Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summarySB 511 amends Michigan's gambling law to clarify and expand exceptions for small-scale social wagers. It allows informal betting among friends or groups (up to 100 people) where each person wagers no more than $25, the game is incidental to a social relationship, and organizers cannot profit beyond winning prizes like other participants. The bill explicitly prohibits such games from being promoted by businesses to attract customers or held in venues like bars. This change directly affects social groups hosting casual bets, ensuring these activities remain legal under specific, limited conditions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 309 establishes the Rx Kids program, to be administered by the Department of Human Services, aimed at improving the economic stability of households with very young children. The program provides conditional cash allowances to expectant mothers and monthly payments to households with a child under one year of age, both subject to income-eligibility requirements. These monthly payments for children would begin at birth and last for 6 to 12 months. The program operates in designated service areas that have secured matching funds, or in other areas if the legislature provides sufficient appropriations. The department will establish eligibility criteria and contract with third-party organizations to administer the program, capping administrative costs at 5%.

Maddy summarySB 54 amends Michigan's prevailing wage law (MCL 408.1109) to exempt certain state projects funded by school bonds from prevailing wage requirements. It specifically applies to projects paid for by millage, bond, or bond proposal revenue authorized under the Revised School Code (1976 PA 451) before February 13, 2024. The bill removes the requirement for contractors on these pre-existing school bond-funded projects to pay prevailing wages or fringe benefits. This change directly affects construction workers and contractors working on school infrastructure projects financed through bonds approved prior to the law's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 464 allows licensed tobacco sellers to sell nicotine or tobacco products at events like fairs, festivals, or farmers' markets under specific conditions. It directly affects licensed tobacco businesses by permitting sales at unlicensed locations, provided they prominently display their license certificate and a required health warning sign within 6 feet of each sale point. The bill requires compliance with all existing tobacco laws and imposes fines for violations (up to $2,500 for missing the warning sign). This bill is contingent on the passage of SB 463, SB 465, and SB 466.

Maddy summarySB 46 updates regulations for water delivery systems in mobile home parks by amending existing water supply laws (1976 PA 399). The bill directly affects mobile home park owners and residents by requiring these systems to meet specific reliability and safety standards. Key provisions include setting requirements for system maintenance, water quality testing, and emergency response protocols for parks relying on shared water infrastructure. This change ensures consistent, safe water access for mobile home park communities under revised regulatory guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (SR 64), not a bill with policy changes. Introduced by Senator Cherry, it formally condemns the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans for supporting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (referred to sarcastically as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act"). The resolution states it opposes the Act's proposed cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC programs, its tax cuts for wealthy households, and its impact on clean energy initiatives, citing specific Michigan impacts like 2.6 million Medicaid recipients and 1.4 million SNAP users. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change policy but urges Congress to reject the Act and pursue alternative policies.

Maddy summarySB 434 requires all Michigan school personnel (except virtual-only teachers) to complete biennial seizure recognition and first aid training starting in the 2026-2027 school year. School nurses and medication administrators must also complete additional training on medication administration and seizure action plans. The bill mandates that schools maintain detailed seizure action plans for students with seizure disorders in their records, including medication details and emergency protocols. It also allows designated school staff to administer prescribed seizure medication with parental permission and provides liability protection for good-faith compliance. This applies to all public school districts, intermediate districts, and public school academies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 57) is a ceremonial recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program. It commemorates the program's history, including its founding in 1950 and expansion via the 1984 Wallop Breaux amendment, which uses excise taxes on fishing equipment and fuels to fund conservation. The resolution honors anglers, the sportfishing industry, state agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their role in creating the "American System of Conservation Funding." It has no policy or funding impact - only symbolic recognition of the program's conservation achievements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 55) formally recognizes June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in the state of Michigan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic statement of recognition by the Michigan Senate. The resolution highlights historical milestones for LGBTQ+ rights, including Michigan's 2023 law adding sexual orientation and gender identity to anti-discrimination protections, and acknowledges ongoing efforts to support LGBTQ+ communities. As a procedural resolution, it directly affects the state's official calendar and public acknowledgment of Pride Month, without imposing any legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 54) designates June 2025 as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" to honor victims of gun violence, including references to tragedies like Michigan State University and Oxford High School. It encourages citizens to participate in the "Wear Orange" movement - symbolizing the national gun violence prevention effort - and supports community efforts to prevent gun violence. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect and does not create new policies or directly affect specific groups. The resolution was introduced and adopted by the Senate on June 3, 2025.