Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes updating the Michigan Vehicle Code to clarify how designs for children's trust fund-raising license plates must be approved. It requires the Secretary of State to consult with the State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board before finalizing these plate designs. Additionally, the bill mandates that donations collected from these plates be transferred to the State Treasurer to fund the Children's Trust. However, the legislation will not take effect unless a companion bill, SB 1065, is also passed by the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 1065 amends the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Act to create the Children Trust Michigan Board, an autonomous agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. This new board will be composed of state officials and eleven public members appointed by the governor to represent diverse community groups such as parents, labor, and religious organizations. The board is authorized to hire staff and partner with nonprofits to raise funds for preventing child abuse and neglect. Its primary function is to distribute money from a state trust fund to local councils and prevention partners that develop community programs, provided these organizations meet specific criteria like having local approval and matching funds. The bill also updates the official title of the act and clarifies definitions for terms like "child abuse" and "neglect."

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the sunset date for the pheasant hunting license requirement in Michigan from 2026 to 2031. It maintains the current rule that individuals 18 and older need a $25 annual license to hunt pheasants, with specific exemptions for those hunting at licensed preserves, on private land, in the Upper Peninsula, or holding a lifetime hunting license. The legislation also clarifies that while collectors can buy the license stamp without attaching it to a base license, such stamps cannot be used for actual hunting. All fees collected continue to fund the purchase and release of live pheasants on state-owned land.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to create a recovery plan aimed at restoring American woodcock populations across the state. The department must develop this plan by consulting with various conservation groups, federal agencies, and other interested parties. The resulting plan will set specific habitat and population goals, outline necessary land management treatments, and address habitat needs on both public and private lands. Additionally, the bill requires the department to submit the initial plan to the legislature by December 31, 2025, and to review and update the plan every five years while providing biennial progress reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.

Maddy summarySB 817 allocates approximately $27.3 million from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to support land acquisition and development projects for the Department of Natural Resources in fiscal year 2023-2024. The bill specifically funds the purchase of natural areas in various counties, such as the Black River Ranch and the Village of Lexington's Harbor, as well as improvements to existing parks and trails. These funds are distributed through grants to local governments and school districts to expand conservation lands and enhance recreational facilities across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Nancy C. Cassis, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It recognizes her career as a public servant and details her legislative achievements, including her work on tax policy and her receipt of various awards. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to her family and requests that copies of the document be sent to them as a tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the cherry as the official fruit of Michigan. It achieves this by amending state law to formally recognize the cherry in this capacity. The change is symbolic and does not alter any existing regulations or create new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new safety standards for smoke alarms sold in Michigan, requiring that most devices be powered by a battery that cannot be easily removed or replaced. Starting 18 months after it takes effect, manufacturers and sellers must ensure these alarms use a non-removable battery or another long-lasting power source capable of functioning for at least 10 years. The law exempts devices that are hardwired into a building's electrical system, connected to a central monitoring service, or equipped with wireless internet capabilities. Violations of these standards are classified as civil infractions and can result in fines of up to $500 for those who distribute or sell non-compliant alarms.