Sen. Joe Bellino

Maddy summarySenate Bill 316 amends Michigan's Mental Health Code, focusing on the assessment process for individuals considered for mental health hospitalization. It requires community mental health services programs' preadmission screening units to assess individuals within three hours of a hospital's request for admission to specific types of hospitals. If the screening unit cannot meet this deadline, another clinically qualified individual may perform the assessment, with the screening unit responsible for the costs. The bill also allows for telehealth services for these assessments and details the process for obtaining a second opinion if hospitalization is denied.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 46 recognizes May 14, 2025, as Michigan Rail Day. This resolution aims to celebrate the significant role that freight and passenger rail systems play for the residents and economy of Michigan.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 300 amends the Public Employee Retirement System Investment Act, modifying the duties of investment fiduciaries for public employee retirement plans. It mandates that fiduciaries must consider only "pecuniary factors" when evaluating investments, defining these as factors with a material effect on risk or return, and explicitly excluding social, political, or ideological objectives. The bill also expands the required content of annual reports published by these fiduciaries, including comprehensive financial, performance, and actuarial data. These changes directly impact the management and transparency of public employee retirement funds in the state.

Maddy summarySB 275 creates a new act to prohibit local governments in Michigan from imposing bans on the use of natural gas. It also prevents counties, cities, villages, and townships from prohibiting the installation of natural gas infrastructure within their jurisdictions. Any local ordinance, resolution, or policy adopted by a municipality on or after the bill's effective date that violates these provisions would be deemed void and unenforceable. This bill directly affects local governments and their ability to regulate natural gas use and infrastructure.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 34 (SR 34) is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes April 29, 2025, as End Jew-Hatred Day. This resolution, adopted by the Senate, aims to condemn Jew-hatred and stand against discrimination and persecution of the Jewish people.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 264 modifies the process for counties in Michigan to regulate Sunday sales of spirits and mixed spirit drinks. It reduces the number of signatures required for a citizen petition to initiate a county-wide vote on these sales from 8% to 5% of the votes cast for Secretary of State. The bill also introduces new ballot language, allowing voters to explicitly choose whether to permit or prohibit Sunday sales during specific morning hours for both on-premises and off-premises consumption. These changes directly affect liquor licensees and residents in counties considering restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 32 designates April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month. This resolution aims to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum within the community.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 227 directs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to annually request a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture. If granted, this waiver would prohibit individuals from using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase "soda." The bill defines "soda" as any nonalcoholic beverage with natural or artificial sweeteners, excluding milk-based drinks or those with more than 50% fruit or vegetable juice. This measure would directly affect SNAP recipients in Michigan by limiting the types of beverages they can purchase with their benefits.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 212 aims to amend Michigan's State School Aid Act. Based on its title, the bill intends to create an exception for school districts to the minimum number of pupil instruction days required for state aid eligibility, specifically when districts close during a declared state of emergency. The provided truncated bill text outlines existing requirements for districts to report pupil attendance and meet minimum instructional hours and days to receive state aid, along with penalties for non-compliance. However, the specific language detailing the proposed exception for state of emergency closures is not included in this truncated text.

Maddy summarySB 228 bans specific additives in school foods starting July 1, 2026, affecting all public and nonpublic schools in Michigan. It prohibits serving foods containing brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, and certain artificial dyes (Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 6). The law directly restricts what schools can provide to students through meals, snacks, or vending, targeting ingredients identified as potentially harmful. This is a substantive policy change focused on reducing exposure to specific additives in school food environments.