Sen. Thomas Albert

Maddy summarySB 661 amends Michigan law to update rules for using state-owned property in film production. It allows film producers to use state property for free under specific terms, while prohibiting use for obscene content or productions requiring performer records. The bill clarifies the definition of "film" to include modern formats like streaming content and video games, and requires state transportation departments to cooperate with the Michigan Film Office. This change directly affects film producers seeking to use state-owned locations and aligns the law with the elimination of the Michigan Strategic Fund (referenced in the bill title). The update removes outdated references to the Strategic Fund while maintaining existing protections for state property use.

Maddy summarySB 681 renames the "Grape and Wine Industry Council" to the "Michigan Craft Beverage Council" within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. It updates the council's membership to include representatives from Michigan wineries, breweries, distilleries (both small and large), restaurants, and retail food establishments, all focused on craft beverages. The council will administer grants for research, market development, and financial aid programs to support Michigan growers of fruits, hops, and barley used in wine, beer, cider, and spirits production. This directly affects Michigan producers, distributors, and retailers in the craft beverage industry by creating new funding opportunities and promoting local agricultural products.

Maddy summarySB 678 amends Michigan's "Divestment from Terror Act" to require state retirement funds and other designated state fiduciaries (like the Michigan Strategic Fund) to divest from companies classified as "scrutinized" due to significant business ties with countries designated as "state sponsors of terror" by the U.S. government. A company is scrutinized if over 10% of its revenue comes from such countries, or if it makes large investments (≥$20 million annually) that significantly support terror-sponsoring nations without taking "substantial action" to stop. The bill defines "substantial action" as adopting a formal plan to end such business within one year. This affects state investment funds managing billions in assets, requiring them to sell holdings in qualifying companies. The bill is contingent on Senate Bill 631 being enacted.

Maddy summarySB 675 updates Michigan's Social Welfare Act to remove references to the Michigan Strategic Fund and correct the "JET" program name to the established "PATH" program. It amends Sections 57, 57d, 57e, and 57f of the 1939 Social Welfare Act (MCL 400.57 et seq.) to reflect the elimination of the Michigan Strategic Fund and update administrative references to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The bill primarily affects the Family Independence Program (FIP), which provides financial assistance to low-income families, by modernizing the legal language governing eligibility, work requirements, and the PATH program (a work-support initiative). It does not change program rules or benefits but ensures statutory references align with current state structures.

Maddy summarySB 683 amends Michigan's broadband development law by repealing Section 6 of the 2002 Michigan Broadband Development Authority Act (MCL 484.3206), which previously referenced the Michigan Strategic Fund. This technical correction removes outdated references to the Strategic Fund, reflecting its elimination from state law. The bill does not change broadband policy, funding, or program requirements. It solely updates the legal text to align with current administrative structures.

Maddy summarySB 668 amends the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to remove references to the Michigan Strategic Fund, which has been eliminated. This technical update affects how brownfield redevelopment projects are administered by eliminating outdated provisions that previously involved the fund. The bill specifically revises sections 2, 8a, 14a, and 15b of the 1996 law to ensure the statute aligns with current state structures. It does not change the substance of brownfield redevelopment financing but corrects administrative references.

Maddy summarySB 663 transfers the Michigan Defense Center from the Michigan Strategic Fund to the Bureau of Fair Competition and Free Enterprise. It updates the 2006 law governing the center to reflect this administrative change while keeping its core duties intact. The center must focus on securing defense/homeland security contracts for Michigan businesses, prioritize municipalities affected by manufacturing job losses, and coordinate with procurement assistance centers. The bill also requires annual reporting from entities receiving funding for defense-related business opportunities. This transfer is contingent on another bill (SB 631) being enacted.

Maddy summarySB 652 updates the "Local Government Filming Location Access Act" (2008 PA 84) by removing outdated references to the Michigan Strategic Fund, which was eliminated. It amends definitions in Sections 3 and 5 to reflect that the "Michigan film office" no longer operates under the Strategic Fund. The bill does not change existing rules allowing local governments to permit free film production on public property (with exceptions for obscene content or specific record-keeping), but ensures the law aligns with current state structure. This affects local governments, film producers, and the Michigan Film Office by correcting administrative references in the statute.

Maddy summarySB 654 updates Michigan's Land Bank Fast Track Act to eliminate the Michigan Strategic Fund as an entity responsible for land bank authority duties. It specifies that starting when the Economic Development Fair Competition and Free Enterprise Act takes effect, the Bureau of Fair Competition and Free Enterprise will handle these duties instead of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation or Michigan Strategic Fund. The bill affects land banks (state, county, or local authorities managing properties taken by the state for unpaid taxes) by changing which agency oversees their operations. This is a technical administrative update to the law, not a change to how land banks operate on the ground.

Maddy summarySB 679 amends Michigan's Lawful Sports Betting Act to change how 10% of certain sports betting revenue is allocated. It directs 90% of payments under Section 7(1)(f) to the state general fund, and 10% to the Michigan Strategic Fund Bureau (as defined in the Michigan Strategic Fund Act). This change is conditional, requiring the separate passage of Senate Bill 631 to take effect. The bill directly affects state revenue distribution from sports betting, updating the allocation mechanism without altering the underlying sports betting law.