Sen. Sam Singh

Maddy summarySB 696 changes the election date required for township name changes in Michigan. Currently, townships must seek voter approval at an August election; this bill revises that to require approval at the next May election date instead. The change affects townships seeking to rename themselves, as they would now need voter approval at a May election (rather than August) following a board resolution. The bill preserves the existing requirement for a 60-day notice period before the election and the 25-year limit on name changes.

Maddy summarySB 693 changes the election timing for consolidated townships from the August primary to the May primary. It amends Section 16c of Michigan's 1851 Act 156 to require that elections for the board of a newly consolidated township occur at the next May primary (instead of August) and November general election. This affects townships undergoing consolidation and county boards of commissioners overseeing the process. The change would take effect January 1, 2027, if enacted.

Maddy summarySB 698 amends Michigan's Campaign Finance Act (1976 PA 388) to update reporting requirements for candidates and committees. It modifies sections 15, 16, 17, 24b, 33, and 82 (MCL 169.215 et seq.), repealing sections 34 and 35. Key changes include clarifying late filing fee waivers for valid reasons (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters), streamlining the process for declaratory rulings on compliance questions, and strengthening procedures for filing and reviewing campaign finance complaints. These changes directly affect candidates, committees, and the Secretary of State's office, which administers campaign finance filings and enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 692 modifies how regional transit authorities in Michigan can raise funds for public transportation. It requires voter approval for local transit taxes through a November election, with ballot measures clearly stating the tax rate, duration, purpose, and whether it's a renewal or new tax. The bill mandates that at least 85% of funds collected from local taxes or vehicle registration fees must be spent on transit services within the community where the money was raised. It also adds new reporting requirements for transit authorities starting January 1, 2027, including annual cost/revenue reports and asset management plans.

Maddy summarySB 694 changes Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the primary election month for county approvals of new or restored circuit judgeships from August to May. Specifically, it requires county boards of commissioners to file resolutions with the state court administrator by the sixteenth Tuesday before the May primary, instead of the August primary. This affects counties seeking to create new judgeships or restore reduced ones, moving the deadline earlier in the year. The bill amends sections 550, 550a, 805, 8175, and 8176 of the Revised Judicature Act to reflect this change.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Bruce Patterson, a former Michigan state legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and Senate. It recognizes his public service career, which included leadership roles in committees on energy policy, environmental protection, and consumer rights, as well as his advocacy for nursing home care and water pollution control. The resolution expresses the Legislature's tribute to his memory and directs that copies be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 93) designates February 2026 as "School-Based Health Care Awareness Month" in Michigan. It formally recognizes the work of over 300 school-based health centers across the state that provide primary care, mental health services, and prevention programs to students in all school settings. The resolution acknowledges these centers' role in improving student attendance, academic performance, and health outcomes like immunization rates. It has no policy or funding impact - it is a symbolic gesture to honor the centers' contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 92) urges the U.S. Congress to restore oversight mechanisms for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It directly addresses federal immigration enforcement agencies and aims to improve accountability following recent incidents involving ICE officers and reduced oversight capacity. The resolution specifically calls for reinstating agencies like the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which were weakened under the Trump Administration, leading to unaddressed complaints about officer conduct. It emphasizes that restoring these oversight tools is necessary to ensure immigration enforcement follows laws, respects civil rights, and maintains community trust. As a resolution, it does not create new law but expresses the Michigan Senate's position to Congress.

Maddy summarySB 773 adds Section 2940a to Michigan's Revised Judicature Act, providing legal immunity to racing facilities and racetracks from nuisance claims. It protects owners/operators from lawsuits by property owners who acquired land *after* the racetrack was built, regardless of later changes to the facility (as long as those changes are legal). The immunity applies to all claims filed after the law's effective date, even if the alleged harm occurred before the property was purchased. However, it does not exempt racetracks from compliance with environmental laws or health/safety regulations. This directly affects property owners near existing racetracks who bought land after the facility existed.

Maddy summarySB 198, the "Motor Vehicle Dealer Data Collection Act," regulates how auto dealers, manufacturers, and third-party vendors collect, share, and use sensitive customer and business data. It requires dealers to obtain specific written consent before sharing "protected dealer data" (including consumer personal/financial information, vehicle diagnostics, and business operations data) with vendors or integrators, and prohibits cyber ransom demands to unlock this data. The law specifically excludes publicly available data and data required for manufacturer transactions (like safety recalls or vehicle sales). It directly affects auto dealers, their data vendors, and authorized integrators by imposing new consent rules and security standards for handling customer information.