Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summarySB 171 is an appropriations bill that allocates $159.1 million in state and federal funds for Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for fiscal year 2025-2026. It funds department operations including food safety ($41.3 million), animal health ($11.4 million), information technology ($2.4 million), and protecting Michigan's food supply ($4 million). The funding comes primarily from the state general fund, federal grants, and special revenue streams like agriculture licensing fees and dairy safety funds. This bill does not create new policy but provides the necessary budget for the department to carry out its existing responsibilities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 284, the "digital age assurance act," aims to protect minors by regulating online content and requiring age verification. It mandates that device manufacturers, operating systems, and app stores estimate a user's age and provide a digital age signal to websites and online services. Websites and applications that offer mature content must then use these signals to block access for individuals under 18 or provide disclaimers and parental supervision tools. The bill also requires application stores to obtain parental consent for users under 16 to download apps and offers options for parental supervision tools. The Michigan Department of the Attorney General is responsible for enforcing this act.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 43 is a commemorative resolution offered by Senator Daley. It aims to recognize and honor the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, acknowledging the service and sacrifice of all who served, including those missing in action and Michiganders.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 280 proposes to amend the Michigan vehicle code to make the recreation passport fee mandatory for all vehicle owners during the registration process. This means that instead of being an optional add-on, the fee would be automatically included when renewing or obtaining vehicle registration. The bill directly affects individuals who register vehicles in Michigan by changing how the recreation passport fee is collected.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 281 modifies how Michigan's recreation passport fees, used for state parks and now also state-operated public boating access sites, are defined and distributed. It revises the allocation percentages of these fees, directing a larger share towards state park improvements and increasing funding for local public recreation facilities. Additionally, the bill creates a new program to provide grants to local governments and nonprofits for water trail development. Finally, it mandates an annual appropriation from the state's general fund to cover estimated recreation passport fees not collected from certain exempt motor vehicles, ensuring these funds are still used for recreation.

Maddy summarySB 3 creates a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to establish maximum payment limits for certain prescription drugs, including brand-name, generic, biologic, and biosimilar medications. The Board, appointed by the governor with health care expertise, will review drug costs and set these limits to improve affordability for Michigan residents. It also establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Stakeholder Council to provide input and a fund to support the program. This law directly affects drug manufacturers, health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and state agencies by requiring adherence to the set payment limits.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 4 amends Michigan's insurance code to require health insurers that provide prescription drug coverage to comply with section 12 of the prescription drug cost and affordability review act. This means insurers delivering or renewing health policies in the state must adhere to specific provisions outlined in that separate act related to prescription drug costs. The bill's enactment is dependent on Senate Bill No. 3 also becoming law.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5 mandates that Michigan's medical assistance program, which includes Medicaid, must comply with section 12 of the "prescription drug cost and affordability review act," subject to federal law. This means the state's program for medical assistance will be required to follow specific rules related to prescription drug costs and affordability outlined in that separate act. The bill will only become effective if Senate Bill No. 3 of the 103rd Legislature is also passed into law.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 33 is a commemorative resolution that honors Ronald Olson upon his retirement as the Chief of Parks and Recreation at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The resolution acknowledges his two decades of service and contributions to Michigan's state parks, recreation system, and trail development.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 26 designates April 18, 2025, as Lineman Appreciation Day. This resolution aims to recognize the work of linemen in constructing and maintaining energy infrastructure and their role as first responders during emergencies.