Sen. Jeff Irwin

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's existing breastfeeding protections to explicitly include the expression of human milk, such as pumping breast milk in public spaces. It prohibits businesses and public service providers from denying access or displaying signs that discourage individuals from breastfeeding or expressing milk. The law applies to any place of public accommodation or public service, ensuring that these activities are treated with the same non-discriminatory standards as actual breastfeeding.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the fines for violating Michigan's natural gas safety regulations, raising the maximum penalty per violation from $10,000 to $200,000 and the total cap for related violations from $500,000 to $2.5 million. It requires the Public Service Commission to adjust these fines annually for inflation starting September 1, 2024, using the Detroit area Consumer Price Index. The law also mandates that the commission consider factors like the violator's financial ability and history of prior offenses when setting specific fine amounts. Additionally, the bill strengthens penalties for willfully damaging pipeline signs or markers, classifying such acts as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail or a $5,000 fine.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Nancy C. Cassis, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It recognizes her career as a public servant and details her legislative achievements, including her work on tax policy and her receipt of various awards. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to her family and requests that copies of the document be sent to them as a tribute.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of Eastern Michigan University, recognizing its historical significance as the first institution west of the Allegheny Mountains dedicated to teacher education. The bill highlights the university's legacy of advancing equity by admitting both men and women regardless of race and its long-standing contributions to special education and community development in Ypsilanti. By formally acknowledging these achievements, the resolution honors EMU's evolution from a normal school to a comprehensive research university while encouraging its continued excellence.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 21, 2024, as Maltese American Heritage Day to honor the contributions of Maltese Americans in Michigan. The measure commemorates the 60th anniversary of Malta's independence and acknowledges the state's large population of Maltese immigrants and their descendants, particularly in the Metro Detroit area. By adopting this resolution, the legislature formally recognizes the cultural and economic impact of this community without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of supporting children affected by cancer. The measure, introduced by Senator Erika Geiss, serves to recognize the resilience of patients and their families while acknowledging the progress made in treatment and research over recent decades. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the bill aims to encourage increased support and attention to the cause without imposing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to issue alcohol licenses to specific locations owned or operated by several state universities, including Central Michigan, Wayne State, and Eastern Michigan. It permits private entities to sell alcohol on university property for venues like conference centers, hotels, restaurants, and golf courses, provided the land is leased at fair market value and the facility is in a designated commercial or development area. The legislation also enables universities to sell alcohol at their baseball stadiums during summer breaks when the facilities are rented out to private groups. All new licenses issued under these rules must be nontransferable, and the bill restricts sales to scheduled events or patrons at university-run conference centers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires oil and gas well operators in Michigan to reduce fugitive methane and volatile organic compound emissions by at least 95%. To achieve this, operators must capture the gas and either sell it, use it as fuel, reinject it, or flare it, unless they can prove that other methods are technically infeasible or unsafe. The legislation mandates that the state develop specific rules within 180 days to define acceptable control systems, set compliance schedules, and establish inspection and reporting procedures. Non-compliance with these requirements could result in a $100,000 fine and the revocation of the operator's permit, though penalties may be waived if the equipment malfunctioned and was promptly repaired.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts and their governing boards to publicly display the names and contact details of all board members on their websites. The law mandates that each member's listing include an email address or contact form, a mailing address, and a telephone number, with updates to this information required within 30 days of any changes. Districts may also comply by linking to a separate governing body website if it already contains the necessary contact information and is kept current. This measure applies to school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies to increase transparency and accessibility for community members seeking to contact board officials.