Sen. Joe Bellino

Maddy summarySB 407 updates statutory references in Michigan's 1927 firearms law (MCL 28.422 et seq.) by amending specific sections (2, 2a, 5b, 5o, 12, and 15) to reflect current legal citations. It does not change firearm possession, licensing, or sales requirements but ensures the law accurately references existing statutes. This technical update aligns the 1927 law with current code sections amended by recent legislation (e.g., 2023 PA 37, 2023 PA 19). The bill affects no new groups or policies - it solely corrects outdated references in the existing legal framework.

Maddy summarySB 367 designates Vernors as Michigan's official state beverage. The bill directly affects the state's symbolic identity by formally recognizing Vernors, a carbonated soft drink with historical roots in Michigan. Its sole provision, stated in Section 1, declares "Vernors is the official beverage of this state." This is a ceremonial measure with no regulatory or financial impact, solely serving to honor a locally significant beverage. The bill was introduced on June 10, 2025, and referred to the Government Operations committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing June 10, 2025, as Alcoholics Anonymous Day. It commemorates the June 10, 1935, meeting of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith that founded Alcoholics Anonymous and its 12-step recovery program. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups, as it serves solely as a ceremonial observance. It highlights AA's historical role in supporting people with alcoholism and its global influence on addiction recovery programs.

Maddy summarySB 369 requires Michigan's Public Service Commission to create an online tool by December 31, 2026, that calculates the full lifetime cost of renewable energy projects for customers. The tool must include construction costs (like site prep, materials, grid connection) and end-of-life costs (decommissioning, disposal, site cleanup) for renewable energy systems. It directly affects utility customers by making these costs transparent over the system's operating lifetime. The bill mandates this calculation under Michigan's existing renewable energy framework without changing current energy policies.

Maddy summarySB 376 requires Michigan's Department of Education to approve reading assessments for K-3 students and establish literacy coaches to improve early reading instruction. It mandates that school districts implement literacy coaches with specific qualifications (e.g., bachelor's degree in reading, expertise in evidence-based methods) by 2027-2028, focusing on screening, data analysis, and targeted interventions for students struggling with reading. The bill also directs the department to develop dyslexia expertise and update resources by 2025, with technical assistance for schools. This directly affects K-3 teachers, students with reading difficulties, and school districts implementing the new requirements. The policy aims to prevent reading deficiencies through structured literacy support, not grade retention.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (SJR C) would require the director of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources to be elected by voters starting in 2030, replacing the current practice of gubernatorial appointment. The bill specifies that the director would serve a four-year term beginning January 1 after election, with candidates nominated by party conventions as prescribed by law. Vacancies would still be filled by a gubernatorial appointment. This change directly affects the selection process for the natural resources director position and requires voter approval to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summarySB 377 amends Michigan's high school graduation requirements under the Revised School Code. It requires students to complete specific credit bundles, including 4 math credits (with new flexibility to fulfill some through career-technical education programs like computer science or engineering), 3 social science credits (covering U.S. history, world history, economics, and civics), and visual arts/performing arts credits. The bill directly affects all Michigan public high school students seeking diplomas by changing their course requirements. Key mechanisms include allowing career-technical education programs to count toward math credits and specifying exact social science course requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill amends labor law to prohibit public school districts from negotiating with teacher unions about 16 specific topics, including school calendars, staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and classroom observation policies. It directly affects school districts and their employee unions by restricting collective bargaining to only wages, hours, and basic working conditions. Key provisions add these topics to a formal list of "prohibited subjects" in bargaining agreements, meaning schools cannot discuss them during contract negotiations. The bill clarifies that operational decisions like school schedules (for state aid eligibility) and staffing reductions remain the sole responsibility of school districts.

Maddy summarySB 344 modifies Michigan's property tax credit for individual income tax filers by changing the percentage rates used to calculate the credit. It directly affects homeowners who claim this credit, particularly those with lower property values who benefit from the credit against their state income tax. The bill amends specific sections of Michigan's Income Tax Act to adjust the credit percentages, making the calculation more precise. This change alters how much property tax can be deducted from income tax liability for eligible residents.

Maddy summarySB 345 increases the property tax credit threshold for Michigan homeowners, raising the taxable value cap for homestead property tax credits from $135,000 to $160,700 for the 2024 tax year. Beginning in 2025, the cap will automatically adjust annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index, rounded to the nearest $100. This change directly affects homeowners whose property value falls within the new threshold, allowing them to claim a larger credit against their state income tax for qualifying property taxes. The bill modifies Section 520 of Michigan’s Income Tax Act to implement this adjustment.