Sen. Stephanie Chang

Maddy summarySB 252, the "Water Shutoff Protection Act," prevents residential water shutoffs for vulnerable households without prior notice and multiple contact attempts. It protects critical care customers (requiring water for medical equipment) and eligible low-income customers (earning ≤200% of federal poverty guidelines or receiving specific assistance programs like SNAP or energy aid). The bill requires water providers to contact customers at least three times via multiple methods (notices, calls, texts, mail) before shutoff, detailing payment plans and affordability programs. Notices must include specific details like shutoff dates, available options, and contact information for program administrators.

Maddy summarySB 562 would increase the minimum percentage of federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LiHEAP) funds that must be spent on weatherization services for low-income households. It directly affects eligible households receiving energy assistance by expanding access to home weatherization improvements like insulation and efficient heating systems. The bill amends Michigan’s existing law (MCL 206.527a) to raise the required allocation of LiHEAP funds for weatherization assistance. This policy change modifies how state funds are distributed under federal energy assistance programs.

Maddy summarySB 248 creates a water rate affordability fund to provide financial assistance for human services, directly supporting low-income households struggling with water utility costs. The bill amends Michigan's human services code to establish this fund, which would help cover water bills for eligible residents. Currently in committee review (reported favorably with a substitute on November 5, 2025), the bill has not yet been voted on by the full chamber. It focuses on a concrete policy mechanism - funding for water bill assistance - without specifying eligibility details or funding sources in the provided context.

Maddy summarySCR 7 is a non-binding concurrent resolution urging the Trump Administration and USDA to immediately release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding. It directly addresses federal agencies responsible for managing SNAP benefits, which provide food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funds itself but expresses legislative support for the prompt release of existing SNAP resources. As a concurrent resolution, it requires approval by both legislative chambers but has no legal effect on funding decisions.

Maddy summarySB 430 updates Michigan's sentencing for drug offenses involving heroin and fentanyl. It specifically increases penalties for these substances by setting life imprisonment as the maximum sentence for possessing 1,000 grams or more of heroin, fentanyl, or their derivatives - previously capped at 30 years for other drugs. The bill maintains lower penalties for smaller amounts (e.g., 50-450 grams carries up to 20 years) and for other controlled substances not listed in the enhanced provisions. This directly affects individuals convicted of manufacturing, delivering, or possessing these specific drugs with intent to distribute. The changes align sentencing for heroin/fentanyl with the most severe penalties under existing law, reflecting updated guidelines for these dangerous opioids.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 84) is a symbolic commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1975 sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, which claimed all 29 crew members. It designates November 10, 2025, as "Edmund Fitzgerald Day" and directs the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the crew's families, maritime organizations, and Great Lakes history museums. The resolution honors the tragedy's historical significance and the crew's legacy without creating new laws or affecting any specific group through policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 431 amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.13m) to adjust penalties for individuals convicted of delivering, manufacturing, or possessing with intent to deliver heroin or fentanyl. The bill directly affects people facing criminal charges for these specific drug offenses under current law. It changes the sentencing structure by modifying the existing guidelines in the criminal procedure code, which would influence judges' sentencing decisions for these cases. The bill does not create new crimes but alters the recommended sentencing ranges for these drug-related convictions.

Maddy summarySB 329 removes penalties that insurers could apply for past lapses in auto insurance coverage. It specifically eliminates requirements for applicants to prove they maintained insurance for the 6 months before applying (prior to January 1, 2022), and prohibits insurers from refusing coverage, raising premiums, or charging reinstatement fees solely due to prior coverage gaps. The bill directly affects drivers applying for auto insurance before 2022 who had brief periods without coverage. These changes streamline the application process by preventing insurers from penalizing applicants for past lapses that occurred before the effective date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress and the President to permanently extend the Affordable Care Act's Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, which helps low- and middle-income individuals and families afford health insurance premiums through the federal marketplace. It directly affects approximately 21.8 million Americans (including 484,000 Michigan residents) who currently benefit from the credit, which caps premium costs as a percentage of household income. The resolution emphasizes that without permanent extension, millions could face higher costs, risking coverage losses and reduced access to care - particularly for working families, seniors not yet on Medicare, and those with chronic conditions. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not change policy but formally requests federal action to maintain this existing affordability mechanism.

Maddy summarySCR 6 is a memorial resolution passed by the Michigan Legislature to honor Virgil Clark Smith, a former member of the Michigan Senate (1988-2000) and House of Representatives (1977-1988). The resolution commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including his historic role as the first African American Senate Democratic Floor Leader. It expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication, leadership, and legacy as a trailblazing legislator and later Wayne County Circuit Court judge. The resolution was adopted unanimously by both chambers in October 2025 and will be transmitted to Smith's family.