Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal (SJR F) removes gender-specific language from two Michigan Constitution sections. It repeals the current definition of marriage as "the union of one man and one woman" (Article I, Section 25) and updates property rights language to be gender-neutral (Article X, Section 1). The change would affect all Michiganders by eliminating gender-based restrictions in marriage recognition and ensuring property rights for married individuals are defined without gender distinctions. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to reflect these neutral terms. The bill is currently in committee for review.

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 summarySB 277 redirects a portion of Michigan's sales tax revenue to the state's Game and Fish Protection Account. It amends existing law (MCL 205.75) to require that specific sales tax funds be deposited directly into this dedicated account instead of general state funds. This ensures consistent, dedicated funding for wildlife conservation and management programs, including habitat protection and fishery restoration. The bill affects state wildlife management efforts by providing a reliable revenue stream without creating new taxes.

Maddy summarySB 276 revises Michigan's structure for fishing and hunting licenses under natural resources law. It amends multiple sections of the 1994 licensing code (MCL 324.43520 et seq.) and adds a new section 503d, directly affecting license holders who purchase or renew these permits. The bill focuses on restructuring how licenses are organized and issued, though the specific changes to license types, fees, or requirements are not detailed in the provided context. This revision aims to update the administrative framework for these permits without specifying new conservation or economic impacts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 19-26, 2025, as Microplastics Awareness Week in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes the environmental and health concerns related to microplastics in the state's waterways, lakes, and Great Lakes shoreline, without creating new laws or regulations. The resolution encourages Michiganders to learn about microplastics and take actions like reducing single-use plastics and participating in cleanups. It does not directly affect any specific group or impose policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution, introduced by Senator Santana, formally recognizes October 12-18, 2025, as Menopause Awareness Week in Michigan. It aims to highlight the widespread impact of menopause and perimenopause on women in the state, citing that 51% of Michigan women experience these conditions, often without adequate diagnosis or treatment. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but seeks to raise public awareness about symptoms, health risks, and the need for better medical education on menopause care. It directly affects Michigan women aged 40-60 who experience menopause-related symptoms, including fatigue, hot flashes, and long-term health risks like heart disease. The resolution is a symbolic gesture to encourage greater attention to women's health needs during this life stage.

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 summarySB 560 amends Michigan's Trust Fund Act to formally establish a "Revenue Sharing Trust Fund" (created in Section 11a) and update definitions for existing trust funds like Medicaid, Flint settlement, and opioid recovery funds. It directly affects state officials responsible for managing these funds and administering their allocation rules. The bill primarily creates a technical framework for the new trust fund by defining its purpose within the existing legal structure, without specifying new funding sources or spending changes. This is a procedural amendment to clarify fund classifications under the Trust Fund Act.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2025 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but symbolically recognizes childhood cancer as the leading cause of death by disease for children under 14 in the U.S. The resolution aims to raise public awareness, honor affected children and families, and support ongoing research efforts. It directly affects the general public, healthcare advocates, and childhood cancer organizations through a formal legislative acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 394 establishes that landowners in Michigan automatically own the pore space (open spaces in underground rock formations) beneath their property, which can be used for storing substances like carbon dioxide. This means property buyers inherit pore space rights unless the seller explicitly transfers or excludes them in the sale agreement. The bill requires clear language in property transfers to sever pore space rights from surface ownership, protecting existing mineral rights and surface access for oil/gas operations. It does not affect mineral rights or existing agreements but requires Senate Bill 395 to pass simultaneously for full implementation. The bill aims to clarify ownership for future resource storage projects while maintaining current legal frameworks.