Sen. Lana Theis

Maddy summarySB 367 designates Vernors as Michigan's official state beverage. The bill directly affects the state's symbolic identity by formally recognizing Vernors, a carbonated soft drink with historical roots in Michigan. Its sole provision, stated in Section 1, declares "Vernors is the official beverage of this state." This is a ceremonial measure with no regulatory or financial impact, solely serving to honor a locally significant beverage. The bill was introduced on June 10, 2025, and referred to the Government Operations committee.

Maddy summarySB 369 requires Michigan's Public Service Commission to create an online tool by December 31, 2026, that calculates the full lifetime cost of renewable energy projects for customers. The tool must include construction costs (like site prep, materials, grid connection) and end-of-life costs (decommissioning, disposal, site cleanup) for renewable energy systems. It directly affects utility customers by making these costs transparent over the system's operating lifetime. The bill mandates this calculation under Michigan's existing renewable energy framework without changing current energy policies.

Maddy summarySB 376 requires Michigan's Department of Education to approve reading assessments for K-3 students and establish literacy coaches to improve early reading instruction. It mandates that school districts implement literacy coaches with specific qualifications (e.g., bachelor's degree in reading, expertise in evidence-based methods) by 2027-2028, focusing on screening, data analysis, and targeted interventions for students struggling with reading. The bill also directs the department to develop dyslexia expertise and update resources by 2025, with technical assistance for schools. This directly affects K-3 teachers, students with reading difficulties, and school districts implementing the new requirements. The policy aims to prevent reading deficiencies through structured literacy support, not grade retention.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment (SJR C) would require the director of Michigan's Department of Natural Resources to be elected by voters starting in 2030, replacing the current practice of gubernatorial appointment. The bill specifies that the director would serve a four-year term beginning January 1 after election, with candidates nominated by party conventions as prescribed by law. Vacancies would still be filled by a gubernatorial appointment. This change directly affects the selection process for the natural resources director position and requires voter approval to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summarySB 377 amends Michigan's high school graduation requirements under the Revised School Code. It requires students to complete specific credit bundles, including 4 math credits (with new flexibility to fulfill some through career-technical education programs like computer science or engineering), 3 social science credits (covering U.S. history, world history, economics, and civics), and visual arts/performing arts credits. The bill directly affects all Michigan public high school students seeking diplomas by changing their course requirements. Key mechanisms include allowing career-technical education programs to count toward math credits and specifying exact social science course requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Michigan bill amends labor law to prohibit public school districts from negotiating with teacher unions about 16 specific topics, including school calendars, staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and classroom observation policies. It directly affects school districts and their employee unions by restricting collective bargaining to only wages, hours, and basic working conditions. Key provisions add these topics to a formal list of "prohibited subjects" in bargaining agreements, meaning schools cannot discuss them during contract negotiations. The bill clarifies that operational decisions like school schedules (for state aid eligibility) and staffing reductions remain the sole responsibility of school districts.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 5 is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of Darwin Booher, a former member of both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. The resolution offers tribute to his contributions and transmits copies to his family.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 325 amends existing laws concerning how public utilities, including gas, electric, and steam providers, can adjust their rates for customers. It outlines the process for utilities to file rate increase requests with the Public Service Commission (PSC), requiring them to provide supporting evidence and allowing for public notice and hearings. The bill sets timelines for the PSC to review these applications and allows certain gas utilities to seek partial, immediate rate relief. A key change is the elimination of a provision that previously allowed utilities to implement proposed rate increases after 180 days if the PSC had not issued a final order, as this specific mechanism now only applies to applications filed before April 20, 2017.

Maddy summarySB 324 requires the Public Service Commission to establish a "shared savings mechanism" for electric utilities in Michigan. This mechanism aims to incentivize electric utilities to invest in programs that reduce energy waste, conserve energy, and manage demand. Utilities can earn financial incentives based on the annual electric energy savings they achieve. The incentive is calculated as a percentage of the net benefits from these programs, with higher savings leading to a greater percentage of shared savings, up to a specified cap related to program expenditures.

Maddy summarySB 326 proposes to repeal the "Community and worker economic transition act" (2023 PA 232). This act currently establishes a community and worker economic transition office. If enacted, SB 326 would eliminate this existing act and the office it created.