Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summarySB 878 amends Michigan's vehicle code to allow manufacturers, dealers, and transporters to operate unregistered vehicles on public roads for specific purposes like testing, delivering, or participating in civic events. The bill authorizes these entities to display special plates issued by the Secretary of State to exempt their vehicles from standard registration requirements during these activities. It also introduces a temporary civic event license plate for vehicles donated or loaned by dealers for charity or public events, requiring a $10 fee per plate and strict usage limits tied to the event dates. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that buyers or lessees may use a dealer plate for up to 72 hours after taking possession of a vehicle while completing registration paperwork. The bill includes provisions prohibiting the misuse of these special plates on service vehicles and establishes penalties for unauthorized use or failure to return plates within the allowed timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 1 of each year as "Blue Star Mothers Day" in Michigan to honor the organization Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. The legislation recognizes the group's long-standing work supporting military families, including welcoming veterans home and caring for mothers of service members. By officially naming this date, the state acknowledges the contributions of the organization without changing any laws or requiring specific actions from individuals. The act takes effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis law allows credit union members to designate their accounts as inactive if they are not using them but wish to keep their membership status. Under this rule, the credit union cannot charge fees on these inactive accounts, and the member can remove the inactive status at any time. If an account remains inactive for three years, the credit union must turn the funds over to the state treasury and end the membership. The change applies to domestic credit unions and requires all members of a shared account to agree before designating it as inactive.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands existing state laws to require contractors working on specific solar and wind energy projects to register with the state and pay prevailing wages and fringe benefits to their workers. It defines "energy facility projects" as new construction, major alterations, or repowering of solar or wind systems with a capacity of at least 2 megawatts, as well as large-scale energy storage systems. The legislation applies to both private and public entities that contract for or directly employ labor on these projects, ensuring that workers receive the same pay and benefits as those on other state-funded construction work. By adding new sections to the prevailing wage act, the bill creates a formal registration system specifically for contractors involved in these renewable energy initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 706 modifies Michigan's vehicle code to remove unpaid driver responsibility fees from the centralized computerized driving records maintained by the secretary of state. This change affects drivers who have accumulated these fees, ensuring that such financial obligations no longer appear on their official driving history alongside traffic violations and accidents. The bill achieves this by amending specific sections of the state law that previously required these fees to be listed in the central file. Consequently, the removal of this information aims to provide a more accurate reflection of a driver's actual traffic behavior rather than their financial compliance with state fees.

Maddy summarySB 389 modifies Michigan's unclaimed property laws by adjusting the timeframes after which certain financial instruments and accounts are considered abandoned. The bill specifically shortens the dormancy period for travelers checks and money orders from 15 years to 3 years, while maintaining a 3-year wait for bank accounts, cashier's checks, and other financial deposits. These changes apply primarily to funds held by issuers or financial organizations where the owner has not communicated with the entity or shown interest in the property within the specified time. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the rules for charging fees or stopping interest payments on dormant accounts, requiring specific written contracts and advance notice for such actions. The law also establishes criteria for when the state can claim these funds, focusing on whether the financial instrument was purchased in Michigan or if the issuer is based in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the Environmental Permit Review Commission and repeals the specific sections of law that created it. It directly affects the Department of Environmental Quality and the various state agencies that issue environmental permits, such as those for mining, waste disposal, and water use. The legislation removes the requirement for the state to appoint panels or hold public hearings to review certain permit applications, thereby streamlining the administrative process. While it retains existing definitions for terms like "permit" and "processing period," it effectively ends the oversight role previously held by the commission.

Maddy summarySB 393 proposes to eliminate Part 26 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which currently establishes the Environmental Science Advisory Board. This legislative change would effectively dissolve the board by removing the specific sections of law that created it and defined its functions. The bill directly impacts the state's administrative structure by ending the formal advisory role this board plays in environmental matters. If passed, the repeal would leave the existing framework for environmental science advice without this specific statutory entity.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, a 1964 civil rights campaign in Mississippi where volunteers worked to register Black voters and establish community schools. The bill directly affects the state legislature by formally recognizing the historical significance of the event and honoring the Michigan residents who participated as volunteers. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the struggle for voting rights and the sacrifices made by activists during that period. The text highlights the efforts of various organizations to challenge segregation and notes the violent opposition faced by participants, including murders and beatings. Ultimately, the resolution affirms the importance of voting rights for all citizens without altering any existing legal framework.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms Michigan's commitment to strengthening its relationship with Taiwan by highlighting shared values and existing economic and academic partnerships. The bill specifically supports the work of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago and encourages further trade agreements and educational exchanges between the two regions. Additionally, it expresses continued support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations that affect public health, safety, and well-being.