Sen. Ruth Johnson

Maddy summarySB 798 amends Michigan's school immunization law to restrict exemptions from required vaccines. It eliminates the option for parents to claim exemptions based on "other objections" (like personal or philosophical beliefs), allowing exemptions only for religious reasons. This directly affects parents of children entering kindergarten or grade 7 who previously could cite non-religious objections. The bill maintains existing requirements for vision screenings and reporting immunization status to health authorities, but narrows the acceptable exemption categories under school enrollment rules.

Maddy summarySB 797 prevents Michigan's health department from creating stricter rules or requiring specific forms for school immunization exemptions. It protects the existing exemption categories: medical exemptions certified by a physician and religious/philosophical exemptions documented via a written statement. The bill ensures no additional requirements can be imposed beyond what's currently allowed under Michigan law (MCL 333.9215), directly affecting children seeking exemption from school immunization mandates. This is a procedural clarification, not a new policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 19, 2026, as "Conductive Education Day" to recognize a teaching method developed in Hungary that helps people with neuromotor disabilities - including cerebral palsy, stroke survivors, and multiple sclerosis patients - improve mobility and independence through neuroplasticity-based learning. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges Conductive Education's potential to benefit nearly 9 million people in the U.S. and Canada. The resolution encourages broader support for this program without specifying any concrete policy changes. As a symbolic gesture, it directly affects awareness and advocacy for Conductive Education rather than individual beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Michigan. It formally recognizes the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, advocacy groups, and service providers working to combat human trafficking and support survivors, while emphasizing the importance of public awareness in identifying and preventing trafficking. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment to advance prevention awareness.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 136 primarily eliminates the requirement for healthcare providers to notify patients about dense breast tissue after mammography. This change directly impacts patients undergoing mammograms and the medical facilities that perform these screenings in Michigan. The bill also enacts broader amendments concerning the use of radiation machines for mammography procedures. These modifications are made by amending and repealing specific sections within the existing Public Health Code.

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 summarySB 612 eliminates the requirement for victims to pay costs when courts deliver personal protection orders. It directly affects individuals seeking court-issued protection from domestic violence or abuse. The bill removes a financial barrier by changing court procedures so victims no longer cover the expenses for serving these protective orders. This is a procedural change to Michigan's civil court rules, shifting the cost responsibility from victims to the court system.

Maddy summarySB 611 eliminates court costs for serving personal protection orders in Michigan. It directly affects individuals seeking protection from domestic violence, harassment, or abuse who must legally serve court orders on others. The bill amends Michigan’s civil procedure laws (MCL 600.2559 & 600.2950) to remove the requirement that these individuals pay fees for process servers. This change simplifies access to legal protection by removing a financial barrier for vulnerable residents.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 88) requests Governor Whitmer to join the federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program for K-12 education. The resolution directly addresses the governor, asking her to opt-in to a federal program that would allow Michigan taxpayers to receive a $1,700 tax credit for donations to scholarship organizations. These organizations would then provide tax-free scholarships to K-12 students in Michigan public and private schools, starting in 2027. The resolution is non-binding and seeks to encourage state participation in the federal program, which Michigan has not yet elected to join.

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.