Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan law enforcement agencies to create written policies mandating that officers intervene when they witness another officer using excessive force. The legislation defines excessive force as any action beyond what is objectively reasonable to protect safety or comply with laws, and it obligates officers to stop such incidents whenever it is safe and feasible to do so. Additionally, the bill mandates that officers who observe excessive force must report the incident to a supervisor within 72 hours, and it establishes that failing to intervene or report is grounds for disciplinary action, which can include dismissal or demotion. Agencies are also required to provide copies of these new policies to all their officers, while retaining the ability to adopt stricter rules if they choose.
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Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Department of Education to establish a statewide behavioral threat assessment and management program for all public and nonpublic schools. The program requires the department to build a secure, cloud-based system that gathers data from various sources, such as law enforcement and mental health records, to identify and assess potential threats to school safety. Schools must use approved models to categorize student risk levels, create intervention plans, and manage case information while adhering to strict security protocols that limit access to authorized personnel only. Additionally, the legislation mandates regular training for staff, quarterly audits of system access, and annual reporting to state officials on the program's activities.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to allow security deposits to be returned via electronic transfer instead of only by check or money order. It requires landlords to mail tenants an itemized list of claimed damages within 30 days of moving out, but permits them to send the refund directly to a bank account, mobile payment app, or internet payment service if they choose. If a landlord uses this electronic method, they must deposit the funds into the tenant's account within 10 days of mailing the notice. The bill also mandates that the damage notice include a specific, bolded statement informing tenants they must respond within seven days or forfeit the claimed amount.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new fund within the state treasury to support Michigan's behavioral threat assessment and management program for schools. It appropriates $13 million from the general fund for the fiscal year ending in 2025 and allows the state treasurer to accept additional money, grants, or gifts for the fund. The designated department must use these resources to develop, implement, and maintain the program in accordance with existing safety laws, with any unused funds carried forward to the next year. The bill also establishes that these specific funds will not lapse at the end of the fiscal year and must be spent efficiently on the program's designated purposes.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.
Maddy summarySB 1034 modifies Michigan election laws to require voters to present identification and proof of state residency before receiving a ballot. If a voter cannot provide these documents, they must sign an affidavit and submit a provisional ballot that will be verified after the election rather than counted immediately. The bill also clarifies procedures for voters who arrive at a polling place without being on the registration list, requiring them to complete an application and swear they have already applied to vote. Specific acceptable documents for identity include birth certificates and military discharge papers, while proof of residency can include utility bills, bank statements, or lease agreements issued within the last 90 days. These changes directly affect all registered and unregistered electors participating in state elections.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Nancy C. Cassis, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It recognizes her career as a public servant and details her legislative achievements, including her work on tax policy and her receipt of various awards. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to her family and requests that copies of the document be sent to them as a tribute.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to Michigan public schools for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, specifically designating money for student mental health and school safety initiatives. The legislation allocates $25 million from the state school aid fund and $303 million from the general fund to districts and schools that opt in to these programs. These funds can be used to hire mental health staff, purchase safety infrastructure like cameras and door locks, provide threat assessment training, and implement technology platforms for crisis management and cyberbullying prevention. The bill also allows for emergency spending on immediate safety threats, subject to departmental approval, and requires that general fund allocations be spent before using money from the state school aid fund.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Food Law to explicitly allow dogs to be present at restaurants that offer outdoor seating. The change directly affects food service establishments by clarifying that the existing rules permitting outdoor seating do not prohibit the presence of pets. By modifying specific sections of the current statute, the legislation updates the legal framework to accommodate businesses that wish to serve customers with their dogs outside. This policy adjustment does not alter health and safety standards for the food itself but rather expands the types of establishments and seating arrangements currently recognized under the law.