Sen. Joe Bellino

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Trust Fund Act to remove references to the Michigan Strategic Fund, which has been eliminated. It specifically repeals the section establishing the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund and updates definitions and provisions in sections 2, 7, 8, and 11 of the act. The bill does not alter the operation of other trust funds like the 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund or Flint Settlement Trust Fund. These changes are administrative, ensuring the trust fund act accurately reflects current state financial structures without creating new policy impacts.

Maddy summarySB 631 abolishes the Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, transferring all their powers, assets, and responsibilities to a new "Bureau of Fair Competition and Free Enterprise" within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The bureau will coordinate state economic development programs, including job creation initiatives and economic incentives like grants or tax breaks, replacing the previous entities. The bill states these changes are needed to promote "fair competition and free enterprise" and ensure state incentives produce measurable economic benefits. The new bureau’s director will be appointed by the governor, and all existing programs under the repealed entities (such as brownfield redevelopment and tourism marketing) will be administered by the bureau moving forward.

Maddy summarySB 478 transfers administrative control of a specific 92.98-acre parcel of state-owned land in Green Oak Township, Livingston County, from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The property, described in detail in the bill, includes all improvements and equipment on the land. The transfer is permanent, requires approval by the state administrative board, and occurs without cost to the receiving department (though the Military Affairs Department must reimburse administrative costs). This bill directly affects how these two state agencies manage the property, shifting responsibility from corrections facilities to military/veterans services.

Maddy summarySB 625 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to clarify procedures for recovering improperly paid benefits. It directly affects individuals who received benefits they weren't entitled to, requiring repayment within 3 years (except for identity fraud cases) through deductions from future benefits (max 50%), cash payments, or tax refunds. The bill establishes specific waiver conditions where repayment may be forgiven if it would be "contrary to equity and good conscience," such as when benefits were paid due to agency errors, claimants provided unintentionally incorrect wage info, or household income was below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. This update streamlines repayment processes while offering relief in defined hardship scenarios.

Maddy summarySCR 6 is a memorial resolution passed by the Michigan Legislature to honor Virgil Clark Smith, a former member of the Michigan Senate (1988-2000) and House of Representatives (1977-1988). The resolution commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including his historic role as the first African American Senate Democratic Floor Leader. It expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication, leadership, and legacy as a trailblazing legislator and later Wayne County Circuit Court judge. The resolution was adopted unanimously by both chambers in October 2025 and will be transmitted to Smith's family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 80) is a symbolic recognition of Diwali's significance, not a law with policy changes. It formally acknowledges Diwali's historic, cultural, and religious importance to Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities in Michigan and globally - describing it as the "festival of lights" symbolizing light overcoming darkness and celebrating shared values like tolerance. The resolution expresses the Senate's respect for Diwali's message and its celebration by over one billion people worldwide. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect but affirms Michigan's commitment to religious diversity.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 77) honors the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, following his 2025 assassination at Utah Valley University. It formally condemns political violence, commends law enforcement, and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic tribute expressing the Senate’s condemnation of violence targeting individuals for their political views. It calls on all Americans to reject political violence and uphold civil discourse. (Note: As a memorial resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or policies beyond this expression of sentiment.)

Maddy summarySB 589 requires Michigan public school districts and intermediate school districts to allow homeschooled or nonpublic school students to participate in extracurricular activities offered by those schools. It directly affects eligible children who live in the district, are homeschooled or attend nonpublic school, and meet standard participation requirements. The bill mandates that school boards cannot block such participation and must ensure their district isn’t part of any athletic conference or association with exclusionary policies. Covered activities include sports, theater, band/orchestra, and debate teams, with the goal of expanding access for nonpublic school students.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Michigan's state budget bills to be passed into law by a specific annual deadline. If the budget isn't enacted by that date, both state legislators and the governor would lose their pay until the budget is approved. The amendment modifies three sections of the state constitution to establish this deadline and link compensation to budget passage. It specifically targets the general appropriation bills that fund state operations, not other legislation. The deadline is defined by existing law (MCL 18.1365) as the date set for budget enactment each year.

Maddy summarySB 395 updates the definition of "carbon dioxide substance" in Michigan's oil and gas law to explicitly include CO₂ used in enhanced oil recovery operations or storage. This affects companies handling CO₂ for oil extraction and the Michigan Public Service Commission, which regulates these activities. The bill clarifies that carbon sequestration wells operating under existing environmental laws (Part 651 of the Natural Resources Act) are excluded from new regulatory requirements. It does not change existing pipeline rights or create new obligations, solely refining definitions for clarity.