Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in Michigan to establish worker transition programs that provide training, job placement assistance, and fair wages when restructuring or transferring ownership of facilities. It mandates that acquiring entities in utility sales offer employment to existing workers for at least 30 months before hiring outside replacements and must maintain current wage rates and benefits during that period. The legislation also directs the Public Service Commission to set service quality and reliability standards for utilities, including prohibiting extra fees for credit card payments and requiring at least one free payment option for residential customers. Utilities must annually report on their compliance with these standards, and the commission will review performance data to ensure proper system operation and maintenance.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's school disciplinary procedures to require school officials to consider specific student factors before suspending or expelling a pupil, including age, disciplinary history, disability status, trauma experiences, and housing stability. For suspensions lasting more than 10 days or expulsions, the bill creates a rebuttable presumption that such actions are unjustified unless the school board demonstrates it evaluated all required factors and held a hearing within 10 school days. The legislation mandates that schools provide detailed written notice to students and parents before hearings, including evidence summaries, and ensures continued access to educational services during removal periods. These changes apply to suspensions and expulsions under various school code sections but exclude cases involving firearm possession in weapon-free zones.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's social work licensure requirements by adding a new provision that allows individuals who have passed the required postdegree experience but failed the licensure exam to apply for a waiver if they complete an additional 2,000 hours of supervised practice. It directly affects aspiring social workers who have met educational and experience requirements but have not yet passed the state licensing examination. The key mechanism introduces a waiver process for the exam requirement when applicants can demonstrate substantial additional supervised experience beyond the standard two-year postdegree requirement. The bill also clarifies supervision requirements for limited licenses, specifying that individuals practicing under a limited license must work under the supervision of a licensed master's social worker within approved agencies or facilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan school districts to appoint independent decision makers to conduct disciplinary hearings for students facing suspension of more than 10 days, expulsion, or alternative placement for more than 10 days. These independent decision makers must remain neutral by not investigating the incident, providing testimony, or presenting evidence, and they must apply a preponderance of the evidence standard when making decisions. The bill also grants students the right to be represented by an attorney or advocate at these hearings and mandates that schools provide written reports explaining the findings and appeal rights to students and their parents. Additionally, the legislation ensures that students with Individualized Education Programs are invited to meet with their IEP team before any disciplinary decision is implemented.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a scholarship program in Michigan to help individuals who failed their social worker licensing exam on their first attempt cover the costs of retaking it. The program is designed to support people who want to become licensed bachelor's or master's social workers and are required to work in health professional shortage areas or with medically underserved populations after receiving the scholarship. Eligible candidates can receive up to $1,000 for exam-related expenses, including registration fees, study materials, and related costs like transportation or childcare, provided they submit proof of residency and a commitment to work in designated areas. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will manage the program, maintain a dedicated state fund for the scholarships, and publish annual reports on the number of recipients and their exam passage rates.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's school discipline laws to strengthen consequences for physical assaults between students in grades 6 and above. It requires school boards to suspend or expel students who commit physical violence at school for up to 180 days, while also making it the responsibility of expelled students and their families to find alternative education programs. The legislation adds new reporting requirements that mandate school districts to annually submit detailed data on expulsions, including student demographics such as race, ethnicity, disability status, and economic disadvantage. Additionally, the bill requires schools to post crime statistics on their websites and collect weekly incident data to help identify safety issues and allocate resources appropriately. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for handling student violence and improve transparency in school safety reporting.
Maddy summarySB 736 amends Michigan's child abuse laws to clarify definitions and adjust penalties based on the severity of harm caused to children. It establishes four degrees of child abuse, with punishments ranging from misdemeanors (for minor physical harm) to life imprisonment (for causing serious physical or mental harm). The bill defines key terms like "serious physical harm" (e.g., brain damage, fractures) and "serious mental harm," while specifying that reasonable discipline or domestic violence defenses may apply. It directly affects anyone caring for children - such as parents, guardians, or caregivers - who cause harm through intentional acts, omissions, or reckless behavior. The law also requires prosecutors to list prior convictions when seeking enhanced sentences.
Maddy summarySB 735 amends Michigan's Child Protection Law by updating key definitions, particularly clarifying the term "child neglect." It explicitly excludes situations like a child being left unsupervised without foreseeable harm or engaging in reasonable independent activities (such as walking to school or playing outdoors) from being classified as neglect. These changes directly affect child protective services, foster care providers, and legal proceedings by providing clearer standards for identifying neglect. The bill does not alter existing procedures but ensures the law's definitions align with current practices and reduce ambiguity in cases.
Maddy summarySB 508 prohibits law enforcement officers from checking immigration status or enforcing immigration laws in specific "sensitive locations," including schools, hospitals, places of worship, courthouses, and facilities serving vulnerable groups like children or crime victims. The bill allows exceptions only if a court orders entry or if an immediate threat to public safety requires action. It directly affects state and local law enforcement officers and individuals present at these locations during routine activities. The law creates a new legal framework to limit immigration enforcement in settings where people seek safety or services.
Maddy summarySB 510 requires Michigan law enforcement officers to wear uniforms displaying their name or badge number when interacting with the public, prohibiting masks or disguises except in specific circumstances. It allows masks for medical protection against airborne diseases, during state emergencies involving toxins, or for physical face protection. Violating this rule is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine. The law applies to all Michigan and federal law enforcement officers during public interactions but excludes undercover operations.