Sen. Sylvia Santana

Maddy summarySenate Bill 939 creates a new licensing system for adult psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Michigan, which are homes providing 24-hour supervised psychiatric care to adults over 18. The bill defines these facilities as distinct from hospitals, nursing homes, and other care settings, requiring them to meet specific standards of care and be accredited by recognized organizations. Under the new law, operators must obtain a license from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, undergo on-site inspections, and pay application fees, while the state also establishes rules regarding who may operate these facilities and how residents receive care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to address crimes committed against adults in residential psychiatric care facilities that have lost their licenses or refused to renew them. It requires judges to consider the specific circumstances of these revoked or suspended facilities when determining appropriate sentences for offenders. The change aims to ensure that the status of the facility is a factor in how severely a crime is punished, without specifying exact sentence lengths.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 23 through 29, 2024, as Grassroots Week in Michigan to honor precinct delegates and grassroots leaders. The measure aims to acknowledge the efforts of these individuals, who serve as the smallest link in the districting system by registering voters and organizing community support for political candidates. By officially recognizing this week, the Senate encourages all residents to express gratitude for the time and energy these volunteers dedicate to their neighborhoods. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of appreciation for their role in the democratic process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, a 1964 civil rights campaign in Mississippi where volunteers worked to register Black voters and establish community schools. The bill directly affects the state legislature by formally recognizing the historical significance of the event and honoring the Michigan residents who participated as volunteers. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the struggle for voting rights and the sacrifices made by activists during that period. The text highlights the efforts of various organizations to challenge segregation and notes the violent opposition faced by participants, including murders and beatings. Ultimately, the resolution affirms the importance of voting rights for all citizens without altering any existing legal framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for how prosecutors in Michigan must handle information gathered from in-custody informants, who are individuals not directly involved in the crime but who provide testimony while incarcerated or after being charged themselves. It requires prosecutors to track and report details about any benefits offered to these informants, such as reduced sentences or financial rewards, and to share this information with state correctional agencies. Additionally, the law mandates that prosecutors disclose specific credibility factors to the defense before trial, including the informant's criminal history and any prior instances where they received benefits for testimony. If an in-custody informant testifies, the prosecutor must inform the jury that their evidence should be weighed carefully due to the potential for undisclosed benefits, and victims in related cases must be notified of any incentives given to the witness.

Maddy summarySB 767 is a budget bill that allocates state funds to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This legislation directly impacts the department by authorizing it to spend money on its various programs and operations during that period. The bill establishes the legal framework for the expenditure of these funds, ensuring the department has the financial resources needed to carry out its duties. It does not create new programs or change existing policies but rather provides the necessary funding to maintain current operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the Michigan legislative body to officially recognize June 2024 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Pride Month. The measure does not change any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal acknowledgment of the LGBTQ+ community's history and contributions to the state. By adopting this resolution, the Senate highlights the cultural and civic importance of the community while honoring past struggles and recent legal victories for equality.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. It formally acknowledges the bravery of Allied troops and encourages all residents of Michigan to observe the anniversary and honor the sacrifices made during the operation. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize historical events and promote remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month to highlight the condition and encourage public understanding. The bill focuses on raising awareness for a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues, causing symptoms such as joint instability, skin bruising, and digestive issues. By establishing this awareness month, the legislation aims to support those living with EDS and promote further medical research and funding. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor patients and advocate for scientific study.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Congress to provide funding for building a new air traffic control tower at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Michigan. The bill highlights that the airport's current tower is over 60 years old and ranks among the oldest in major U.S. markets, while the airport itself is a rapidly growing commercial hub. By transmitting copies of the resolution to federal leaders and Michigan's congressional representatives, the measure formally requests financial support to replace the aging infrastructure. The text does not mandate funding but serves as a formal recommendation to address the facility's need for modernization.