment for possession, after which they may be sealed if specific conditions are met, such as the tenant receiving emergency rental assistance, the case involving a small rent amount, or the tenant having fulfilled their court order. The legislation also establishes a process for researchers to access sealed records under strict confidentiality agreements and creates a legal remedy for prospective tenants who are denied housing based on knowledge of sealed eviction records.