Sen. Joe Bellino

Maddy summarySB 773 adds Section 2940a to Michigan's Revised Judicature Act, providing legal immunity to racing facilities and racetracks from nuisance claims. It protects owners/operators from lawsuits by property owners who acquired land *after* the racetrack was built, regardless of later changes to the facility (as long as those changes are legal). The immunity applies to all claims filed after the law's effective date, even if the alleged harm occurred before the property was purchased. However, it does not exempt racetracks from compliance with environmental laws or health/safety regulations. This directly affects property owners near existing racetracks who bought land after the facility existed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 89) is a ceremonial recognition of January 25-31, 2026, as Catholic Schools Week in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the role of Catholic schools in the state. The resolution highlights that Catholic schools serve over 50,000 students across 207 schools, comply with public school safety standards, and contribute to community values and academic excellence. As a symbolic gesture, it has no binding effect on funding, regulations, or school operations.

Maddy summarySB 513 amends Michigan's liquor law by changing the legal definition of "brand" under Section 105 of the 1998 Liquor Code (MCL 436.1105) and adds a new Section 604. This directly affects liquor businesses, distributors, and regulators by clarifying how "brand" is legally defined in licensing and regulatory contexts. The bill does not create new taxes or restrictions but adjusts terminology to align with current industry practices. It passed unanimously in the legislature on December 2, 2025, with no opposing votes. (Note: The bill is procedural, focusing solely on statutory definition, not new policy.)

Maddy summarySB 95 (the "hospital price transparency act") prohibits hospitals from attempting to collect debts for services provided when they were not complying with state price transparency laws. It specifically bans hospitals from using debt collectors, suing patients, or reporting debts to credit bureaus for care received during non-compliance periods. The bill directly affects hospitals that fail to publicly list prices for services (like "chargemaster" rates) and patients who received care during those violations. Key provisions define "collection actions" and clarify that hospitals cannot pursue payment for non-compliant billing periods, offering patients remedies if hospitals attempt collection anyway.

Maddy summarySB 512 amends multiple sections of Michigan's liquor distribution laws (1998 PA 58), including provisions related to licensing, distribution channels, and retailer operations. It directly affects liquor distributors, retailers, and potentially consumers by modifying existing regulatory rules. The bill adds a new section (412) and updates specific sections (105, 303, 526, 607, 609b, 1025), though the context does not detail the exact policy changes. The bill passed the legislature on December 2, 2025, with 37 votes in favor.

Maddy summarySB 462 requires retail businesses selling nicotine or tobacco products to obtain a state license. It directly affects convenience stores, gas stations, and other retailers that currently sell these products without a specific retail permit. The bill amends Michigan's existing tobacco licensing laws to add new requirements for retail sellers, including specific licensing provisions and enforcement mechanisms. The legislation is pending in committee after being favorably reported with a substitute amendment.

Maddy summarySB 465 would require retailers to obtain a license to sell nicotine or tobacco products at retail in Michigan, directly affecting stores and businesses selling these items. The bill creates temporary exemptions for certain sales, such as limited-time promotions or specific product types, while establishing the licensing requirement. It amends existing state law (MCL 722.641-722.645) by adding a new section to formalize these rules. The bill is currently in committee review after being reported favorably with a substitute amendment.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Donald Koivisto, a former Michigan State Senator (1990-2002) and House Representative (1981-1986). The resolution expresses the legislature's tribute to his service, highlighting his dedication to the Upper Peninsula, farming community, and bipartisan collaboration. It was unanimously adopted by both chambers as a formal expression of respect for his legacy. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely commemorates his public service.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 88) requests Governor Whitmer to join the federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program for K-12 education. The resolution directly addresses the governor, asking her to opt-in to a federal program that would allow Michigan taxpayers to receive a $1,700 tax credit for donations to scholarship organizations. These organizations would then provide tax-free scholarships to K-12 students in Michigan public and private schools, starting in 2027. The resolution is non-binding and seeks to encourage state participation in the federal program, which Michigan has not yet elected to join.

Maddy summarySB 615 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify when individuals residing at campgrounds are considered "temporary" for regulatory purposes. It establishes specific conditions under which a campground resident qualifies as temporary, including if the local area has declared a housing shortage (via master plan, worker shortage in key industries like healthcare or construction, or data showing low rental vacancy rates or high rent costs). This affects campground operators and residents by defining residency status based on community-level housing or workforce data, rather than individual circumstances. The bill does not change general campground rules but provides clear criteria for determining temporary residency status.