Sen. Dan Lauwers

Maddy summarySB 460 modifies Michigan's penalties for manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver certain controlled substances, primarily targeting Schedule 1 and 2 drugs (like narcotics and fentanyl derivatives). It establishes tiered penalties based on the substance's danger and quantity - for example, 1,000 grams or more of fentanyl or heroin now carries a potential life sentence or $1 million fine, while smaller amounts face reduced but still severe penalties. This directly affects individuals convicted of drug offenses under Michigan law, with specific provisions for fentanyl-related crimes and adjustments to prior sentencing structures.

Maddy summarySB 468 prohibits Michigan jurisdictions from acquiring or using electronic voting systems after January 1, 2026, if those systems contain parts or equipment from entities providing "covered communications equipment" listed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under federal law. This directly affects local election officials and voting system vendors purchasing new equipment for state elections. The key mechanism requires voting systems to avoid components from vendors designated by the FCC as security risks, referencing the FCC’s official list. Existing systems and voting requirements (like paper ballots and accessibility features) remain unchanged under this bill.

Maddy summarySB 467 amends Michigan's school transportation law to update safety requirements for school buses and establish new rules for schools contracting with public transit agencies to transport students. It requires all school buses to meet federal safety standards and prohibits using non-school buses with 11+ seats for student transport (except special cases). For public transit contracts, the bill mandates written agreements covering driver background checks, strict safety protocols (like activating amber lights 200 feet before stops), route safety, and mandatory vehicle inspections before use. These provisions directly affect schools, public transit agencies, and students by setting clear safety standards for alternative transportation options.

Maddy summarySB 461 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines for specific drug offenses under MCL 777.13m. It directly affects individuals convicted of manufacturing, creating, delivering, or possessing with intent certain Schedule 1 and 2 controlled substances. The bill changes the sentencing structure for these offenses by adjusting the applicable guidelines within the criminal procedure code. This is a policy change to the sentencing framework for these particular drug-related crimes, not a general sentencing reform.

Maddy summarySB 235 creates a corporate income tax credit for businesses that use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It directly affects airlines and fuel producers in Michigan by reducing their state tax liability based on the volume of SAF they utilize. The bill amends Michigan's tax code (MCL 206.1-206.847) to add a specific provision allowing corporations to claim this credit. This provides a financial incentive for adopting SAF, aiming to support cleaner aviation fuel adoption without specifying environmental outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 236 creates a tax credit program in Michigan to incentivize the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It directly affects fuel producers who meet specific environmental standards, requiring SAF to achieve at least a 50% reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum fuel and comply with ASTM aviation fuel standards. Producers must apply to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for certification of their tax credit, providing evidence of domestic production, emissions reduction, and proof that the fuel was used in aircraft departing Michigan airports. The program administers tax credits through a state-certified process, aiming to boost local SAF production while meeting federal environmental benchmarks.

Maddy summarySB 427 amends Michigan's Open Meetings Act to strengthen enforcement by allowing any person, the Attorney General, or local prosecutors to sue public bodies that violate the law. It specifies where lawsuits must be filed (circuit court for local bodies, circuit court or Ingham County for state bodies) and requires courts to award actual attorney fees and court costs to winning plaintiffs if violations were intentional, repeated, harmed the public, or involved significant public interest. The bill also sets a 180-day deadline to file such lawsuits after a violation occurs. These changes aim to make it easier for citizens to hold public bodies accountable for noncompliance with open meeting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 58) that formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army's founding on June 14, 2025. The resolution commemorates the Army's history from its establishment in 1775 through its current role as a key national defense force. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment by the Senate of the Army's service to the nation.

Maddy summarySB 422 amends Michigan's Campaign Finance Act (MCL 169.215) to clarify procedures for handling violations. It adds specific criteria for waiving late filing fees (e.g., medical emergencies or natural disasters) and establishes a formal complaint process requiring detailed certifications from complainants. The bill also mandates that if the Secretary of State is involved in a violation, the matter must be referred to the Attorney General for review. These changes apply directly to campaign committees, candidates, and the Secretary of State's office.

Maddy summarySB 406 updates Michigan's firearm exemption rules by amending sections 231 and 237a of the penal code and repealing outdated provisions. It adds a training requirement for certain exemptions in section 231 (e.g., corrections employees must complete weapon use training) and clarifies school zone exemptions in section 237a. The bill specifically allows security personnel, licensed carry holders, and hunters transporting firearms under defined conditions (e.g., unloaded in a trunk for hunting trips) to carry weapons on school property without penalty. It directly affects law enforcement, corrections staff, security contractors, and hunters who transport firearms for permitted activities. The changes aim to modernize exemptions while maintaining school safety protections.