Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments in Michigan to notify the Secretary of State within 20 days of making specific changes to election rules, such as altering how winners are determined or switching between district-based and at-large voting systems. It also mandates that localities inform the state at least 20 days before removing voters from registration lists and within five business days of requests to inspect voting equipment or ballot data. To ensure transparency, the Secretary of State must post these notifications on the state website in an accessible format and publicly list any local government that fails to comply with these reporting deadlines. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2028, after a consultation period with county clerks, municipal clerks, and voting rights advocates.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Bill 961 creates a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. The bill prohibits local governments and officials from implementing election rules or practices that create disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of minority groups to elect candidates of their choice. Key provisions include establishing definitions for voting methods and protected classes, requiring a court-appointed monitor under certain circumstances, and creating a fund to support enforcement efforts.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, a new entity designed to collect, archive, and make election data publicly available at no cost. The institute will be created through an agreement between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and assuming responsibility for most operating costs. Key provisions include the centralization of precinct-level election results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and demographic estimates, which must be maintained for at least 12 years before permanent archival. The institute will also offer research opportunities, training classes, and technical assistance to local governments and the public while implementing rigorous cybersecurity standards for the data it holds.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 963 creates the Language Assistance for Elections Act to require Michigan local governments to provide election materials in languages other than English for residents with limited English proficiency. The law mandates that counties, cities, and townships must offer translated ballots, voting instructions, and signage if their population includes a specific number of voters who share a single non-English language. The Secretary of State will publish a list of affected jurisdictions and languages annually, while also providing certified translations and electronic voting systems to ensure accuracy. Local governments will be reimbursed for additional costs associated with implementing these translation and testing requirements.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 1038 updates Michigan's environmental laws to impose stricter regulations on facilities that store, handle, or process bulk solid materials like coal and coke. The bill requires these facilities to obtain an annual certificate of operation, install real-time air quality monitors around their perimeters, and maintain detailed logs of equipment maintenance and dust control activities. Key operational changes include mandating enclosed storage for piles, limiting outdoor pile heights, enforcing vehicle cleaning and wheel washing, and requiring weather stations to monitor wind conditions for effective dust suppression. Additionally, the bill directs the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue compliance orders within 45 days of enactment, setting a schedule for full implementation of these new standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's existing laws regarding post-conviction DNA testing for individuals convicted of felonies. It allows defendants to petition the court for DNA testing of biological evidence collected during their original investigation, with specific conditions for those convicted before and after January 8, 2001. The legislation outlines the process for requesting testing, including requirements to prove the evidence is available and relevant to the case, and establishes rules for handling the results. If the testing excludes the defendant as the source of the evidence, the court must appoint counsel and hold a hearing to decide if a new trial is warranted. Additionally, the bill ensures that victims receive written notice of these petitions and hearings when the victim's identity is known.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 909 modifies Michigan's Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act to clarify the rules for individuals seeking financial compensation after being wrongly convicted and imprisoned. The bill updates legal definitions for terms like 'new evidence' and 'plaintiff' while establishing specific requirements for filing a compensation claim, such as proving innocence through new evidence or a gubernatorial pardon. It also introduces a process to notify victims of the original crime about compensation applications and outlines how discovery and legal arguments will proceed during these cases.
Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires law enforcement agencies to obtain written parental consent before using minors under 18 as confidential informants or active participants in law enforcement activities. The law defines specific types of law enforcement agencies covered, including state police, local police departments, and university police, while excluding individuals who voluntarily report crimes without being recontacted for additional information. Parents or legal guardians can seek court orders to stop agencies from using their children in these roles if consent requirements are not met, and the bill mandates that agencies pay court costs and attorney fees along with damages ranging from $500 to $1,000 if they violate the consent provision. The legislation does not apply to minors who are legally emancipated under existing state law.
Maddy summarySB 747 amends Michigan's Retail Installment Sales Act to clarify and align disclosure requirements for consumer financing. It specifies that compliance with federal Truth in Lending Act rules satisfies Michigan's disclosure obligations (Section 1a), mandates clear contract formatting (e.g., 8-point type for most text, 10-point bold for buyer notices), and requires sellers to provide a copy of the signed contract before finalizing transactions (Section 3). The bill specifically clarifies that costs for guaranteed asset protection (GAP) waivers on vehicles must be separately stated and are not considered finance charges (Section 3(f)). This directly affects retail sellers (like car dealers) and buyers entering installment contracts for goods or services.
Maddy summarySB 753 amends Michigan's penal code to prohibit preparing or submitting loan applications in another person's name without authorization, or possessing related instruments obtained through such violations. It creates felony penalties (up to 4 years in prison or $2,500 fines) for non-financial actors who commit these acts. The bill specifically exempts financial institutions (including those licensed under the Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act) and their employees when acting within regulatory boundaries, such as reporting suspected fraud to authorities. These changes directly affect individuals committing loan application fraud while providing clear protections for regulated financial entities.