Sen. Sylvia Santana

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 summarySB 343, the "Reporting of Law Enforcement Officer Misconduct Privacy Act," protects the privacy of people who file complaints about police misconduct. It requires law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and others handling such complaints to keep the complainant's identity confidential unless the person requests disclosure, gives written permission, or disclosure is required by court order, criminal proceedings, or internal investigations. The law prohibits unauthorized disclosure of identifying information and imposes a $500 civil fine for violations. It directly affects individuals reporting misconduct and all entities receiving or investigating such complaints.

Maddy summarySB 337 amends Michigan's penal code to prohibit law enforcement officers from tampering with evidence or intimidating witnesses. It specifically bans altering, destroying, or concealing body-worn camera footage, and prevents officers from retaliating against people who report crimes or from influencing witness statements. Violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison for serious offenses involving threats or violence. The law directly affects law enforcement officers by imposing new criminal penalties for misconduct related to evidence handling and witness protection.

Maddy summarySB 342 amends Michigan's 2006 law on law enforcement disclosures by clarifying the definition of "involuntary statement." It specifies that a statement by a law enforcement officer is *not* considered involuntary if the officer knowingly and intentionally provided false or misleading information about a material fact. This change directly affects how courts evaluate police testimony regarding material facts, ensuring intentional falsehoods are excluded from the "involuntary statement" exception. The bill modifies Section 1 of 2006 PA 563 (MCL 15.391), with no new requirements or penalties added.

Maddy summarySB 339 creates a standardized "separation of service record" that Michigan law enforcement agencies must maintain when officers leave their positions. It requires agencies to document the reason for separation and any active disciplinary investigations within one year of departure, finalize the record within 5 business days, and provide written notice to the officer. Officers can review the record, request corrections within 7 days, or submit a written statement disagreeing with inaccuracies if unresolved. This directly affects current and former law enforcement officers transitioning between agencies and their employers, ensuring transparency in separation documentation. The bill amends Michigan's existing law enforcement standards act to formalize these procedures.

Maddy summarySB 340 amends Michigan's Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act (MCL 423.507, 423.509) to clarify when law enforcement agencies can share personnel records. It updates rules for releasing "provisional service records" and separation-of-service records under related laws (2017 PA 128), ensuring these specific records are exempt from standard deletion rules. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to note if investigations into employee conduct were unfounded and prohibits using old investigation files for future hiring or promotions. It directly affects police departments, training academies, and the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards when handling employee records.

Maddy summarySB 341 updates Michigan's licensing requirements for law enforcement officers under the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act. It revises training standards (including recognition of prior experience), background checks, character fitness assessments, and physical/psychological requirements. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to verify applicants' compliance with these standards before administering an oath of office, and mandates the Commission to review documentation within 10 days to issue or deny licenses. These changes directly affect all new and current officers seeking or maintaining licensure in Michigan.

Maddy summarySB 335 requires all Michigan law enforcement agencies to adopt written "duty to intervene" policies within 12 months of the bill's effective date. These policies must mandate officers to stop or prevent excessive force by colleagues and report such incidents to a supervisor. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and their officers, making policy violations grounds for disciplinary action. It also allows agencies to use a state-created model policy but does not prevent stricter internal policies. The bill's effective date depends on the passage of companion bill SB 341.

Maddy summarySB 338 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.16x) to specifically address law enforcement officers who tamper with evidence. It establishes separate sentencing parameters for officers convicted of altering, destroying, or fabricating evidence during investigations. This bill directly affects law enforcement officers in cases involving evidence tampering, ensuring their sentences are evaluated under these updated guidelines rather than general provisions. The change aims to clarify sentencing outcomes for this specific offense within the criminal justice system.

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.