Sen. Lana Theis

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 12) symbolically designates February 20, 2025, as "Conductive Education Day" to raise awareness about Conductive Education (CE). CE is a teaching system based on the brain's ability to reorganize itself, helping people with neuromotor conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, or multiple sclerosis improve mobility and independence. The resolution highlights that CE could benefit nearly 9 million people in the U.S. and Canada but does not create new laws or funding. It serves as a ceremonial recognition, encouraging support for CE programs without altering policy or directly affecting any group.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 91) amends Michigan's income tax code to exclude certain gratuities received by tipped employees from taxable income. It directly affects Michigan workers in service industries (like restaurants) who earn tips, allowing them to deduct specific tip income from their taxable earnings. The key provision modifies Section 30 of the Income Tax Act to add this exclusion, reducing the taxable income for eligible tipped workers. This change aligns Michigan's tax treatment with federal guidelines for tip income deductions.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Santana to formally recognize February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it affirms the legislature's support for the annual observance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context, honors African-American contributions, and encourages public awareness of both achievements and ongoing efforts toward racial equality. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on February 12-13, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summarySB 28 amends Michigan's Animal Industry Act to require egg-laying hens to be housed in cage-free systems that allow natural behaviors (like perching and dust bathing) and provide minimum floor space per hen, as defined by the United Egg Producers' 2017 guidelines. It directly affects egg producers and sellers of shell eggs in Michigan, prohibiting the sale of eggs from hens confined in non-compliant systems (e.g., battery cages) unless the farm has fewer than 3,000 hens. Key provisions include banning tethering that prevents hens from turning around freely or fully extending limbs, with exemptions for veterinary care, research, and small farms. The law enables civil enforcement by the state to stop sales of non-compliant eggs, without criminal penalties.

Maddy summarySB 44 makes it a crime for non-citizens to enter Michigan without legal status or remain after being denied entry or deported, with penalties ranging from up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 fines for first offenses (misdemeanor) to up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 fines for repeat or aggravated violations (felony). The bill creates exceptions for those with federal protections like DACA approval (2012-2021), asylum, or lawful U.S. presence, and prohibits arrests at schools, churches, or healthcare facilities for these violations. It allows courts to issue written orders requiring non-citizens to leave Michigan instead of jail time, provided they agree and have no prior felony convictions under this law. The bill also grants legal immunity to state/local officials enforcing it and requires fingerprinting for individuals charged under the law.

Maddy summarySB 43, the "Immigration and Customs Enforcement Support Act," requires Michigan law enforcement agencies (like state police, sheriffs, and city police) to create programs that assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcing federal immigration laws. Agencies must enter a formal agreement with DHS, verify the immigration status of detained individuals, and transfer non-citizens convicted of crimes to ICE custody. It establishes two specific programs - jail enforcement models and warrant service officer programs - to facilitate this cooperation, subject to funding from a new state support fund. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and individuals detained under state criminal law who are not legally present in the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to create specific provisions for crimes related to illegal immigration. It directly affects individuals convicted of such offenses in Michigan courts by establishing new sentencing parameters. However, the provided context does not specify the exact nature of these new guidelines or their concrete policy changes, only that they are being created under Section 17d of the Criminal Procedure Code (MCL 777.17d). The bill is currently in committee referral with no further details on its provisions available in the provided text.

Maddy summarySB 42 creates the "immigration and customs enforcement support fund" within Michigan's state treasury to provide financial support for law enforcement agencies. The bill directly affects local and state law enforcement agencies, enabling them to apply for grants to train officers in immigration enforcement programs. Key provisions include requiring agencies to train at least three officers per agency, allocating additional funds based on population served, and offering up to $15,000 per officer as an incentive for participation. Applications must be submitted by March 15 annually, with grants awarded by May 1, and instructions posted publicly by December 2025. The fund's money must remain in the account annually and cannot lapse to the general fund.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. The Michigan Senate formally recognizes January 26-February 1, 2025, as Catholic Schools Week. It expresses support for Catholic schools' role in Michigan education, citing their student enrollment, compliance with public school standards, and contributions to community values. The resolution has no legal effect or funding impact - it solely serves to honor these schools during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Education to create and distribute a model firearm safety program for students in grades 6 through 12 by June 1, 2025. The curriculum must cover topics such as proper handling, maintenance, storage, and hunting practices, totaling at least 10 hours of instruction led by certified hunter education instructors. While schools can offer this as an optional class or integrate it into existing courses, firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited from being brought onto school property during these sessions. Additionally, the bill ensures that any student or their parent can request an exemption from the course without penalty or loss of academic credit. Finally, completing this instruction satisfies the state's hunter safety course requirement for obtaining a hunting license.