Sen. Sarah Anthony

Maddy summarySenate Bill 114 allows counties or regions in Michigan to create vulnerable adult multidisciplinary teams. These teams, comprising public and private professionals such as law enforcement, adult protective services, and healthcare providers, are designed to prevent, investigate, and prosecute the abuse and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill permits team members to share information for their duties, but requires strict confidentiality and sworn statements. Importantly, the information and records produced by these teams are exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, and their meetings are not subject to the Open Meetings Act.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 112 amends Michigan's penal code to expand the definition of "racketeering." The bill specifically adds the crime of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult to the list of offenses that can be considered racketeering activity. This change means that individuals who commit embezzlement against vulnerable adults could be prosecuted under racketeering laws, which are typically associated with organized crime and may carry more severe penalties. The bill aims to strengthen legal protections against the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Maddy summarySB 113 amends Michigan's penal code to address the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill makes it illegal to obtain or use a vulnerable adult's money or property through fraud, deceit, or coercion for personal benefit, and extends this prohibition to include acts committed against their estate after death. It establishes a tiered system of penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, based on the value of the money or property involved and the offender's prior convictions. This legislation provides increased legal consequences for individuals who financially abuse vulnerable adults and their estates.

Maddy summarySB 111 creates a new "elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order" to protect individuals aged 60+ or those defined as vulnerable adults (e.g., with developmental disabilities or under specific legal protections). The order can restrain specific harmful actions, including assault, firearm possession, animal abuse, property destruction, financial exploitation, and interference with personal liberty. It also allows courts to order return of assets, prohibit access to funds, award damages, and require bond security to prevent financial harm. The bill mandates transferring cases to probate court if the petitioner is under guardianship, ensuring coordinated legal oversight. This directly affects vulnerable Michiganders facing abuse or exploitation by caregivers or others.

Maddy summarySB 56 adds specific funding allocations to Michigan's School Aid Act for fiscal years 2024-2025. It appropriates $100 from the state school aid fund for public schools, $3.3 million from coronavirus recovery funds for community college academic catch-up programs (for fiscal year 2023-2024 only), and $100 from the general fund for higher education purposes. These provisions directly affect public schools, community colleges, and higher education institutions by providing targeted funding for educational programs. The bill also updates constitutional spending estimates for school aid and higher education funding totals for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Maddy summarySB 195 repeals Michigan's 2016 law (PA 389) that prevented local governments from regulating plastic bags and similar containers. This repeal directly affects cities and counties, allowing them to create their own rules about plastic bag use, fees, or bans. The bill removes a state-level barrier that previously blocked local environmental policies targeting single-use plastic containers. It does not create new regulations but restores local authority over this issue. The change enables communities to address plastic pollution through tailored approaches.

Maddy summarySB 55 provides additional state funding for departments and agencies to cover unexpected needs during the 2024 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2024). It creates a supplemental appropriations act, detailing how these funds can be spent and setting specific conditions for their use. The bill directly affects state government operations by allocating extra money to agencies like education, health, or transportation (though specific departments aren't named in the text). This is a routine budget adjustment, not a policy change, to ensure state services continue without interruption.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Chang designating March 2025 as Social Work Month. It recognizes the contributions of social workers in Michigan and across the U.S., highlighting their roles in mental health care, child welfare, advocacy for vulnerable populations, and community support. The resolution calls on citizens to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating this month. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups through legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 116 amends Michigan's Food Law to add a new licensing exemption for certain disabled individuals operating food businesses. The bill modifies Section 4105 of the Food Law to include disabled individuals as a category eligible for exemption from standard food establishment licensing requirements. This change specifically allows disabled individuals to operate food-related activities without needing a separate license, provided they meet the existing criteria for food warehouse or processor exemptions (e.g., handling only uncut produce, storing/sorting their own products). The exemption applies to businesses that align with current rules for food warehouses, focusing on unprocessed items and limiting operations to storage and basic handling. This policy change directly affects disabled individuals seeking to start small-scale food businesses without the burden of full licensing.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SR 18), not a bill with legal effect. It affirms that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential principles for achieving the American Dream, and encourages policymakers, schools, workplaces, and organizations to adopt DEI practices. The resolution makes no new laws or requirements - it simply expresses support for DEI as foundational to opportunity and prosperity. It was unanimously adopted by the Michigan Senate on March 18, 2025.