Sen. Joe Bellino

Maddy summarySB 301 establishes a corporate income tax credit for employers who offer paid leave to employees donating organs. Beginning in 2026, eligible employers can claim a credit equal to 100% of the wages paid to an employee during up to 12 weeks of organ donation leave. To qualify, this leave must be separate from other paid leave benefits and compensate the employee at their full normal wage. The credit is non-refundable but can be carried forward for up to three years to offset future tax liabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory licensing system for professional guardians and conservators in Michigan, requiring them to be licensed by the state department before they can be appointed by a court. To obtain a license, applicants must meet specific criteria including being at least 21 years old, passing a background check, having no history of fraud or abuse, and successfully completing a national certification exam. The legislation also mandates that employees of licensed guardians and conservators must be licensed to make critical decisions regarding the care of the individuals they serve. Additionally, the bill requires professional guardians to file a bond, maintain a regular visitation schedule, and disclose any outside compensation received for their services. These changes aim to standardize qualifications and oversight for individuals managing the affairs of those under legal incapacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ban the governor, lieutenant governor, and department directors from using autopen devices to sign specific official documents. The key provision explicitly prohibits the use of autopens for bills, executive orders, and clemency documents such as reprieves, commutations, and pardons. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this change would require these officials to sign these documents by hand rather than electronically or via stamp. The measure aims to ensure personal authentication of critical legal and executive actions by removing automated signing options.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan state law to require the Department of Treasury to pay interest on tax refunds that are delayed beyond specific timeframes. It directly affects taxpayers who have filed complete and timely income tax returns and are awaiting refunds. Under the new rules, refunds for Michigan income taxes will automatically earn interest if they are not processed within 30 or 60 days of the department receiving the return, depending on when the return was filed. The bill also establishes a penalty of $100 for refunds delayed more than 90 days and sets a fixed 3% annual interest rate for a temporary period before switching to a variable rate tied to the prime rate. These provisions apply only to straightforward refunds without errors, audits, or suspected fraud, ensuring the state compensates citizens for administrative delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of R. Robert Geake, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The text details his extensive career, including his legislative work on committees focused on education, mental health, and children's welfare, as well as his later roles as an investigator and chair of the Office of the Children's Ombudsman and the Legislative Retirement System Board. The resolution formally expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication and instructs that copies of the document be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's election laws regarding absentee voting. It would require individuals who vote by absentee ballot to provide a specific reason for their request, rather than allowing them to vote without stating one. The legislation also modifies existing sections of the state election code and removes several other related provisions. These changes directly affect voters who wish to cast absentee ballots and the officials who process those requests.

Maddy summarySB 627 requires electric utilities regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission to obtain prior approval before selling, transferring, or merging assets. The bill modifies existing rules by mandating detailed applications - including financial data, rate impact assessments, and hydroelectric facility requirements - and sets a 180-day review timeline for the commission. It directs the commission to evaluate proposals based on impacts to customer rates, service reliability, capital needs, and public interest, while allowing for protective measures on confidential business information. This procedural change directly affects all jurisdictional electric utilities in Michigan seeking to alter ownership or asset control.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the definition of a homestead and adjusts how property tax credits are calculated for Michigan residents. It clarifies that unoccupied property leased to others is excluded from homestead status and sets specific acreage limits for agricultural land based on how long a claimant has lived there. Additionally, the legislation updates the rules for determining household resources by excluding certain business, rental, and operating losses from income calculations. These changes directly affect homeowners and renters who rely on property tax credits and aim to refine the criteria used to determine eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 1045 clarifies the definition of "owner" for Michigan's homestead property tax credit by explicitly including individuals who place their primary residence into a revocable trust or a qualified personal residence trust. This change ensures that people using these specific types of trusts to hold their homes can still qualify for the tax credit, which is designed to help offset property taxes for homeowners. The bill amends the state's income tax act to update this eligibility rule without altering other parts of the tax code or the credit amount itself.

Maddy summarySB 728 allows passengers to consume alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed vendors anywhere within airport terminal complexes (not just designated areas), directly affecting travelers at Michigan airports served by commercial airlines. The bill amends Michigan's liquor code to permit consumption throughout the terminal complex, subject to approval by the airport's governing body. Key provisions include expanding where alcohol can be consumed without restriction to specific licensed areas, while maintaining that airport licenses for alcohol sales are non-transferable. This policy change applies specifically to publicly owned airports with scheduled commercial flights.