Sen. Ruth Johnson

Maddy summarySB 415 requires Michigan's medical assistance program to cover group prenatal care services beginning on the bill's effective date. This directly affects pregnant individuals enrolled in Michigan's medical assistance program (like Medicaid) by mandating coverage for a specific type of care. The bill defines "group prenatal care services" as evidence-based, group-based visits that include health assessments, social support, education, and peer interaction in a family-centered setting. These services aim to support pregnant people through shared experiences and structured care, extending into early childhood.

Maddy summarySB 585 requires conservators (appointed to manage the estates of protected individuals, such as minors without parental rights or adults under guardianship) to obtain a court-approved appraisal from a licensed professional before selling a protected individual's principal residence or real property. The appraisal must be conducted within six months of the sale, and the court must determine the sale is in the protected individual's best interest before approving it. This change applies specifically to sales of real property and adds a formal valuation requirement to existing conservator powers under Michigan law. The bill amends Section 5423 of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code to ensure objective property valuation in significant financial decisions.

Maddy summarySB 586 amends Michigan's guardianship law to require courts to document on the record why moving a person under guardianship (a "ward") from their current residence is necessary. It also mandates that guardians consult with the ward before making major decisions affecting them, such as changes to their living situation. The bill specifically updates sections 5306 and 5314 of Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to clarify these requirements. These changes directly affect guardians, wards under guardianship, and courts overseeing guardianship cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory licensing system for professional guardians and conservators in Michigan, requiring them to be licensed by the state department before they can be appointed by a court. To obtain a license, applicants must meet specific criteria including being at least 21 years old, passing a background check, having no history of fraud or abuse, and successfully completing a national certification exam. The legislation also mandates that employees of licensed guardians and conservators must be licensed to make critical decisions regarding the care of the individuals they serve. Additionally, the bill requires professional guardians to file a bond, maintain a regular visitation schedule, and disclose any outside compensation received for their services. These changes aim to standardize qualifications and oversight for individuals managing the affairs of those under legal incapacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of R. Robert Geake, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The text details his extensive career, including his legislative work on committees focused on education, mental health, and children's welfare, as well as his later roles as an investigator and chair of the Office of the Children's Ombudsman and the Legislative Retirement System Board. The resolution formally expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication and instructs that copies of the document be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of real property in Michigan to include information about upcoming municipal assessments or fees in their standard disclosure statement. By amending the existing Seller Disclosure Act, the legislation ensures that buyers receive notice of future financial obligations tied to the property before completing a transaction. The change directly affects home sellers and buyers by mandating transparency regarding potential future costs imposed by local governments. This provision aims to provide clearer financial context during the home-selling process without altering other aspects of the current disclosure requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1080 amends Michigan's Drain Code to update how drain commissioners must notify property owners and officials about proposed drainage projects. The bill requires commissioners to post bid advertisements on official websites or county sites and mandates specific notice procedures for public meetings regarding benefit apportionment. These notices must be sent via mail, publication, and personal service to landowners and local officials, including detailed information about estimated costs and project specifications. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that individual landowners may file objections if they believe the project costs exceed the benefits to their property, while allowing commissioners to adjust cost estimates without further notice.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan to annually report specific financial details to the Public Service Commission. The report must include contributions made to political action committees, political parties, and lobbying organizations, as well as any donations to specific tax-exempt groups. Utilities must also disclose spending by their parent companies or affiliates and make these reports publicly available on the commission's website. The legislation aims to increase transparency regarding how utility companies spend money on political and advocacy activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Drain Code to clarify how interest rates are calculated on drain tax installments used to repay bonds. It requires that the interest charged to property owners be no more than one percentage point higher than the average interest rate paid on the bonds themselves, with a cap that cannot exceed the bond rate. The legislation also mandates that all collected funds be deposited in county-designated banks and used exclusively for paying off the bonds as they mature. Additionally, it sets a maximum interest rate for these bonds based on the Revised Municipal Finance Act. These changes directly affect drain commissioners, county treasurers, and property owners within drainage districts by standardizing financial rules for debt repayment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's drain code to require drain commissioners to send detailed cost notices by first-class mail to every property owner within a drainage district before a public meeting on benefit apportionment. The legislation mandates that these mailed notices include a clear summary of estimated costs, such as the percentage and dollar amount each landowner would owe, along with information about how assessments are collected and paid. Additionally, the bill requires that bid advertisements be posted online or on county websites and allows commissioners to send notices via email if an address is available. These changes aim to improve transparency and ensure landowners receive specific financial details regarding potential drainage projects before they are assessed.