Sen. Sylvia Santana

Maddy summarySB 148 modifies Michigan's certificate of need requirements for specific outpatient imaging services. It allows providers to file a "letter of intent" with the Department of Health instead of obtaining a full certificate of need to initiate, expand, replace, relocate, or acquire PET scan, MRI, or CT scan services at non-hospital outpatient imaging centers. Within 30 days, the department must send written acknowledgment if the services meet the criteria, and providers cannot proceed without this approval. The bill defines "outpatient imaging center" as facilities not owned by hospitals and without facility fees. This change streamlines the process for certain imaging services while maintaining department oversight.

Maddy summarySB 89 creates parole eligibility for individuals convicted of first-degree murder under a felony-murder theory before November 4, 1980, who are currently serving life sentences without parole. The bill amends Michigan’s penal code to allow these specific individuals - historically convicted under a legal standard that barred parole - to be considered for parole under the state’s corrections code. This change directly affects people already incarcerated under such pre-1980 convictions, altering their sentencing status without altering their original conviction. The provision applies only to those serving life sentences on the bill’s effective date, not to new cases.

Maddy summarySB 90 amends Michigan's Corrections Code to require parole consideration for individuals sentenced before 1980 for certain crimes. It specifically creates a new process (via added sections 35a and 83a) to allow parole boards to review cases of people incarcerated for offenses listed in Section 33b (like certain violent crimes) who were sentenced prior to 1980. The bill changes existing rules by mandating that parole boards must consider these individuals for parole, rather than automatically denying it based on their sentence date. This directly affects thousands of incarcerated people in Michigan who were convicted and sentenced before 1980 for qualifying offenses.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Santana to formally recognize February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it affirms the legislature's support for the annual observance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context, honors African-American contributions, and encourages public awareness of both achievements and ongoing efforts toward racial equality. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on February 12-13, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 8) designates February 3-7, 2025, as School Counseling Week in Michigan. It recognizes the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career development, while raising awareness about the critical need to improve student-to-counselor ratios (currently 598:1 in Michigan, far exceeding the recommended 250:1). The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of counselors' contributions.

Maddy summarySB 35 amends Michigan's Child Protection Law to clarify mandatory reporting requirements for newborns exposed to substances. It requires healthcare providers and others who must report suspected abuse to notify the state department if a newborn has alcohol, drugs, or their metabolites in their system *and* the parent's substance abuse threatens the infant's health. The bill excludes cases where exposure results from medical treatment (e.g., pain management during birth) and specifies that reporting is not required based solely on detecting substances without evidence of abuse. The department must then develop a "plan of safe care" coordinating with the hospital to provide services for the infant and parents during and after pregnancy.

Maddy summarySB 48 allows corrections officers hired after a specific date to join the state police retirement system and purchase service credit for their prior corrections work. It amends Michigan's retirement law to create a new process (via added sections 14b and 24c) enabling these officers to buy back years of service from their corrections employment to count toward their retirement benefits. This directly affects corrections officers first hired after the date specified in the bill, providing them with more retirement credit options. The bill changes how service credit is calculated and transferred between systems, making it easier for eligible officers to consolidate their retirement contributions. It does not change retirement benefits or costs for existing members.

Maddy summarySB 47 allows corrections officers in specific "covered positions" (defined in Section 45) who became state retirement system participants after March 31, 1997, to elect to switch from the State Employees' Retirement System to the Michigan State Police Retirement System. The bill creates a 75-day window for eligible employees to make this irrevocable election - beginning 75 days after the bill's effective date for those hired before February 1, 2026, or 75 days after their first payroll for newer hires. If elected, participants may transfer their Tier 2 retirement contributions to purchase service credit under the State Police Retirement System (per Section 64a). This change directly affects corrections officers meeting the eligibility criteria, providing a pathway to a different retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 6) formally condemns the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and specifically denounces President Trump's 2025 pardons of 1,500 individuals involved in the riots, including those convicted of assaulting police officers. It highlights the 140+ law enforcement injuries sustained during the attack and cites police unions' criticism of the pardons as undermining accountability. The resolution serves as a symbolic statement expressing disapproval to federal leaders, not a policy change. It directly addresses the federal executive branch's use of pardon power regarding Capitol riot participants.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 5) symbolically recognizes January 2025 as "Muslim American Heritage Month" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it formally acknowledges the contributions of Michigan's Muslim American community (approximately 273,734 residents) to the state's cultural, economic, and social life. The resolution highlights their diverse heritage and roles in fields like STEM, business, and community leadership, particularly in cities like Dearborn and Detroit. It encourages Michiganders to learn about and celebrate this community's history and achievements. The resolution was introduced and adopted by the Senate on January 30, 2025.