Sen. Joe Bellino

Maddy summaryThis bill allows specific military veterans and their families to apply for special Michigan license plates that identify their service or sacrifice. Eligible individuals include former prisoners of war, World War I veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients, and family members of active-duty soldiers, fallen service members, or those who lost a loved one while serving. To qualify, applicants must submit proof of their status to the Secretary of State, and the plates will feature unique designs such as "EX-POW," "WWI," "Pearl Harbor survivor," or "Gold Star Family" along with the vehicle owner's birthday expiration. The legislation also waives standard service fees for these applications and grants tax exemptions for the first plate issued to a prisoner of war, while requiring taxes on additional plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals and government agencies in Michigan to select the specific type, dosage, and delivery method of free naloxone provided by the state's Department of Health and Human Services. The law applies only when the department distributes these overdose reversal drugs at no cost to help reduce opioid-related overdoses. While it grants recipients the choice of formulation and administration route, it includes a provision to maintain federal funding eligibility if those choices would jeopardize state grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers with sales floors larger than 2,500 square feet from placing co-branded alcoholic beverages next to youth-oriented snacks, cartoons, or similar items. For smaller stores, the law allows either the same prohibition or the option to post a specific age-restriction sign near those displays. The term "co-branded" refers to alcohol products that share logos or packaging with non-alcoholic drinks. Any fines for breaking these rules must be added to the state's liquor enforcement fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate money to endowment funds at certified community foundations starting in 2024. Individuals can claim a credit equal to 50% of their donation, up to a maximum of $100 for single filers or $200 for joint filers, while estates and trusts can claim up to 10% of their tax liability or $5,000, whichever is less. To qualify, the community foundation must be certified by the state department and have at least $1 million in assets, and donors must receive a gift acknowledgment confirming the contribution went to an endowment fund. The bill also requires the state department to report the total amount of these credits claimed each year to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's liquor control code to address situations where liquor retailers use payments that are rejected by banks due to insufficient funds. Under the new rules, a retailer who makes such a dishonored payment to a wholesaler must pay a $50 administrative fee. If the retailer repeats this mistake within 12 months, the fee increases to $150 for a second offense and $300 for a third or subsequent offense. The bill also clarifies that any fines imposed by the state commission for these violations must be placed into a specific state fund.

Maddy summarySB 1185 modifies Michigan's highway signage laws to allow the Department of Transportation to issue permits for directional signs pointing to specific military facilities, nationally or regionally known attractions, and sites of outstanding interest. These permitted signs must be limited in size and content, displaying only the name of the destination and basic navigation details like route numbers without any pictures or descriptive phrases. The bill also establishes strict placement rules, such as keeping signs at least 2,000 feet from highway interchanges and limiting the total number of signs for a single attraction to three along any road. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the number of annual visitors to a military facility will not be used as a factor when deciding whether to grant a sign permit.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 145 is a non-binding measure that formally recognizes the historic, cultural, and religious significance of Diwali. The resolution highlights how the festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Michigan and around the world, noting its themes of light triumphing over darkness and community togetherness. It expresses the Senate's respect for those who observe the holiday and aligns its message of tolerance with American ideals. Because this is a commemorative resolution rather than a law, it does not create new legal requirements or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.

Maddy summarySB 1034 modifies Michigan election laws to require voters to present identification and proof of state residency before receiving a ballot. If a voter cannot provide these documents, they must sign an affidavit and submit a provisional ballot that will be verified after the election rather than counted immediately. The bill also clarifies procedures for voters who arrive at a polling place without being on the registration list, requiring them to complete an application and swear they have already applied to vote. Specific acceptable documents for identity include birth certificates and military discharge papers, while proof of residency can include utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements issued within the last 90 days. These changes directly affect all registered and unregistered electors participating in state elections.