Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's teacher licensing rules to streamline the process for out-of-state and international educators seeking certification in the state. It allows teachers from other states, countries, or federally recognized tribes to receive Michigan credentials without retaking exams if they have at least three years of successful teaching experience in their home region. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all new teachers complete a specific course on diagnosing and remediating reading disabilities before advancing to professional certification. The bill also requires that future revisions to reading standards explicitly include methods for identifying and supporting students with reading disorders. These changes directly affect the Michigan Department of Education and educators currently licensed in other jurisdictions who wish to work in Michigan schools.
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Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services to screen children entering foster care for eligibility for state and federal benefits within 90 days and to apply for those benefits if it serves the child's best interests. Starting in October 2026, the state generally cannot use a child's earned income or benefits to pay for their foster care, though exceptions exist for special needs services or conserving funds for future needs. The department must act as a responsible manager of these funds, providing regular accounting to the child and their guardian ad litem, and offering financial literacy training to older youth. Additionally, the law mandates that any assets or income the child owns be transferred to them when they leave the system or turn 18.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance companies to create specific underwriting rules and rating plans that determine which drivers are eligible for coverage based on their risk profile. Eligibility decisions can be based on factors such as vehicle modifications, a history of lapsing insurance coverage, refusal to pay required deposits, or accumulated insurance eligibility points. The legislation requires that every eligible person must still be able to obtain insurance from the company, ensuring that no driver is completely excluded from the market. Additionally, the bill does not take effect unless two related companion bills are also passed into law.
Maddy summarySB 709 amends Michigan's insurance code to update the specific criteria insurers can use when deciding whether to offer automobile insurance to eligible individuals. The bill allows companies to base their decisions on factors such as household driving history, vehicle modifications for speed, past lapses in insurance coverage, and the type or commercial use of the vehicle. Additionally, it permits insurers to require a minimum deposit or higher deductibles based on an applicant's claim history for comprehensive coverage. This legislation also introduces a new provision allowing insurers to deny coverage if an applicant has threatened, harassed, or physically assaulted an employee while the employee was working. The bill includes a tie-bar provision, meaning it will only become effective if two other related bills, SB 0282 and SB 708, are also passed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes involving the employment of minors. By amending an existing section of the state's criminal procedure code, it aims to update how judges determine punishments in cases where underage workers are involved. The legislation does not specify the exact new sentencing rules but directs the state to revise its guidelines to better address these offenses. It is currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Labor.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a waiver allowing individuals recently released from prison to obtain automobile insurance without penalty for a lapse in coverage during their incarceration. It requires applicants to provide a certified statement confirming they were in a correctional facility and released within the last six months to qualify for this exception. By adding this provision to existing underwriting rules, the legislation prevents insurers from refusing coverage, limiting options, or charging higher premiums solely based on the failure to maintain insurance while the person was imprisoned.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's public health code to streamline the approval process for certain outpatient imaging centers. It allows facilities that are not owned by hospitals and do not charge facility fees to file a simple letter of intent instead of going through the traditional certificate of need process. This change applies specifically to the addition or expansion of positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography scanners. Once the department verifies the facility meets these criteria, it must provide written approval within 30 days, enabling the center to proceed with its plans.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates November 9-16, 2024, as Kindness Week to honor the global observance. It encourages individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations to perform acts of kindness and pay them forward during that period. The measure does not create new laws or require specific actions but serves to recognize the value of kindness and promote positive community behavior.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.