Sen. Sylvia Santana

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Reporting of Law Enforcement Officer Misconduct Privacy Act to protect the identities of individuals who file complaints against police officers for unauthorized, unlawful, or negligent actions. It mandates that agencies and other entities receiving these complaints must not reveal the complainant's name unless the individual explicitly consents, a court orders it, or specific legal exceptions apply, such as when criminal charges are filed. The law also sets a civil fine of up to $500 for anyone who knowingly violates these privacy protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's existing law regarding the separation of service records for law enforcement officers. It requires agencies to create detailed records explaining the reasons and circumstances surrounding an officer's departure, including any active disciplinary investigations from the previous year. The law mandates that these records be finalized within five days of separation and allows officers to review, dispute, or request corrections to the information provided. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for officers to submit written statements if they disagree with the agency's assessment, ensuring their perspective is included in the official record.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's employee right to know law to clarify how law enforcement agencies handle personnel records and internal investigations. It requires employers to delete disciplinary reports older than four years from public records, except when the information is needed for legal cases, arbitration, job separation reviews, or licensing compliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that employers maintain separate confidential files for internal criminal investigations, notifying employees once these files are created or completed. If an investigation concludes without disciplinary action, the file must be destroyed unless it is shared with another law enforcement agency or the state commission for specific licensing purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's licensing requirements for law enforcement officers by clarifying the standards and procedures agencies must follow to hire and license personnel. It mandates that agencies verify an officer's compliance with specific criteria, such as training, physical ability, psychological fitness, and background checks, before the officer takes their oath of office. Additionally, the legislation requires agencies to submit written documentation to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards within ten days of administering the oath to confirm these standards have been met. These changes apply to all law enforcement officers not covered under the specialized sections for college-trained or experienced officers, ensuring a consistent verification process across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for law enforcement officers who commit tampering with evidence offenses. It directly affects police and other criminal justice personnel by updating the rules used to determine their potential prison sentences for these crimes. The legislation amends an existing section of the state's code of criminal procedure to reflect these new sentencing standards. By modifying the legal framework for punishment, the bill aims to ensure consistent and appropriate sentencing for officers involved in evidence tampering cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to create specific criminal penalties for law enforcement officers who tamper with evidence, particularly digital recordings from body-worn cameras. It prohibits officers from intentionally removing, altering, or destroying evidence, as well as from failing or deactivating their body cameras during the use of excessive force. The legislation also strengthens protections against retaliation for individuals reporting crimes and clarifies that offering or threatening to offer value to influence witness statements is illegal. Violations by officers are classified as felonies or misdemeanors depending on the severity of the act, with potential prison sentences and fines. The bill includes exceptions for lawful attorney conduct and ensures that officers can still be charged with other crimes related to the same incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Black Leadership Advisory Council by codifying its structure and duties into state law. The council will consist of 16 voting members, including the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and 15 individuals appointed by the governor to represent diverse Black leadership fields, with specific requirements for immigrant representation and youth inclusion. Its primary function is to advise the governor on policies aimed at eliminating racial inequity in areas such as healthcare, housing, and employment, while also identifying laws that perpetuate such disparities. The council will operate independently in its advisory role but relies on the department for budget and management, and it is required to submit an annual report on its activities and recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires railroad companies in Michigan to operate freight trains with a crew of at least two people. The rule applies to all freight trains but includes specific exceptions for locomotives used in helper service, which assists trains with mechanical issues or steep grades, and hostler service, which moves trains short distances within a yard. Additionally, the requirement does not apply if a federal law or regulation already mandates a crew of two or more for freight trains in the state. By adding this section to the existing railroad code, the legislation establishes a clear minimum staffing standard for freight operations while acknowledging current federal standards and specialized operational scenarios.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's income tax law to allow taxpayers to deduct family leave optimal coverage benefits from their taxable income. The change applies to individuals who pay for these specific family leave insurance plans and directly affects their state tax liability. By adding this new deduction, the legislation reduces the amount of income subject to state taxation for those who utilize the coverage. The bill does not alter how the benefits are calculated or the eligibility requirements for the insurance plans themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Family Leave Optimal Coverage Act to provide paid time off and financial benefits to Michigan workers for caring for family members during events like childbirth, adoption, domestic violence, or serious health issues. To qualify, employees must have earned at least $3,000 in wages during a specific base period or be self-employed, and the program requires both employer and employee contributions to a state fund. The legislation defines eligible family members broadly to include children, parents, spouses, and domestic partners, while also setting rules for calculating benefit amounts and preventing discrimination against those who take leave. Additionally, the act outlines procedures for filing claims, resolving disputes, and reporting data to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.