Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to update how the state manages funds for cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated properties. It establishes a specific grant and loan program administered by the Michigan Strategic Fund to support eligible redevelopment activities on brownfield sites. The legislation sets a 60-day limit for the fund to review and decide on applications, requiring written agreements that outline project terms and penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill clarifies how various tax capture revenues from redevelopment plans are deposited into and distributed from the state Brownfield Redevelopment Fund. Because the bill contains an enacting section, it will only become law if a companion bill, SB 898, is also passed.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's environmental laws to update and expand the state's brownfield redevelopment grant and loan program. It directly affects local governments, counties, cities, and other public bodies that manage sites with potential for economic reuse. The legislation clarifies definitions for terms like "brownfield project" and "eligible activities," which now include a broader range of tasks such as environmental assessments, hazardous material removal, and specific demolition work. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue funding from existing state funds to support these redevelopment efforts, provided the projects demonstrate measurable economic and environmental benefits.
Maddy summarySB 771 regulates septic and other onsite wastewater systems to protect public health and water quality. It requires property owners with such systems to connect to public sewer lines when an "available public sanitary sewer system" is within 200 feet, unless an approved alternative system (like composting toilets) is used. Local health departments will enforce new rules under "part 128," including inspections and evaluations for non-compliant systems. The bill directly affects homeowners with septic systems, local health departments, and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, aiming to prevent health hazards and water pollution from poorly maintained systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments in Michigan to notify the Secretary of State within 20 days of making specific changes to election rules, such as altering how winners are determined or switching between district-based and at-large voting systems. It also mandates that localities inform the state at least 20 days before removing voters from registration lists and within five business days of requests to inspect voting equipment or ballot data. To ensure transparency, the Secretary of State must post these notifications on the state website in an accessible format and publicly list any local government that fails to comply with these reporting deadlines. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2028, after a consultation period with county clerks, municipal clerks, and voting rights advocates.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 961 creates a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. The bill prohibits local governments and officials from implementing election rules or practices that create disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of minority groups to elect candidates of their choice. Key provisions include establishing definitions for voting methods and protected classes, requiring a court-appointed monitor under certain circumstances, and creating a fund to support enforcement efforts.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, a new entity designed to collect, archive, and make election data publicly available at no cost. The institute will be created through an agreement between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and assuming responsibility for most operating costs. Key provisions include the centralization of precinct-level election results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and demographic estimates, which must be maintained for at least 12 years before permanent archival. The institute will also offer research opportunities, training classes, and technical assistance to local governments and the public while implementing rigorous cybersecurity standards for the data it holds.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 963 creates the Language Assistance for Elections Act to require Michigan local governments to provide election materials in languages other than English for residents with limited English proficiency. The law mandates that counties, cities, and townships must offer translated ballots, voting instructions, and signage if their population includes a specific number of voters who share a single non-English language. The Secretary of State will publish a list of affected jurisdictions and languages annually, while also providing certified translations and electronic voting systems to ensure accuracy. Local governments will be reimbursed for additional costs associated with implementing these translation and testing requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to clarify the definition of a "statewide elective office" for reporting purposes. Specifically, it removes references to university boards and regents from the list of offices that require campaign finance disclosures. The change ensures that only elected positions like governor, attorney general, and state legislators are included in these financial reporting requirements, while excluding university governance roles. This adjustment affects how candidates and committees must categorize and report contributions related to statewide elections under current state law.
Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would change how the secretary of state and attorney general are selected, switching from party conventions to primary elections starting in 2027, while allowing the governor to fill any vacancies that occur. It would also alter the selection process for university leaders at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University by ending elections for their governing boards and replacing them with appointments made by the governor with the approval of the state senate. These changes would take effect on January 1, 2027, though individuals currently serving elected terms would be able to finish their time in office before the new appointment system begins.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Pride Month in Michigan. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of the LGBTQ+ community's history, contributions, and ongoing fight for equality rather than enacting new laws or policies. By adopting this resolution, the state legislature acknowledges the cultural and civic value of the community and aligns with national traditions of celebrating Pride Month.