Sen. Sylvia Santana

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal process in Michigan that allows misdemeanor defendants with mental health issues to be diverted from jail into a supervised outpatient treatment program instead of facing immediate criminal prosecution. Under the new rules, prosecutors, defendants, or their attorneys can request an assessment to determine if a person qualifies for this diversion, and if approved, a judge can order community-based treatment for up to 180 days. During this period, the criminal charges remain pending but are automatically dismissed after the treatment term ends, provided the defendant complies with the plan, while any violations of the treatment order are handled as a separate civil matter rather than a criminal one.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Biased and Unjust Care Reporting Act to establish a system for reporting mistreatment during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It defines specific harmful behaviors, including obstetric racism and obstetric violence, and requires the state Department of Civil Rights to use a validated survey tool to collect these reports. The department must then compile and share de-identified data on the frequency of these incidents with state officials, while ensuring no personal identifying information is disclosed. The legislation directly affects pregnant and postpartum individuals seeking gynecological care and the health facilities and professionals providing that care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires medical malpractice insurance companies in Michigan to provide the Department of Health and Human Services with specific information about their policies covering perinatal care services upon request. The law mandates that insurers submit this data annually, and the department must forward the collected information to the Department of Health and Human Services within 60 days for a required study. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that prevents it from taking effect unless a separate related bill, Senate Bill 818, is also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's school attendance laws to require kindergarten enrollment for children who turn five by September 1, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It allows parents to enroll children who turn five by December 1 in kindergarten, though schools can recommend against it while the parent keeps the final decision. The law also mandates that all public schools and academies offering first grade must provide kindergarten. Additionally, the bill clarifies that school districts are not required to operate their own schools directly and sets new age limits for compulsory attendance through age 18 for most students.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to suspend a retailer's license for 14 days if they make six or more bounced payments to a wholesaler within a 12-month period. The rule applies specifically to retailers who fail to honor their payment obligations to suppliers on different dates over a consecutive year. By adding this new section to the state's liquor control code, the legislation establishes a clear financial threshold that triggers automatic license suspension.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act to update eligibility requirements for individuals seeking financial aid for adult education. It directly affects adults aged 25 and older who are pursuing associate degrees or industry-recognized certificates at Michigan community colleges. The key provision establishes that this bill will only become effective if a companion bill, SB 406, is also passed into law. By linking its activation to another piece of legislation, the bill ensures that changes to the grant program are implemented as part of a coordinated legislative effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Reproductive Health Data Privacy Act in Michigan to protect personal information related to reproductive health status. It directly affects businesses and organizations that provide reproductive health services by requiring their explicit, opt-in consent before collecting, processing, or selling such data. The law also prohibits the use of geofencing technology to track individuals near reproductive health facilities and defines specific rules for what counts as valid consent, excluding vague terms of service or deceptive design. Additionally, the act outlines civil sanctions and remedies for violations, ensuring that only de-identified or aggregated data is exempt from these privacy protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate money to endowment funds at certified community foundations starting in 2024. Individuals can claim a credit equal to 50% of their donation, up to a maximum of $100 for single filers or $200 for joint filers, while estates and trusts can claim up to 10% of their tax liability or $5,000, whichever is less. To qualify, the community foundation must be certified by the state department and have at least $1 million in assets, and donors must receive a gift acknowledgment confirming the contribution went to an endowment fund. The bill also requires the state department to report the total amount of these credits claimed each year to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's liquor control code to address situations where liquor retailers use payments that are rejected by banks due to insufficient funds. Under the new rules, a retailer who makes such a dishonored payment to a wholesaler must pay a $50 administrative fee. If the retailer repeats this mistake within 12 months, the fee increases to $150 for a second offense and $300 for a third or subsequent offense. The bill also clarifies that any fines imposed by the state commission for these violations must be placed into a specific state fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing law to officially rename the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsperson. It directly affects the Michigan Department of Corrections by granting the ombudsperson expanded powers to investigate complaints from prisoners, their families, legislators, and advocates regarding administrative actions or facility issues. Key provisions allow the ombudsperson to access prisoner medical and mental health records, hire qualified experts, and use photographic equipment during investigations. Additionally, the bill requires the creation of a standardized complaint form available both online and in correctional facility libraries to streamline how grievances are filed.