Sen. Sam Singh

Maddy summaryThis bill requires railroad companies in Michigan to operate freight trains with a crew of at least two people. The rule applies to all freight trains but includes specific exceptions for locomotives used in helper service, which assists trains with mechanical issues or steep grades, and hostler service, which moves trains short distances within a yard. Additionally, the requirement does not apply if a federal law or regulation already mandates a crew of two or more for freight trains in the state. By adding this section to the existing railroad code, the legislation establishes a clear minimum staffing standard for freight operations while acknowledging current federal standards and specialized operational scenarios.

Maddy summarySB 882 amends Michigan's Food Law to officially designate maple syrup and honey producers as "limited food processors." This change allows these producers to operate under existing exemptions for small-scale food operations without needing a separate food establishment license, provided their gross sales remain at or below $15,001. The bill clarifies that producers selling their own unprocessed products can run retail outlets and processing facilities under the same regulatory umbrella as cottage food producers, requiring labels similar to those used for cottage goods. By updating the statute, the legislation ensures that small-scale honey and maple syrup makers are formally recognized within the current framework for limited food processing.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's insurance laws to allow continuing education credits earned by producers in professional associations to be carried over for future license renewals. It directly affects insurance agents and brokers who belong to these associations by modifying the rules for how they must complete their required 24 hours of training every two years. The legislation establishes specific criteria for approving study programs, sets fees for program providers, and outlines a process for reviewing and potentially waiving requirements for military service members or those facing severe hardships. By clarifying the system for credit carryover and program approval, the bill aims to streamline the administrative process for maintaining active insurance licenses.

Maddy summarySB 580 modifies the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to update how the Good Jobs for H.I.R.E. Michigan program issues and manages withholding tax capture revenue payments to eligible businesses. The bill clarifies that businesses must receive a specific certificate before requesting payments, which the fund must process within 90 days, and it establishes a 5% retention rate from these payments to cover administrative costs and program evaluations. Additionally, the legislation requires fund approval for any business mergers or ownership changes that would continue to receive these incentives and mandates the public disclosure of payment details on the fund's website. This bill is tied to SB 0579, meaning it will only become law if that companion bill is also enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Income Tax Act to rename the "Good Jobs for Michigan Fund" to the "Good Jobs for High-Wage Incentive for Regional Employment in Michigan Fund" and clarifies how tax revenues from certified new jobs are deposited into this renamed account. It also revises reporting requirements for employers, mandating that those with more than 250 employees file annual tax returns electronically and requiring specific breakdowns in reports for businesses participating in community college training agreements or the Good Jobs program. Additionally, the legislation adjusts the deadline for issuing tax statements to employees when an employer permanently ceases operations, shortening the timeframe from the end of the calendar year to 30 days after the final payment is made. These changes are contingent upon the simultaneous enactment of two companion bills, SB 579 and SB 580.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to suspend a retailer's license for 14 days if they make six or more bounced payments to a wholesaler within a 12-month period. The rule applies specifically to retailers who fail to honor their payment obligations to suppliers on different dates over a consecutive year. By adding this new section to the state's liquor control code, the legislation establishes a clear financial threshold that triggers automatic license suspension.

Maddy summarySB 651 amends Michigan's Youth Tobacco Act to strengthen regulations on the sale of nicotine and tobacco products to minors. The bill requires retailers to check a customer's photographic identification in person before selling any tobacco or vapor products and prohibits the sale of these items through vending machines. It establishes a tiered penalty system that imposes escalating fines on individuals and businesses for repeated violations, ranging from $100 for a first offense to license revocation after a sixth violation within three years. Additionally, the legislation creates a new Nicotine and Tobacco Regulation Fund in the state treasury to support enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Reproductive Health Data Privacy Act in Michigan to protect personal information related to reproductive health status. It directly affects businesses and organizations that provide reproductive health services by requiring their explicit, opt-in consent before collecting, processing, or selling such data. The law also prohibits the use of geofencing technology to track individuals near reproductive health facilities and defines specific rules for what counts as valid consent, excluding vague terms of service or deceptive design. Additionally, the act outlines civil sanctions and remedies for violations, ensuring that only de-identified or aggregated data is exempt from these privacy protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate money to endowment funds at certified community foundations starting in 2024. Individuals can claim a credit equal to 50% of their donation, up to a maximum of $100 for single filers or $200 for joint filers, while estates and trusts can claim up to 10% of their tax liability or $5,000, whichever is less. To qualify, the community foundation must be certified by the state department and have at least $1 million in assets, and donors must receive a gift acknowledgment confirming the contribution went to an endowment fund. The bill also requires the state department to report the total amount of these credits claimed each year to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's liquor control code to address situations where liquor retailers use payments that are rejected by banks due to insufficient funds. Under the new rules, a retailer who makes such a dishonored payment to a wholesaler must pay a $50 administrative fee. If the retailer repeats this mistake within 12 months, the fee increases to $150 for a second offense and $300 for a third or subsequent offense. The bill also clarifies that any fines imposed by the state commission for these violations must be placed into a specific state fund.