Sen. Jonathan Lindsey

Maddy summarySB 408 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update language regarding firearm restrictions in wildlife areas. It clarifies that existing exceptions for concealed pistol license holders (under MCL 28.421-28.435) and authorized carry under specific statutes (MCL 28.432a, 750.227, etc.) remain valid when transporting or carrying firearms in areas frequented by wild animals. The bill does not change general requirements for hunters or alter laws governing wildlife hunting; it only updates the legal text to reflect current concealed carry provisions. This affects hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone carrying firearms in Michigan's natural areas.

Maddy summarySB 409 updates outdated references in Michigan's criminal procedure code related to firearm sentencing. It amends specific sections (MCL 769.12, 777.11b, and 777.16m) to correct legal citations, ensuring consistency in how firearm-related sentencing guidelines are referenced. This procedural update directly affects courts, prosecutors, and legal professionals who apply these sections when handling firearm cases. The bill does not change sentencing rules or penalties, only modernizing the code's references for clarity.

Maddy summarySB 410 updates references in Michigan’s Corrections Code to reflect current law. It amends Section 33b of the 1953 Corrections Code (MCL 791.233b) by replacing outdated citations to specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code and Public Health Code with their current, amended versions. This technical correction does not change parole eligibility rules or who is affected - prisoners convicted of the listed violent crimes (e.g., assault, sexual offenses, certain firearms violations) remain ineligible for parole under the existing provisions. The bill only ensures the law references accurate, current statutes, not policy changes. It is a procedural update dependent on another bill (SB 406) passing.

Maddy summarySB 407 updates statutory references in Michigan's 1927 firearms law (MCL 28.422 et seq.) by amending specific sections (2, 2a, 5b, 5o, 12, and 15) to reflect current legal citations. It does not change firearm possession, licensing, or sales requirements but ensures the law accurately references existing statutes. This technical update aligns the 1927 law with current code sections amended by recent legislation (e.g., 2023 PA 37, 2023 PA 19). The bill affects no new groups or policies - it solely corrects outdated references in the existing legal framework.

Maddy summarySB 369 requires Michigan's Public Service Commission to create an online tool by December 31, 2026, that calculates the full lifetime cost of renewable energy projects for customers. The tool must include construction costs (like site prep, materials, grid connection) and end-of-life costs (decommissioning, disposal, site cleanup) for renewable energy systems. It directly affects utility customers by making these costs transparent over the system's operating lifetime. The bill mandates this calculation under Michigan's existing renewable energy framework without changing current energy policies.

Maddy summarySB 215 regulates who can provide veterans' benefit assistance in Michigan by amending the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. It restricts service providers to government agencies, VA-accredited individuals, or recognized veterans' organizations, and bans upfront fees - allowing only contingent fees capped at 5 times the monthly benefit increase. Providers must disclose free government services, that benefits aren’t guaranteed, and that no compensation can be charged for claims filed during the 1-year presumptive period. The bill also mandates specific disclaimers in advertising about veterans' benefit events, clarifying they’re not affiliated with VA or state agencies.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 5 is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of Darwin Booher, a former member of both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. The resolution offers tribute to his contributions and transmits copies to his family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 49 is a tribute offered as a memorial for George Alvin McManus Jr., a former member of the Senate. The resolution honors his memory, acknowledges his service from 1991 to 2002, and directs copies to be sent to his family.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 317 authorizes the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish a wholesale prescription drug importation program. This program would allow for the importation of prescription drugs from regulated Canadian suppliers, aiming to reduce costs for Michigan consumers. Before implementation, the DHHS must obtain federal certification and ensure that imported drugs meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration safety standards and are expected to result in significant cost savings. The bill requires the DHHS to contract with a licensed drug wholesaler, develop a registration process for participating pharmacies and insurers, and submit annual reports on the program's operation and cost savings.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 289, titled the "protecting minors from chemical and surgical mutilation act," prohibits healthcare professionals from performing certain medical procedures on individuals under 18 years of age in Michigan. Specifically, the bill bans prescribing puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones, and performing surgeries that sterilize or construct genitalia differing from a minor's biological sex, when done to alter or affirm a minor's perceived sex. Exceptions are made for minors with medically verifiable disorders of sex development, or for procedures necessary to treat a physical illness posing imminent danger. The bill allows individuals who allege a violation to seek legal remedies, including damages, and permits the Attorney General to enforce its provisions.