Sen. Joe Bellino

Maddy summarySB 444 requires all public employers (state/local government entities) and contractors working on public contracts to verify new employees' work authorization through the federal E-verify system. It directly affects state/local government departments, contractors, and subcontractors who hire 10+ employees annually, mandating they use E-verify or Form I-9 to confirm employees are U.S. citizens or authorized to work. Violations can result in civil fines ($100-$1,000 per violation) or a one-year ban on contracting with public bodies. The law also requires contractors to verify subcontractor employees and imposes penalties for knowingly false statements. This applies to all public contracts within Michigan, taking effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summarySB 235 creates a corporate income tax credit for businesses that use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It directly affects airlines and fuel producers in Michigan by reducing their state tax liability based on the volume of SAF they utilize. The bill amends Michigan's tax code (MCL 206.1-206.847) to add a specific provision allowing corporations to claim this credit. This provides a financial incentive for adopting SAF, aiming to support cleaner aviation fuel adoption without specifying environmental outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 236 creates a tax credit program in Michigan to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It directly affects fuel producers who meet specific environmental standards, requiring SAF to achieve at least a 50% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum fuel and comply with ASTM aviation fuel standards. Producers must apply to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for certification of their tax credit, providing evidence of domestic production, emissions reduction, and proof that the fuel was used in aircraft departing Michigan airports. The program administers tax credits through a state-certified process, aiming to boost local SAF production while meeting federal environmental benchmarks.

Maddy summarySB 437 amends Michigan's public employment law to prohibit most public employees from being required to pay union fees or dues as a condition of employment. It removes mandatory financial contributions to labor organizations for general public employees (excluding police, firefighters, and state troopers under specific constitutional provisions). The bill restores the pre-2023 policy that allows employees to choose whether to financially support a union, while preserving agreements for police/fire departments where such fees were previously permitted. This directly affects all non-exempt public workers in Michigan state and local government positions.

Maddy summarySB 436 amends Michigan's labor law to restore a "right to work" provision, prohibiting employers and labor organizations from requiring employees to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. The bill explicitly bans mandatory union dues (Section 14(2)), making any agreement requiring such payments unlawful and unenforceable after its effective date. It also allocates $1 million to the Department of Labor for public education and implementation support regarding these changes. The bill directly affects employees (who can no longer be forced to pay union fees), employers (who cannot require such payments), and labor organizations (which must operate under voluntary membership).

Maddy summarySB 439 requires Michigan's Public Service Commission to establish standardized modeling scenarios for electric utilities' integrated resource plans by August 2025. These plans must include specific considerations like environmental regulations, demand response programs, electrification potential, and impacts on environmental justice communities. The bill mandates utilities to project 5-, 10-, and 15-year energy needs while accounting for regional infrastructure limits and technology costs. It directly affects regulated electric utilities in Michigan, requiring them to incorporate these standardized planning elements into their resource strategies. The bill does not address minimum wage payments, as incorrectly referenced in the title.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Section 226 of Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy Act (2008 PA 295) to remove a reference to a minimum wage requirement for certain clean energy workers. It specifically updates the law to reflect the repeal of the 2023 PA 10 minimum wage standard that previously applied to these workers. The change affects workers in clean energy projects who were previously subject to that repealed wage provision. The bill makes no new policy changes - it only corrects the law to align with current requirements.

Maddy summarySB 426 redirects a portion of employer income tax withholdings - currently sent to the state treasury - to fund job training programs at specific community colleges. It amends Michigan's tax code to require that withholdings from employee paychecks be redirected to community colleges for workforce development, rather than accumulating in state general funds. The bill also clarifies how these withholdings apply to professional employer organizations (PEOs) that handle payroll for other businesses. This policy change directly affects employers using PEOs and community colleges administering the new job training initiative.

Maddy summarySB 425 redirects payroll withholdings from employers toward community college job training programs. It clarifies that professional employer organizations (PEOs) can participate in the program, requiring employers to pay new job withholdings directly to community colleges (instead of the state) to fund training. The bill defines a "new job" as one paying at least the local living wage standard (ALICE rate), not replacing existing roles, and creating net new employment. This affects employers (including PEOs), community colleges, and workers in qualifying new positions, with funds used for training programs and bond financing.

Maddy summarySB 422 amends Michigan's Campaign Finance Act (MCL 169.215) to clarify procedures for handling violations. It adds specific criteria for waiving late filing fees (e.g., medical emergencies or natural disasters) and establishes a formal complaint process requiring detailed certifications from complainants. The bill also mandates that if the Secretary of State is involved in a violation, the matter must be referred to the Attorney General for review. These changes apply directly to campaign committees, candidates, and the Secretary of State's office.