Sen. Dan Lauwers

Maddy summarySB 507 creates a new "next of kin" special vehicle registration plate in Michigan. It directly affects family members (next of kin) who have lost a close relative in a traffic accident, crime, or other incident. The bill establishes a specific plate design and wording to honor these family members, allowing them to display this plate on their vehicles. This is a new option for vehicle registration, not a fee change or other policy shift.

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.

Maddy summarySCR 6 is a memorial resolution passed by the Michigan Legislature to honor Virgil Clark Smith, a former member of the Michigan Senate (1988-2000) and House of Representatives (1977-1988). The resolution commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including his historic role as the first African American Senate Democratic Floor Leader. It expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication, leadership, and legacy as a trailblazing legislator and later Wayne County Circuit Court judge. The resolution was adopted unanimously by both chambers in October 2025 and will be transmitted to Smith's family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 77) honors the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, following his 2025 assassination at Utah Valley University. It formally condemns political violence, commends law enforcement, and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic tribute expressing the Senate’s condemnation of violence targeting individuals for their political views. It calls on all Americans to reject political violence and uphold civil discourse. (Note: As a memorial resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or policies beyond this expression of sentiment.)

Maddy summarySB 273 extends the expiration date of a fee imposed on agricultural operations to fund water quality protection programs. This bill amends Michigan's 1994 law (MCL 324.8715) to remove the sunset provision, ensuring the fee remains in effect indefinitely. It directly affects agricultural businesses that pay this fee, which supports local water quality initiatives. The bill was enacted with immediate effect after governor approval on October 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes October 9, 2025, as "Auto Heritage Day" to celebrate Michigan's automotive history and the MotorCities National Heritage Area. The resolution highlights the region's economic impact ($490 million annually) and its role as the largest concentration of auto-related sites globally, but it creates no new requirements or funding. It does not directly affect any individuals or organizations, as it serves only to acknowledge existing heritage efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Michigan's state budget bills to be passed into law by a specific annual deadline. If the budget isn't enacted by that date, both state legislators and the governor would lose their pay until the budget is approved. The amendment modifies three sections of the state constitution to establish this deadline and link compensation to budget passage. It specifically targets the general appropriation bills that fund state operations, not other legislation. The deadline is defined by existing law (MCL 18.1365) as the date set for budget enactment each year.

Maddy summarySB 514 creates a corporate income tax credit for beverage distributors who charge deposits on returnable containers. It allows eligible distributors to claim a $0.005 credit per container sold starting in 2026, with annual adjustments based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index beginning in 2027. Distributors must attach a specific report to their tax return to claim the credit, and any unused credit amount is refundable. The bill directly affects beverage distributors who originate container deposits and depends on the passage of companion bill SB 512 to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 516 would allow Michigan pharmacists to provide ivermectin without a prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires that ivermectin sold over-the-counter must meet manufacturing standards and have clear labeling with dosage, contraindications, and safety information. It amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to add new sections (17771 and 17771a) enabling this access under pharmacist discretion. The bill is currently in committee after being introduced on September 3, 2025.