Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the age requirements for children and adults with developmental disabilities to be eligible for courtroom support dogs during legal proceedings in Michigan. It specifically allows individuals under 18 with developmental disabilities to have a trained support dog sit with them while testifying, whereas the previous rule restricted this benefit to those under 16. The legislation applies to various criminal cases involving vulnerable witnesses, including child protection and assaultive crimes, and maintains existing rules that require advance notice for using a support dog during a trial. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the prosecutor's office assumes full responsibility for the dog while it is present in the courtroom.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Business Corporation Act to clarify which specific types of corporations are subject to its rules. It explicitly states that the act applies to various specialized entities like telegraph and telephone companies, while excluding insurance, banking, and savings institutions from its coverage. Additionally, the legislation permits telephone corporations organized under older laws to convert into limited liability companies. The bill includes a provision stating that it will only become effective if two other related bills are also passed into law.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan law to allow domestic limited liability companies to merge with various other business types, such as corporations, partnerships, and nonprofits. It requires these companies to follow specific rules when creating a merger plan, including obtaining approval from their members and filing detailed documents with the state. The law ensures that the surviving business takes over all assets and liabilities of the merging companies while clarifying how ownership interests are converted and how pending legal cases are handled. Additionally, it provides a mechanism for members who disagree with a merger to withdraw from the company and receive fair value for their stake.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows telephone corporations in Michigan to convert into domestic limited liability companies if they meet specific legal requirements. The law ensures that any company making this conversion continues to file state income taxes as a corporation, with exceptions only for certain federal tax structures. The provision also defines what constitutes a business organization for the purpose of this conversion. However, the bill will not take effect until three other related bills are also passed by the legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates rye as the official commercial grain of Michigan. It achieves this by adding a single line to state law that names rye (*Secale cereale*) as the state's official grain. The change is symbolic and does not alter any existing regulations or create new requirements for businesses or individuals.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows specific military veterans and their families to apply for special Michigan license plates that identify their service or sacrifice. Eligible individuals include former prisoners of war, World War I veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients, and family members of active-duty soldiers, fallen service members, or those who lost a loved one while serving. To qualify, applicants must submit proof of their status to the Secretary of State, and the plates will feature unique designs such as "EX-POW," "WWI," "Pearl Harbor survivor," or "Gold Star Family" along with the vehicle owner's birthday expiration. The legislation also waives standard service fees for these applications and grants tax exemptions for the first plate issued to a prisoner of war, while requiring taxes on additional plates.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows cosmetology schools to operate training classrooms in separate locations from their main facilities, provided they meet specific safety and staffing standards. To qualify, the new site must be owned by the same licensed school, display all necessary licenses visibly, and be staffed only by instructors with at least three years of experience. The proposed classroom cannot offer services to the public or contain equipment like styling chairs or hair-drying stations, and it must pass a department inspection before opening. Additionally, the license for these separate classrooms becomes invalid if the facility is sold, transferred, or moved to a new address. The state department is required to create detailed rules to enforce these requirements within 18 months of the bill's effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan laws governing fraternal benefit societies by clarifying how their benefit contracts are formed and modified. It establishes that changes to a society's rules made after a member joins will apply to them, unless those changes reduce the benefits originally promised. The legislation also outlines procedures for societies to require members to pay a share of financial deficits if the society's reserves become impaired. Additionally, it grants state officials the authority to order a struggling society to transfer its members and assets to another insurer or society without waiting for member approval. These measures aim to provide clearer guidelines for managing member contracts and ensuring financial stability within these specific insurance organizations.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Michigan's liquor control commission to issue alcohol licenses to various public universities and colleges for specific venues on their property. It permits colleges to sell alcohol at conference centers for scheduled events and enables private entities to operate restaurants or host events at university facilities under strict conditions, such as fair market value leases and designated development zones. The legislation also authorizes alcohol sales at university golf clubhouses and baseball stadiums during summer months when they are leased to private operators. These changes directly affect the governing boards of multiple state universities and the private businesses that may lease their properties.