Sen. Jeff Irwin

Maddy summarySB 547 requires healthcare providers (like doctors and hospitals) to submit medical records and comply with insurance reviews for accident-related care under Michigan's no-fault insurance. It creates a formal process for insurers to request explanations for treatments deemed excessive, with providers able to appeal decisions to the state department. The bill also penalizes providers who submit false information during reviews as fraudulent insurance acts. These changes apply to all healthcare providers offering covered services and aim to standardize how insurers evaluate medical care against medical guidelines. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee.

Maddy summarySB 543 increases civil fines for violations of Michigan's insurance code. Insurers face fines up to $100,000 per knowing violation (capped at $500,000 total), while other entities face up to $5,000 per knowing violation (capped at $50,000 total). The bill clarifies that fines apply to non-compliant filings under specific chapters but exclude individual policy actions based on those filings. It also strengthens enforcement by allowing the director to order cease-and-desist actions and suspend licenses for repeated violations.

Maddy summarySB 549 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen data security requirements for insurers handling personal information. It requires insurers to notify Michigan residents if their unencrypted personal data (like Social Security numbers or financial account details) was accessed by unauthorized parties, or if encrypted data was accessed with the encryption key. The law also mandates that insurers notify data owners if a breach affects information they own but the insurer maintains. These notifications must be provided without unreasonable delay after determining the breach could cause substantial harm or identity theft. The bill directly affects Michigan residents whose data is held by insurers and the insurers themselves, who must now follow specific breach notification protocols.

Maddy summarySB 545 requires Michigan auto and homeowners insurers to provide clear, written explanations to policyholders when making significant changes to their coverage or rates (like increases over 10%, cancellations, or reduced coverage). It mandates that notices explain the specific factors driving the change - such as driving history or property risks - instead of vague terms like "poor loss history" or "internal models." Policyholders can request written details, and insurers must share these notices with their insurance agents under certain conditions. The law applies to policies issued after January 1, 2026, and does not replace existing cancellation notice requirements.

Maddy summarySB 550 requires auto and home insurers in Michigan to provide policyholders with clear, written explanations of how their insurance rates are calculated. Specifically, insurers must send annual notices detailing rating classifications, how rates vary based on those factors, and how policyholders can verify their premiums (Sec. 2112). The bill also strengthens filing rules for insurers, mandating detailed rate manuals be submitted to the state insurance department for review (Sec. 2106, 2108), with a 90-day waiting period for auto insurance rate changes. Additionally, it prohibits "redlining" (denying coverage based on location) and requires insurers to certify filings comply with state rules. This directly affects insurers (who must file and disclose) and policyholders (who gain transparency into rate calculations).

Maddy summarySB 546 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen penalties for insurers delaying claim payments. It requires insurers to pay 12% annual interest on unpaid claims after 60 days, with tiered rates (1.5% for 30 days late, 2% for 31-90 days, 4% after 90 days) for claims not paid on time. The bill also mandates health plans pay "clean claims" (complete documentation) within 30 days, with interest if delayed, and clarifies timelines for proof of loss. This directly affects insurers, policyholders, third-party claimants, and health providers like hospitals or clinics processing medical claims.

Maddy summarySB 544 amends Michigan's Insurance Code (MCL 500.2026) to prohibit insurers from changing coverage terms or denying claims after a claim is filed. Specifically, it bans "re-underwriting" a policy or altering coverage based on a claim that has been submitted, which directly protects policyholders from unfair treatment after filing a claim. The key provision (added as subsection (o)) prevents insurers from using claim history to deny coverage or increase premiums retroactively. This policy change ensures insurers must complete underwriting before issuing a policy, not after a claim arises. The bill aims to prevent insurers from unfairly penalizing customers who file legitimate claims.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 92) urges the U.S. Congress to restore oversight mechanisms for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It directly addresses federal immigration enforcement agencies and aims to improve accountability following recent incidents involving ICE officers and reduced oversight capacity. The resolution specifically calls for reinstating agencies like the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which were weakened under the Trump Administration, leading to unaddressed complaints about officer conduct. It emphasizes that restoring these oversight tools is necessary to ensure immigration enforcement follows laws, respects civil rights, and maintains community trust. As a resolution, it does not create new law but expresses the Michigan Senate's position to Congress.

Maddy summarySB 158 prohibits the use of automated programs (bots) to purchase event tickets online in bulk. It directly affects consumers trying to buy tickets fairly and venues or ticket sellers using such bots to manipulate sales. The bill creates a new legal prohibition against these automated ticket-buying practices, making it illegal for businesses to deploy them. This policy change aims to prevent scalping and ensure equitable access to tickets for the general public.

Maddy summarySB 349 would allow Michigan high school students to opt out of the workforce readiness assessment portion of the Michigan Merit Examination. The bill amends MCL 380.1279g to provide this opt-out option directly to students taking the exam. It does not change the overall examination requirements but gives students a choice regarding this specific assessment component. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Education and Workforce.