Sen. Lana Theis

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Donald Koivisto, a former Michigan State Senator (1990-2002) and House Representative (1981-1986). The resolution expresses the legislature's tribute to his service, highlighting his dedication to the Upper Peninsula, farming community, and bipartisan collaboration. It was unanimously adopted by both chambers as a formal expression of respect for his legacy. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely commemorates his public service.

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a memorial resolution honoring Irma Clark-Coleman, a former Michigan state legislator who served in the House (1999-2002) and Senate (2003-2010). The resolution recognizes her decades of public service at both local (Wayne County) and state levels, including her advocacy for education reform and legislative work on children’s issues. Unanimously adopted by the Michigan Legislature in December 2025, it serves as a formal tribute to her legacy and does not enact any policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Michigan Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters to support H.R. 5371, a bill to reopen the federal government and restore funding for critical programs. It specifically highlights the risk of SNAP benefits (serving nearly 1.5 million Michiganders) being frozen starting November 1, 2025, which would disrupt food assistance for families and programs like Double Up Food Bucks. The resolution emphasizes that continuing the shutdown would worsen impacts on federal workers missing paychecks and Michigan residents relying on these services. It does not create new law but formally requests the senators’ support for H.R. 5371.

Maddy summarySB 625 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to clarify procedures for recovering improperly paid benefits. It directly affects individuals who received benefits they weren't entitled to, requiring repayment within 3 years (except for identity fraud cases) through deductions from future benefits (max 50%), cash payments, or tax refunds. The bill establishes specific waiver conditions where repayment may be forgiven if it would be "contrary to equity and good conscience," such as when benefits were paid due to agency errors, claimants provided unintentionally incorrect wage info, or household income was below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. This update streamlines repayment processes while offering relief in defined hardship scenarios.

Maddy summarySCR 6 is a memorial resolution passed by the Michigan Legislature to honor Virgil Clark Smith, a former member of the Michigan Senate (1988-2000) and House of Representatives (1977-1988). The resolution commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including his historic role as the first African American Senate Democratic Floor Leader. It expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication, leadership, and legacy as a trailblazing legislator and later Wayne County Circuit Court judge. The resolution was adopted unanimously by both chambers in October 2025 and will be transmitted to Smith's family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 83) formally recognizes October 23, 2025, as PURA Syndrome Awareness Day. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public awareness about PURA syndrome, a rare genetic condition causing developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and other health challenges. The resolution encourages citizens to learn about the condition and support affected families and research. It directly affects awareness efforts for PURA syndrome, which has fewer than 1,000 diagnosed cases worldwide, though it does not change policy or directly impact individuals.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 80) is a symbolic recognition of Diwali's significance, not a law with policy changes. It formally acknowledges Diwali's historic, cultural, and religious importance to Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities in Michigan and globally - describing it as the "festival of lights" symbolizing light overcoming darkness and celebrating shared values like tolerance. The resolution expresses the Senate's respect for Diwali's message and its celebration by over one billion people worldwide. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect but affirms Michigan's commitment to religious diversity.

Maddy summarySB 605 amends Michigan's Child Protection Law (MCL 722.627) to add "a state legislator" as an authorized recipient of confidential child abuse and neglect records. This change directly affects state legislators seeking such records, child protective services agencies handling the records, and families whose records may be disclosed. The key mechanism updates the existing list of permitted recipients to include legislators, who can now access records for legislative oversight purposes under the same confidentiality safeguards applied to other authorized entities. The bill does not alter how records are handled by existing authorized parties like courts, healthcare providers, or child welfare agencies.

Maddy summarySB 594 allows individuals with a valid concealed pistol license from Michigan or another state to carry concealed pistols in the Michigan state capitol building. It amends the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site Act to remove the commission’s authority to prohibit such carrying. Licensed individuals must present their concealed pistol license to capitol security officers or legislative sergeants at arms if requested. This change directly affects licensed concealed pistol carriers, including legislators, staff, and the public, who visit the capitol building.

Maddy summarySB 587 requires Michigan's Public Service Commission to submit a detailed report to the House and Senate energy committees before approving any rate increase for gas, electric, or steam utilities. The report must explain the proposed increase, its justification, and expected impact on customers. Committees then have 30 days to hold a public hearing and issue a nonbinding recommendation to the commission. This change applies to all utilities seeking rate hikes and adds a legislative review step before final approval. The bill modifies existing rate approval procedures without altering the core process for utilities to file applications.