Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summarySenate Bill 129 amends Michigan's Open Meetings Act to expand the circumstances under which public bodies can hold electronic meetings. Primarily, it allows appointed members of public bodies with disabilities to participate remotely as an accommodation, enabling them to fully engage without disclosing the nature of their disability, provided they are physically in the state. However, this accommodation does not apply to elected members or to state legislative bodies when taking a formal vote. Additionally, the bill permits remote meetings for public bodies managing municipal public employee retirement systems and joint agencies formed under the Michigan energy employment act.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 24 designates April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week. This resolution formally commemorates the week to raise awareness about the disparities in maternal health outcomes affecting Black mothers.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 27 designates April 2025 as Financial Literacy Month in Michigan. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education and encourages parents, schools, businesses, and other organizations to observe the month with relevant programs and activities.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution No. 25 recognizes April 2025 as Donate Life Month. This resolution encourages Michigan residents to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry to help address the critical need for organ, tissue, and eye donations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Chang designating March 2025 as Social Work Month. It recognizes the contributions of social workers in Michigan and across the U.S., highlighting their roles in mental health care, child welfare, advocacy for vulnerable populations, and community support. The resolution calls on citizens to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating this month. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups through legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 51 establishes the Black Leadership Advisory Council to address racial inequity in Michigan. The council, composed of 15 governor-appointed members (including representation from specific fields like health and education, an immigrant expert, and a member aged 18-35), must develop policies to eliminate discrimination in areas like housing, employment, and healthcare. It is required to identify discriminatory state laws, collaborate with the governor on equitable legislation, and submit annual reports. The council operates independently but receives department staff support, with no compensation for members beyond expense reimbursement.

Maddy summarySB 124 automatically extends Michigan individual income tax filing deadlines to match any federal extension provided by the IRS for the same tax year. It applies to taxpayers required to file annual returns, ensuring their state deadline aligns with the IRS extension date. The state tax department must publish any extended deadline and taxpayers cannot be charged interest or penalties during the extension period. This bill changes the process for deadline extensions but does not alter tax rates or benefits.

Maddy summarySB 126 would eliminate Michigan's participation in daylight saving time (DST), meaning the state would no longer advance clocks in spring or set them back in fall. It directly affects all Michiganders and state government entities by changing how time is observed statewide. The bill requires voter approval through a referendum at the November 2026 general election; if approved, it would take effect 30 days after the election results are certified. This change would exempt Michigan from federal DST rules under 15 USC 260a.

Maddy summarySB 110 adds a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of an emergency first responder (police, firefighter, etc.) who died while on duty. It directly affects surviving spouses who own their primary residence (homestead) and do not remarry. The bill expands existing homestead tax exemptions - previously limited to disabled veterans and their spouses - to include this group, allowing them to avoid property taxes on their home indefinitely. To qualify, the spouse must apply annually by December 31, and the exemption applies to any homestead property they own, including property acquired after the first responder's death.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Santana to formally recognize February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it affirms the legislature's support for the annual observance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context, honors African-American contributions, and encourages public awareness of both achievements and ongoing efforts toward racial equality. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on February 12-13, 2025, with no further legislative action required.