Sen. Joe Bellino

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Santana to formally recognize February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it affirms the legislature's support for the annual observance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context, honors African-American contributions, and encourages public awareness of both achievements and ongoing efforts toward racial equality. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on February 12-13, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summarySB 28 amends Michigan's Animal Industry Act to require egg-laying hens to be housed in cage-free systems that allow natural behaviors (like perching and dust bathing) and provide minimum floor space per hen, as defined by the United Egg Producers' 2017 guidelines. It directly affects egg producers and sellers of shell eggs in Michigan, prohibiting the sale of eggs from hens confined in non-compliant systems (e.g., battery cages) unless the farm has fewer than 3,000 hens. Key provisions include banning tethering that prevents hens from turning around freely or fully extending limbs, with exemptions for veterinary care, research, and small farms. The law enables civil enforcement by the state to stop sales of non-compliant eggs, without criminal penalties.

Maddy summarySB 44 makes it a crime for non-citizens to enter Michigan without legal status or remain after being denied entry or deported, with penalties ranging from up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 fines for first offenses (misdemeanor) to up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 fines for repeat or aggravated violations (felony). The bill creates exceptions for those with federal protections like DACA approval (2012-2021), asylum, or lawful U.S. presence, and prohibits arrests at schools, churches, or healthcare facilities for these violations. It allows courts to issue written orders requiring non-citizens to leave Michigan instead of jail time, provided they agree and have no prior felony convictions under this law. The bill also grants legal immunity to state/local officials enforcing it and requires fingerprinting for individuals charged under the law.

Maddy summarySB 40 creates the DEPORT task force (Developing Effective Policies on Orderly Removal and Transportation) to advise Michigan's legislature on immigration enforcement cooperation. The task force, composed of elected officials, law enforcement leaders, and trafficking experts, must recommend policies to facilitate deportations, improve local law enforcement training regarding undocumented immigrants, and enhance coordination with U.S. Homeland Security. It is required to submit a preliminary report within one month and a final report within one year of its formation. The bill establishes this study group to guide potential state-level actions, not to implement new immigration laws.

Maddy summarySB 43, the "Immigration and Customs Enforcement Support Act," requires Michigan law enforcement agencies (like state police, sheriffs, and city police) to create programs that assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing federal immigration laws. Agencies must enter a formal agreement with DHS, verify the immigration status of detained individuals, and transfer non-citizens convicted of crimes to ICE custody. It establishes two specific programs - jail enforcement models and warrant service officer programs - to facilitate this cooperation, subject to funding from a new state support fund. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and individuals detained under state criminal law who are not legally present in the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to create specific provisions for crimes related to illegal immigration. It directly affects individuals convicted of such offenses in Michigan courts by establishing new sentencing parameters. However, the provided context does not specify the exact nature of these new guidelines or their concrete policy changes, only that they are being created under Section 17d of the Criminal Procedure Code (MCL 777.17d). The bill is currently in committee referral with no further details on its provisions available in the provided text.

Maddy summarySB 42 creates the "immigration and customs enforcement support fund" within Michigan's state treasury to provide financial support for law enforcement agencies. The bill directly affects local and state law enforcement agencies, enabling them to apply for grants to train officers in immigration enforcement programs. Key provisions include requiring agencies to train at least three officers per agency, allocating additional funds based on population served, and offering up to $15,000 per officer as an incentive for participation. Applications must be submitted by March 15 annually, with grants awarded by May 1, and instructions posted publicly by December 2025. The fund's money must remain in the account annually and cannot lapse to the general fund.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. The Michigan Senate formally recognizes January 26-February 1, 2025, as Catholic Schools Week. It expresses support for Catholic schools' role in Michigan education, citing their student enrollment, compliance with public school standards, and contributions to community values. The resolution has no legal effect or funding impact - it solely serves to honor these schools during the designated week.

Maddy summarySB 12 amends Michigan's Individual Income Tax Act (MCL 206.8) to add a fetus as a qualifying dependent for state tax deductions, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. It defines a "dependent" to include a fetus that has completed at least 12 weeks of gestation, is under physician care since that point, and is observed by a physician through the end of the tax year. This change directly affects Michigan taxpayers who claim dependents on their state income tax returns, allowing deductions for qualifying fetuses meeting the specified medical criteria. The bill does not alter federal tax law but modifies state-level dependent definitions and deductions.

Maddy summarySB 11 prohibits local governments in Michigan from adopting or enforcing policies that restrict local law enforcement or officials from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It directly affects counties, cities, townships, and their employees by requiring them to comply with federal immigration cooperation within 60 days of the law's effective date. The bill establishes legal remedies, allowing residents to sue or file complaints with the attorney general if local policies violate the law, with courts able to issue injunctions, order policy changes, and award damages or fines up to $7,500 for officials who knowingly violate it. This creates a statewide standard for immigration cooperation, overriding local "sanctuary" policies.