Sen. Sylvia Santana

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 37 urges the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This resolution also requests the expansion of the AGOA program to include additional sub-Saharan African countries. The AGOA currently provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for certain products from eligible sub-Saharan African nations.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 51 commemorates May 21, 2025, as Cherry Industry Day in Michigan. This resolution acknowledges the state's significant role as the top cherry producer in the nation and the economic and health benefits of the cherry industry.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 52 designates May 2025 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Month. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and support efforts to find a cure and provide services for affected families.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes May 2025 as Treatment Court Month. It is a symbolic measure by the Senate to acknowledge the role and work of treatment courts.

Maddy summarySB 219 revises Michigan's mental health hospitalization procedures by updating the definition of a "person requiring treatment" under the Mental Health Code. It clarifies that individuals with dementia, epilepsy, or substance use disorders alone do not qualify for involuntary hospitalization unless they meet specific criteria related to risk of harm, inability to meet basic needs, or refusal of necessary treatment with documented risk. The bill modifies police protocols for protective custody (requiring family contact options and documentation), mandates a psychiatrist's examination within 24 hours of hospitalization, and updates referral processes between screening units and hospitals. These changes directly affect individuals with mental illness who meet the revised criteria and the healthcare providers and law enforcement involved in their care.

Maddy summarySB 222 expands who can petition for continued involuntary mental health treatment under Michigan's assisted outpatient program. It adds psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants (working under a psychiatrist's delegation) to the list of eligible petitioners and allows individuals aged 18 or older to file petitions for themselves. Petitions must include a clinical certificate and evidence of a psychiatrist's consultation (unless the filer is a psychiatrist), along with details about the treatment program and estimated duration needed. This change directly affects patients requiring ongoing treatment and increases the number of authorized mental health providers who can initiate the petition process.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 220 amends Michigan's mental health code, primarily affecting individuals receiving mental health services and the community mental health programs that provide them. The bill establishes a formalized statewide mediation process for resolving disputes between service recipients (or their representatives) and mental health service providers regarding the planning and delivery of services. It mandates that providers offer mediation, sets timelines for the mediation process, and requires the Department to fund and contract with mediation organizations. Additionally, the bill clarifies procedures for mental health evaluations at designated hospitals, including a requirement for preadmission screening units to complete examinations within two hours in most cases.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 221 establishes a new process for individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses who have mental health issues. The bill allows for the diversion of these defendants into assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) if the prosecuting attorney, defendant, and defense counsel agree to an assessment and the defendant meets the AOT criteria. If a court orders AOT for up to 180 days, the misdemeanor charges remain pending but are dismissed after 90 days (or 180 days for serious misdemeanors). This diversion pathway provides an alternative to standard mental competency procedures for eligible misdemeanor offenders.

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 Resolution 50 is a resolution from the Michigan Senate that urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress to fully fund Medicaid. It also calls on them to reject any proposals that would reduce access for those in need or shift costs onto states, healthcare providers, and vulnerable individuals.