Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 21, 2024, as Maltese American Heritage Day to honor the contributions of Maltese Americans in Michigan. The measure commemorates the 60th anniversary of Malta's independence and acknowledges the state's large population of Maltese immigrants and their descendants, particularly in the Metro Detroit area. By adopting this resolution, the legislature formally recognizes the cultural and economic impact of this community without altering any laws or policies.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of supporting children affected by cancer. The measure, introduced by Senator Erika Geiss, serves to recognize the resilience of patients and their families while acknowledging the progress made in treatment and research over recent decades. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the bill aims to encourage increased support and attention to the cause without imposing new laws or funding requirements.
Maddy summarySB 690 amends the Michigan Code of Military Justice to update the legal framework governing the state's military forces. The bill modifies numerous existing sections and adds new provisions to address changes in military law and procedure. These updates directly affect the administration and discipline of the Michigan National Guard and other state military units. By revising specific articles within the code, the legislation ensures the state's military justice system remains current with broader legal standards.
Maddy summaryThis law allows credit union members to designate their accounts as inactive if they are not using them but wish to keep their membership status. Under this rule, the credit union cannot charge fees on these inactive accounts, and the member can remove the inactive status at any time. If an account remains inactive for three years, the credit union must turn the funds over to the state treasury and end the membership. The change applies to domestic credit unions and requires all members of a shared account to agree before designating it as inactive.
Maddy summarySB 706 modifies Michigan's vehicle code to remove unpaid driver responsibility fees from the centralized computerized driving records maintained by the secretary of state. This change affects drivers who have accumulated these fees, ensuring that such financial obligations no longer appear on their official driving history alongside traffic violations and accidents. The bill achieves this by amending specific sections of the state law that previously required these fees to be listed in the central file. Consequently, the removal of this information aims to provide a more accurate reflection of a driver's actual traffic behavior rather than their financial compliance with state fees.
Maddy summarySB 389 modifies Michigan's unclaimed property laws by adjusting the timeframes after which certain financial instruments and accounts are considered abandoned. The bill specifically shortens the dormancy period for travelers checks and money orders from 15 years to 3 years, while maintaining a 3-year wait for bank accounts, cashier's checks, and other financial deposits. These changes apply primarily to funds held by issuers or financial organizations where the owner has not communicated with the entity or shown interest in the property within the specified time. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the rules for charging fees or stopping interest payments on dormant accounts, requiring specific written contracts and advance notice for such actions. The law also establishes criteria for when the state can claim these funds, focusing on whether the financial instrument was purchased in Michigan or if the issuer is based in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow the Department of Environmental Quality to issue emergency orders against individuals violating rules regarding structures or fill on inland lake or stream bottomlands. The provision authorizes the department to demand immediate repairs or removal of such structures to prevent harm to public health, safety, property, or natural resources, and permits the department to perform these actions and recover costs if the owner fails to comply. While the department can modify or terminate these orders once the emergency is resolved, the law requires a hearing within 15 days to review the order's necessity, and it specifically excludes violations related to residential property.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new speed limit of 15 miles per hour for vehicles operating on highways or streets closed to nonemergency motor vehicles. It applies to any individual driving on these restricted roads, regardless of whether they are exempt from the general closure rules. Violating this speed restriction is classified as a civil infraction. The law amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to create this specific exception for closed roads.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the State Housing Development Authority Act to update definitions and funding rules for the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund. It clarifies terms such as "downtown area" and "adjacent neighborhood" and expands the list of eligible applicants to include various types of corporations, municipalities, and partnerships focused on affordable housing. The legislation establishes specific requirements for how fund money must be allocated, mandating that at least 25% support general rental projects and 30% target extremely low-income households through supportive or transitional housing. Additionally, it requires that any rental project receiving fund assistance reserve at least 20% of its units for households earning no more than 60% of the area median income.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 23 through 29, 2024, as Grassroots Week in Michigan to honor precinct delegates and grassroots leaders. The measure aims to acknowledge the efforts of these individuals, who serve as the smallest link in the districting system by registering voters and organizing community support for political candidates. By officially recognizing this week, the Senate encourages all residents to express gratitude for the time and energy these volunteers dedicate to their neighborhoods. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of appreciation for their role in the democratic process.