Sen. Sarah Anthony

Maddy summarySB 184 is a supplemental appropriations bill allocating $445.86 million for Michigan state departments, agencies, and branches for fiscal year 2024-2025. It directly affects state agencies and local governments by funding specific programs, including $1 million for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's food safety program and $41.77 million for capital projects. Key provisions include funding land acquisitions for parks and conservation areas across multiple counties (e.g., Lamberts Trail Park in Kent County, Munising Bay Overlook in Alger County). The bill specifies that these funds come primarily from state restricted revenues and special funds, not the general state budget.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 282, titled the "Tenants Right to Organize Act," establishes specific rights for tenants in Michigan to form and operate tenant unions. This bill allows tenants to self-organize, meet, distribute information, and confer with their landlords through chosen representatives regarding rental conditions and changes. It also permits tenant organizers to assist in these efforts, including canvassing within rental properties under certain conditions. The bill prohibits landlords from interfering with these organizing activities or retaliating against tenants who exercise these rights, with violations potentially leading to civil fines and other legal remedies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 36 officially recognizes April 28, 2025, as Workers’ Memorial Day in Michigan. The resolution pays tribute to workers who have been injured, disabled, or died due to workplace accidents, both in Michigan and globally. It also urges all citizens to honor the contributions of Michigan's workforce and call for increased workplace safety standards.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 28 designates April 2025 as Community College Month in Michigan. This resolution officially recognizes the role of the state's 28 community and three tribal colleges in providing affordable post-secondary education, workforce development, and support for students.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 129 amends Michigan's Open Meetings Act to expand the circumstances under which public bodies can hold electronic meetings. Primarily, it allows appointed members of public bodies with disabilities to participate remotely as an accommodation, enabling them to fully engage without disclosing the nature of their disability, provided they are physically in the state. However, this accommodation does not apply to elected members or to state legislative bodies when taking a formal vote. Additionally, the bill permits remote meetings for public bodies managing municipal public employee retirement systems and joint agencies formed under the Michigan energy employment act.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 33 amends Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code concerning patient advocate designations. The bill allows individuals to include specific instructions within their patient advocate designation regarding desired life-sustaining treatment, even if they are pregnant. It removes the existing legal prohibition that prevents patient advocates from making decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment from a pregnant patient if such a decision would result in the patient's death. This change enables a patient advocate to follow a pregnant patient's pre-expressed wishes concerning end-of-life care.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 39 requires Michigan's medical assistance program to provide coverage for remote ultrasound procedures and fetal nonstress tests. This allows patients to receive these services in their residence or other off-site locations through telemedicine. The bill mandates the department to update reimbursement rules for fee-for-service and managed care plans, enabling payment for these remote services using established CPT codes when the same standard of care is met. Reimbursement for these remote services is contingent on using HIPAA-compliant, FDA-approved digital technology for data transmission and FDA-cleared monitoring solutions for at-home use.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 36 expands Michigan's essential health provider recruitment strategy to include midwives. The bill amends the public health code, adding midwives to the list of "designated professionals" eligible for a state-administered debt repayment program. Under this program, midwives who have incurred educational debt may receive repayment for their loans or expenses. In exchange, they must commit to practicing full-time in a state-designated health resource shortage area for a specified period.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 24 designates April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week. This resolution formally commemorates the week to raise awareness about the disparities in maternal health outcomes affecting Black mothers.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 27 designates April 2025 as Financial Literacy Month in Michigan. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education and encourages parents, schools, businesses, and other organizations to observe the month with relevant programs and activities.