Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, a new entity designed to collect, archive, and make election data publicly available at no cost. The institute will be created through an agreement between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and assuming responsibility for most operating costs. Key provisions include the centralization of precinct-level election results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and demographic estimates, which must be maintained for at least 12 years before permanent archival. The institute will also offer research opportunities, training classes, and technical assistance to local governments and the public while implementing rigorous cybersecurity standards for the data it holds.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Bill 963 creates the Language Assistance for Elections Act to require Michigan local governments to provide election materials in languages other than English for residents with limited English proficiency. The law mandates that counties, cities, and townships must offer translated ballots, voting instructions, and signage if their population includes a specific number of voters who share a single non-English language. The Secretary of State will publish a list of affected jurisdictions and languages annually, while also providing certified translations and electronic voting systems to ensure accuracy. Local governments will be reimbursed for additional costs associated with implementing these translation and testing requirements.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 9, 2026, as Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) Day to raise awareness about a rare kidney disease that causes scarring and can lead to kidney failure. The bill directly affects patients, their families, and healthcare providers by aiming to highlight the challenges of diagnosis and the need for better access to treatments. It does not change any laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to support advocacy efforts and encourage early detection for those impacted by the condition.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 909 modifies Michigan's Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act to clarify the rules for individuals seeking financial compensation after being wrongly convicted and imprisoned. The bill updates legal definitions for terms like 'new evidence' and 'plaintiff' while establishing specific requirements for filing a compensation claim, such as proving innocence through new evidence or a gubernatorial pardon. It also introduces a process to notify victims of the original crime about compensation applications and outlines how discovery and legal arguments will proceed during these cases.
Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill requires law enforcement agencies to obtain written parental consent before using minors under 18 as confidential informants or active participants in law enforcement activities. The law defines specific types of law enforcement agencies covered, including state police, local police departments, and university police, while excluding individuals who voluntarily report crimes without being recontacted for additional information. Parents or legal guardians can seek court orders to stop agencies from using their children in these roles if consent requirements are not met, and the bill mandates that agencies pay court costs and attorney fees along with damages ranging from $500 to $1,000 if they violate the consent provision. The legislation does not apply to minors who are legally emancipated under existing state law.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act to limit the amount of time agricultural cooperatives can hold their members' funds. Specifically, it prohibits associations from retaining member money for more than 10 years after receiving it. The legislation also includes a provision that gives cooperatives currently in violation of this rule two years to return the funds to their members once the law takes effect. By updating this section, the bill aims to ensure that member funds are not held indefinitely without being distributed or processed.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 984 requires state agencies in Michigan to use software that accurately reproduces a person's name on official documents. Specifically, the law mandates that such software must correctly display hyphens, bicapitalization, and apostrophes within names. This provision directly affects government employees who create communications or records containing individual names. The bill aims to prevent errors in how names appear on state-issued paperwork by setting a technical standard for the software used.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires firearm dealers in Michigan to obtain a state license for each location where they sell guns, with a $250 application fee and annual renewal costs. To qualify, dealers must hold a federal firearms license, have local government permits, and ensure all employees handling firearms are at least 21 years old with no criminal history related to violence or theft. The law mandates annual training for dealers and staff covering topics like recognizing illegal purchases, preventing theft, and firearm safety, with a passing score of 70% on a written exam. Licenses are non-transferable, must be displayed at the business, and expire annually, with the department able to deny or revoke them for violations or recordkeeping failures.
Maddy summarySB 799 creates a new licensing system for adult psychiatric residential treatment facilities (APRTFs) that provide 24-hour residential psychiatric care to adults 18+ with severe mental health needs. It requires facilities to obtain a license from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, pay fees ($2,000 initial, $1,000 renewal), and undergo on-site inspections before operating. The bill sets standards for care, defines prohibited exclusions (like psychiatric hospitals or nursing homes), and specifies that licensed facilities must offer individualized treatment plans certified by a physician. This directly affects APRTFs currently operating without state licensing, requiring them to meet new regulatory requirements to continue providing services.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 1, 2026, as International Workers' Day within the state. The measure honors the contributions of Michigan's workforce and commemorates the historical significance of the labor movement, including events like the Haymarket Affair and the Flint Sit-Down Strike. By adopting this resolution, the legislative body acknowledges the importance of workers' rights and the state's legacy in advancing economic and social justice.