Sen. Stephanie Chang

Maddy summarySB 504 requires Michigan to test public water supplies for tiny plastic particles (microplastics) starting in 2027, with quarterly sampling through 2030. It focuses testing on water sources near Great Lakes shorelines, agricultural areas, landfills, and groundwater systems, using methods aligned with federal or state standards. By July 2031, the state must report findings - including microplastic levels, sources, and potential health impacts - and recommend next steps for monitoring or regulation. This directly affects all public water systems in Michigan, including those serving communities near environmental justice concerns.

Maddy summarySB 505 requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) to create a statewide research and monitoring plan focused on microplastics in the Great Lakes by July 2026. The plan must assess microplastic impacts on drinking water, human/animal health, and the Great Lakes ecosystem, establish baseline data, identify sources, and propose reduction strategies using federal standards (like EPA and NOAA guidelines). It mandates annual updates, public reporting, and requires DEGLE to collaborate with universities and leverage existing federal efforts. The bill directly affects state agencies, researchers, and Great Lakes water quality management, with implementation deadlines set for 2026 and 2028.

Maddy summarySB 503 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of plastic microbeads (intentionally added solid plastic particles ≤5mm) in personal care products (like face scrubs and toothpaste) and cleaning products (including floor cleaners) in Michigan. Starting January 1, 2027, these products cannot contain microbeads unless the concentration is below 1 part per million by weight. The law applies to manufacturers, sellers, and distributors within the state, with enforcement by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Violations carry civil fines up to $2,000 per day, and the department must report on enforcement annually. The bill does not affect air care products or materials used in non-personal care applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure to establish sentencing guidelines specifically for violations related to carbon sequestration. It directly affects individuals or entities charged with breaking laws concerning carbon capture and storage activities. The legislation modifies an existing section of state law to provide clearer guidance on how courts should handle penalties in these environmental cases. By updating the statutory framework, the bill aims to standardize sentencing practices for carbon sequestration infractions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Uniform Unclaimed Property Act to change how long pore space compensation payments must remain unclaimed before being considered abandoned. Specifically, it extends the presumed abandonment period for geologic pore space compensation from the standard three years to ten years. The change directly affects owners of mineral rights and the state agencies responsible for administering pore space compensation payments. This provision ensures that compensation payments for underground mineral extraction rights remain available to rightful owners for a longer timeframe before being transferred to the state treasury.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services to develop and provide free training on responding to carbon dioxide releases from capture, pipeline, or sequestration projects. The training covers identifying leaks, communication procedures, evacuation protocols, and medical treatment for exposure, and must be made available to disaster relief forces, project operators, healthcare facilities, and first responders. The legislation also creates a state fund to support the training program and grants for local governments and emergency response equipment related to carbon dioxide safety. The bill only takes effect if five other related bills are also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish a regulatory framework for carbon dioxide capture projects and clarify definitions related to air pollution. It creates new categories of facilities (A through F) based on their size, emissions, and regulatory status to determine which entities must pay fees for air pollutants. The legislation adds specific definitions for terms like "carbon dioxide capture project," "fee-subject emissions," and "environmental justice community" to support future rules on carbon capture technology and emissions control. By updating existing sections and adding new ones, the bill provides the state with updated language to manage industrial emissions and carbon capture initiatives while maintaining consistency with federal environmental standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's existing pipeline regulations to include carbon dioxide pipelines while explicitly excluding carbon dioxide capture and sequestration projects from oversight. It requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to approve all new pipelines transporting crude oil, petroleum products, or carbon dioxide substances, with applications needing detailed analysis of public safety, environmental impact, and alternative routes. The legislation grants the commission authority to regulate pipeline construction and operation but exempts private producers and specific carbon dioxide projects from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amendments to Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish a regulatory framework for carbon sequestration activities. It directly affects businesses and organizations engaged in carbon capture and storage by creating specific legal requirements and oversight mechanisms for these operations. The legislation adds a new subchapter to the existing environmental law that would define standards, procedures, and responsibilities related to carbon sequestration projects. By integrating these provisions into state law, the bill aims to provide a structured approach to managing carbon sequestration within Michigan's environmental protection system.

Maddy summarySB 801 prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping, detaining, or arresting individuals based solely on personal characteristics like race, ethnicity, language, religious affiliation, or perceived sexual orientation. It also bans officers from entering a dwelling using a federal administrative warrant. The bill amends existing law to clarify when federal officers may enforce state law (requiring state warrants or joint investigations) and specifies that such enforcement must comply with the new restrictions. These provisions directly affect all Michigan law enforcement officers (state and federal) and individuals subject to stops or searches under the bill's rules.