Sen. Stephanie Chang

Maddy summarySB 82 creates new legal protections to enhance the safety of judges, their families, and household members. The bill directly affects judges and their immediate household by limiting public access to personal information like home addresses and phone numbers. Key provisions require courts to implement measures that restrict the disclosure of such details and establish protocols for physical safety. This legislation aims to strengthen existing safeguards against potential threats by making personal information less accessible to the public.

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.

Maddy summarySB 465 would require retailers to obtain a license to sell nicotine or tobacco products at retail in Michigan, directly affecting stores and businesses selling these items. The bill creates temporary exemptions for certain sales, such as limited-time promotions or specific product types, while establishing the licensing requirement. It amends existing state law (MCL 722.641-722.645) by adding a new section to formalize these rules. The bill is currently in committee review after being reported favorably with a substitute amendment.

Maddy summarySB 483 creates a palliative care advisory task force within Michigan's health department. The task force will study current palliative care services and make recommendations to improve access and quality for patients facing serious illness. This affects Michigan's healthcare system by establishing a new body to address gaps in end-of-life care services.

Maddy summarySB 738, the "Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Act," prohibits landlords from asking about or denying rental applications based solely on an applicant's criminal record before issuing a conditional offer. It directly affects renters with criminal histories and requires landlords to provide written notice about criminal record screening before collecting application fees. Key provisions include banning pre-offer inquiries into criminal history (except for federal requirements), allowing landlords to consider only specific serious offenses (like arson, human trafficking, or recent sex offenses requiring registration) after a conditional offer, and mandating an individualized assessment with mitigating evidence for denials. Landlords must also disclose if criminal records are part of their screening process.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Donald Koivisto, a former Michigan State Senator (1990-2002) and House Representative (1981-1986). The resolution expresses the legislature's tribute to his service, highlighting his dedication to the Upper Peninsula, farming community, and bipartisan collaboration. It was unanimously adopted by both chambers as a formal expression of respect for his legacy. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely commemorates his public service.

Maddy summarySB 539 creates a "do-not-sell list" for firearms under Michigan law, requiring sellers to check this list before selling certain firearms. The bill amends existing firearm regulations (MCL 28.421-28.422) by adding Section 12c to implement this list. It directly affects firearm sellers, who must verify firearms against the list before completing a sale, and purchasers who seek to buy firearms subject to the list. The policy change focuses on preventing the sale of specific firearms without specifying which firearms qualify, as that detail would be defined in the list itself. This is a procedural mechanism to enhance firearm safety through seller verification.

Maddy summarySB 734 creates a bipartisan, bicameral joint oversight committee to review state agency audits. It requires the committee to have 8 members (max 4 from one party), appointed equally by House and Senate leadership, and mandates quarterly meetings to examine all completed audit reports from the auditor general. The committee can make recommendations to the legislature but cannot issue binding orders, and the bill’s effectiveness depends on a separate constitutional amendment (SJR G'25) being adopted. This is a procedural change affecting how audits are reviewed, not a policy impacting citizens or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create a permanent, bipartisan committee in Michigan's legislature to oversee state audits. It would require the auditor general to report audit findings directly to this 8-member committee (with equal representation from both parties and chambers) instead of solely to the governor. The committee would review audits of state departments, agencies, and the executive branch, with members appointed by legislative leaders. This change, if approved by voters, would amend Article IV of Michigan's constitution to establish this new oversight structure.

Maddy summarySB 214 creates a Strategic Advisory Board under Michigan's existing Michigan Strategic Fund Act (1984 PA 270). The board, composed of voting members elected by appointed representatives from business, transit, economic development, housing/utilities, and education sectors, must develop strategic plans to guide the fund's work. It directly affects how the Michigan Strategic Fund operates by requiring formal strategic planning processes. The bill does not change funding levels but establishes a new governance structure to inform the fund's priorities.