Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to allow hearsay testimony in specific human trafficking and prostitution cases. It permits the admission of statements made to law enforcement that describe threats of physical injury, provided the statement was made recently and under circumstances indicating its trustworthiness. Prosecutors must disclose these statements to the defense at least 15 days before trial to ensure fair access to evidence. The changes apply only to cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or the specified sex crimes, leaving other legal proceedings unaffected.

Maddy summarySB 206 amends Michigan's landlord-tenant law to explicitly include various forms of financial assistance, such as Section 8 vouchers and emergency rental aid, as a protected "source of income" under the state's fair housing laws. This change prohibits landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants based on the specific programs or benefits they use to pay rent, provided the income is not derived illegally. The bill defines "source of income" broadly to cover federal, state, and local subsidy programs, ensuring that individuals relying on these funds have the same housing opportunities as those with other income sources. By clarifying these definitions within the existing legal framework, the legislation aims to prevent unfair treatment of tenants who depend on government or nonprofit assistance to secure housing.

Maddy summarySB 962 modifies Michigan's unemployment insurance rules to allow claimants to skip certain reporting and job-seeking requirements under specific circumstances. The bill permits a waiver of these duties if an employer notifies the agency that a layoff is temporary and work is expected to return within 45 days, plus an additional 90 days. It also extends the time for waiving reporting requirements to four consecutive days following the death of an immediate family member. These changes aim to streamline the benefits process for workers facing short-term job interruptions or personal family emergencies without altering the core eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis law prohibits landlords in Michigan from discriminating against tenants or prospective tenants based on their source of income, such as housing vouchers or subsidies. It forbids landlords from denying housing, setting different terms, or advertising preferences related to how a tenant pays rent. Additionally, the bill requires that any income threshold for renting must be calculated after subtracting the value of rent vouchers or subsidies. People who suffer financial loss due to a violation can sue for actual damages or up to 4.5 times the monthly rent, plus legal fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's skilled trades regulations to set specific supervision ratios for both electricians and plumbers on job sites. It requires that no more than two apprentice electricians work under one journeyman or master electrician, while limiting apprentice plumbers to a maximum of two per journeyman or master plumber. To enforce these rules, the law establishes escalating penalties for violations, including fines up to $10,000 and potential license suspensions for contractors who exceed the allowed apprentice-to-supervisor limits. Additionally, the bill mandates that all registered apprentices must sign up with the state board within 30 days of starting their employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's unemployment insurance system by increasing the maximum weekly benefit amount and adjusting how payments are calculated for dependents starting in 2025. It directly affects unemployed individuals who file for benefits, raising the weekly payment cap to $446 in 2025, $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027. The legislation also changes the calculation method for dependents, increasing the additional weekly allowance per dependent from $6 to $12.66 in 2025, with further increases planned for subsequent years. These changes are designed to provide higher financial support to eligible claimers while maintaining specific rules for verifying dependent status and preventing fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Workers' Disability Compensation Act to clarify how wage loss benefits are calculated and the responsibilities of injured workers. It establishes that an employee must actively seek available jobs suited to their qualifications and training to prove a limitation in their wage-earning capacity. Additionally, the legislation shifts the burden of proof in disability cases, requiring employers to provide evidence to refute an employee's initial claim of disability. The bill also updates definitions to ensure that wage loss benefits are tied directly to the connection between a work-related injury and an employee's reduced earnings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes that owners of Michigan surface land automatically own the underground pore space beneath their property, unless those rights have been explicitly sold or reserved separately. It defines pore space as the open areas in geological formations capable of storing substances like carbon dioxide and requires any agreement to transfer these rights to specifically name the underground layers and depths involved. The legislation allows pore space to be bought, sold, or leased independently from the surface land but ensures that existing mineral rights and traditional legal rules regarding land use remain unchanged.

Maddy summarySB 1080 amends Michigan's Worker's Disability Compensation Act to update how death benefits are calculated and distributed to employees' dependents. The bill clarifies that a spouse living with the deceased employee is presumed wholly dependent for the first 208 weeks, after which dependency is determined based on actual financial need. It also adjusts rules for children, ensuring those under 16 or those who are physically or mentally incapacitated are presumed wholly dependent regardless of who they live with. Additionally, the legislation specifies how death benefits are divided among multiple dependents, prioritizing wholly dependent individuals over partially dependent ones and directing funds for children to their guardians if the surviving spouse is not properly caring for them. These changes aim to streamline the process for families receiving compensation when a worker dies due to a work-related injury.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act in Michigan to update and clarify the definitions of various terms used throughout the law. It directly affects water suppliers, public water systems, and mobile home parks by refining how they are categorized and regulated. Key changes include redefining concepts such as "community supply," "nontransient noncommunity water supply," and "public water supply" to better align with current service levels and operational realities. Additionally, the legislation clarifies specific technical definitions like "customer site piping" and "source water assessment" to ensure consistent application of state drinking water standards.