Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Michigan. It formally recognizes the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, advocacy groups, and service providers working to combat human trafficking and support survivors, while emphasizing the importance of public awareness in identifying and preventing trafficking. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment to advance prevention awareness.

Maddy summarySB 25 allows owners of motor vehicle repair facilities in Michigan to operate additional locations under the same registration. It creates a new "auxiliary facility" category (defined in Section 14(3)) that permits a single facility owner to run multiple locations without separate registrations, as long as they meet specific requirements. This directly affects small business owners in the auto repair industry seeking to expand their operations. The bill amends key sections of Michigan's Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act to implement this change, streamlining registration for multi-location repair businesses.

Maddy summarySB 689 amends Michigan's farmland preservation law to expand when landowners can give up (relinquish) farmland from development rights agreements. It adds two new scenarios: 1) land with pre-existing structures (up to 5 acres), and 2) land for a farm operator's residence (up to 2 acres), both requiring approval from local government and the state land use agency. If relinquishment occurs, landowners must repay tax credits received under the agreement, plus interest, via a lien recorded against the property. This directly affects farmers with existing farmland preservation agreements who wish to develop or use portions of their land for specific purposes.

Maddy summarySB 688 updates Michigan's farmland protection law by amending provisions related to development rights agreements for farmland. It specifically adds a requirement that the state must subordinate its interest in these agreements to a mortgage lien if the landowner is "an individual essential to the operation of the farm" (as defined in existing law) and the parcel meets certain criteria. This change directly affects farmers seeking mortgages on land protected by such agreements. The bill does not alter the minimum 10-year or maximum 90-year term for agreements but clarifies when mortgage claims take priority over the state's easement interest.

Maddy summarySB 686 allows landowners with conservation easements on farmland or open space to relinquish only part of their easement, rather than the entire property, under specific circumstances. This change directly affects farmers and landowners who hold conservation easements on agricultural or open-space land. The bill amends Michigan law (MCL 324.36110) to establish a process for partial relinquishment, streamlining how easements can be modified. It does not alter the overall conservation purpose but provides greater flexibility for landowners managing their property.

Maddy summarySB 685 amends Michigan's farmland tax credit law (MCL 324.101-324.90106) by adding Section 36109b. It expands eligibility for the farmland tax credit to properties with existing legal agreements (like easements or leases) that were in place before a specific date, even if those arrangements complicate ownership. This change directly affects farmers and landowners who hold farmland subject to multiple pre-existing agreements, allowing them to qualify for the tax credit they previously might have been excluded from. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan Senate on December 2, 2025, after being referred to the Agriculture Committee.

Maddy summarySB 690 expands a state income tax credit for property taxes on farmland and open space protected by conservation agreements, such as agricultural easements or development rights agreements. Eligible farm owners - including those in partnerships, S corporations, life estates, trusts, and limited liability companies - can claim a credit for property taxes exceeding 3.5% of household income. The bill clarifies how the credit is calculated and shared among different ownership structures, requiring specific documentation like partnership agreements or trust terms to claim it. This change directly affects Michigan farmers who have conservation agreements on their land to preserve agricultural use.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local governments to hold agricultural conservation easements (land protection agreements for farmland) instead of the state, with the state retaining enforcement rights through a specific clause. It directly affects farmers selling easements and local governments purchasing them, enabling installment payments for easements and requiring a special enforcement clause if held solely by a local government. Key provisions include allowing local units to purchase easements through negotiated terms and mandating that easement documents include language granting the state a "third-party right of enforcement" if local holders fail to act. The bill does not change tax credits for landowners but updates existing rules to shift easement holding authority to local governments under defined conditions.

Maddy summarySB 700 sets a strict 3-year limit for Michigan's unemployment agency to recover improperly paid benefits, barring recovery actions after this period except for identity fraud or intentional fraud cases. It directly affects individuals who received overpaid unemployment benefits, requiring the agency to issue recovery determinations within 3 years of the benefit payment date. The bill also establishes new waiver rules: recovery must be waived if overpayment resulted from agency errors, or if the claimant faces financial hardship (income below 150% of federal poverty guidelines). These changes aim to prevent prolonged debt collection for most overpayments while maintaining enforcement for intentional misconduct.

Maddy summarySB 462 requires retail businesses selling nicotine or tobacco products to obtain a state license. It directly affects convenience stores, gas stations, and other retailers that currently sell these products without a specific retail permit. The bill amends Michigan's existing tobacco licensing laws to add new requirements for retail sellers, including specific licensing provisions and enforcement mechanisms. The legislation is pending in committee after being favorably reported with a substitute amendment.