Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new licensing framework for agencies that provide specialized transportation services for individuals experiencing mental health crises in Michigan. It defines specific criteria for who qualifies for these services, such as being medically stable and physically able to enter a vehicle, while mandating that those requiring medical intervention or restraints be transported by ambulance instead. The legislation requires licensed agencies to operate under medical direction, maintain detailed logs of each trip, and adhere to strict safety and hygiene protocols for their vehicles. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of transports, police interventions, and any investigations into staff misconduct.
Sen. Joe Bellino
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state's medical assistance program to cover transportation costs for individuals with behavioral health needs. It requires the department to ensure that transport agencies follow existing mental health code regulations regarding these services. The legislation defines key terms such as behavioral health transport and eligible individuals by referencing current state laws. However, the bill will not become effective unless a companion bill, SB 0928, is also passed into law.
Maddy summarySB 463 removes criminal penalties and civil fines for minors (under 18) who purchase, possess, or use tobacco products, vapor products, or alternative nicotine products. The bill eliminates existing legal consequences for these minor offenses, shifting focus away from punishment. It directly affects underage individuals by ending enforcement of penalties under current law (MCL 722.642). The key provision is a "sunset" of these penalties, meaning they would no longer apply once the bill takes effect.
Maddy summarySB 466 amends two sections of Michigan's 1971 Age of Majority Act (MCL 722.52 & 722.53) to update a reference to 1915 Public Act 31 regarding tobacco regulations. It specifically revises how the law cites this historical tobacco statute, ensuring the reference is accurate within the current legal framework. This is a procedural correction to the law's wording, not a change to tobacco regulations or age restrictions themselves. The bill directly affects the legal text of the Age of Majority Act, aligning it with existing tobacco-related statutes.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 109 designates April 2026 as Community College Month to honor Michigan's 31 community and tribal colleges. This resolution does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal recognition of the role these institutions play in education and workforce development. A copy of the resolution will be sent to each community college to highlight their contributions to the state.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 108 officially designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month in Michigan. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education and encourages various groups, including schools and businesses, to hold related programs during the month. The bill does not create new laws or change existing regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight financial education initiatives already supported by state law and community organizations.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 297 aims to protect registered professional nurses by ensuring their refusal to work beyond their predetermined schedule is not grounds for administrative action. It also establishes penalties for hospitals that violate rules related to mandatory overtime for nurses, as referenced in section 21526. Hospitals found in violation could face an administrative fine of $1,000 for each instance, along with other potential sanctions. This bill amends the Public Health Code to implement these provisions, directly affecting nurses and hospitals.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 296 prohibits hospitals from requiring registered professional nurses to work beyond their regularly scheduled, on-call, or voluntarily agreed-upon hours. It mandates that nurses working 12 or more consecutive hours receive 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time immediately afterward. Exceptions to this prohibition include declared states of emergency, mass casualty incidents, certain patient-care procedures, and situations where an oncoming nurse is unexpectedly absent. The bill also protects nurses from retaliation if they refuse work assignments that exceed these limits and requires hospitals to post notices informing nurses of these provisions.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 2026 as Agriculture Appreciation Month to recognize Michigan's significant agricultural contributions to the state's economy and workforce. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the industry's importance, noting that agriculture supports over 800,000 jobs and contributes more than $125 billion annually to Michigan. The resolution encourages citizens to celebrate the sector during March 2026, acknowledging the state's leadership in various agricultural products like tart cherries, blueberries, and hops.