Sen. Jeff Irwin

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 is a resolution from the Michigan Senate that urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress to fully fund Medicaid. It also calls on them to reject any proposals that would reduce access for those in need or shift costs onto states, healthcare providers, and vulnerable individuals.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 318 amends Michigan's Corrections Code, modifying the financial responsibility for medical services provided to prisoners. Under this bill, prisoners who intentionally injure themselves will be responsible for the entire cost of the emergency medical care they receive for those injuries. This means they will pay the full amount, rather than a copayment, for treatment of self-inflicted harm. The bill directly affects prisoners within Michigan's correctional facilities and the Department of Corrections' administration of medical costs.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 260 amends Michigan's governmental immunity act, specifically for public universities, colleges, and school districts. It removes their immunity from tort liability in cases of criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees or agents. These institutions can be held liable if they were negligent in hiring, supervision, or training, or if they had knowledge of the conduct and failed to report it to law enforcement. However, liability is only imposed if the institution also had prior knowledge of the individual's propensity for or previous acts of criminal sexual conduct and failed to intervene to prevent the subsequent conduct.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 305 establishes the Air Quality Enforcement and Mitigation (AQEM) fund, directing all civil and administrative fines collected for air pollution violations into this dedicated fund. The bill mandates that 80% of the fund's money be used for an air quality community impact grant program, with the remaining 20% allocated for increased air monitoring in environmental justice communities and program administration. This grant program will provide funding to eligible entities like nonprofits and local governments for projects such as air pollution mitigation, health impact assessments, and community education, prioritizing environmental justice communities. The Department will develop guidelines for these grants in consultation with an advisory committee, which includes public health experts and community residents.

Maddy summarySB 181 is a routine appropriations bill that allocates $1.03 billion in funding for Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It provides specific funding levels for department operations, including water resources programs, environmental investigations, and administrative support, with $187.4 million coming from the state general fund. The bill directs how existing state and federal funds, along with revenue from environmental fees and special funds (like the Great Lakes protection fund), will be spent. As a procedural budget measure, it does not create new policy but enables the department to operate within its established responsibilities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 282, titled the "Tenants Right to Organize Act," establishes specific rights for tenants in Michigan to form and operate tenant unions. This bill allows tenants to self-organize, meet, distribute information, and confer with their landlords through chosen representatives regarding rental conditions and changes. It also permits tenant organizers to assist in these efforts, including canvassing within rental properties under certain conditions. The bill prohibits landlords from interfering with these organizing activities or retaliating against tenants who exercise these rights, with violations potentially leading to civil fines and other legal remedies.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 268 proposes to modify the scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Michigan, specifically focusing on nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners. It expands the authority of certified nurse anesthetists to include prescribing and administering anesthesia and analgesic agents, as well as developing and implementing care plans. These services may be provided without direct physician supervision if the nurse anesthetist meets specific experience or education requirements and participates in a patient-centered care team. The bill also allows healthcare facilities to adopt policies for these services and clarifies that it does not mandate new third-party reimbursement or worker's compensation benefits.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 29 designates April 20-26, 2025, as Infertility Awareness Week. This resolution aims to raise awareness about infertility and its impact on individuals and couples.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 26 designates April 18, 2025, as Lineman Appreciation Day. This resolution aims to recognize the work of linemen in constructing and maintaining energy infrastructure and their role as first responders during emergencies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 24 designates April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week. This resolution formally commemorates the week to raise awareness about the disparities in maternal health outcomes affecting Black mothers.