Sen. Stephanie Chang

Maddy summarySB 423 ends specific programs that helped homeowners pay overdue property taxes and avoid foreclosure. It directly affects property owners with delinquent taxes who previously could use these reduced payment options. The bill modifies existing law by setting expiration dates ("sunsetting") for these programs, meaning they will no longer be available after the specified dates. This change removes temporary relief measures, requiring affected homeowners to pay full delinquent taxes or face standard foreclosure processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to add a new income tax surcharge for high-earning individuals in Michigan starting in 2027. The surcharge applies a 5% tax on income exceeding $500,000 for single filers or $1,000,000 for joint filers, with these thresholds automatically adjusted each year based on the national inflation rate. All money collected from this surcharge must be spent exclusively on pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education, child care, health and human services, housing, and water infrastructure. The amendment requires voter approval at a general election to take effect and directs the legislature to create the necessary laws to implement the tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for health professionals in Michigan to demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language as a condition for obtaining or maintaining a license. It directly affects individuals seeking licensure or registration in health professions by eliminating the specific clause that mandated this language proficiency. The change is made by deleting the relevant provision from the Public Health Code, ensuring that future rules cannot be created to reinstate this requirement. The bill does not alter other existing licensing standards such as age, education, or criminal background checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory licensing system for professional guardians and conservators in Michigan, requiring them to be licensed by the state department before they can be appointed by a court. To obtain a license, applicants must meet specific criteria including being at least 21 years old, passing a background check, having no history of fraud or abuse, and successfully completing a national certification exam. The legislation also mandates that employees of licensed guardians and conservators must be licensed to make critical decisions regarding the care of the individuals they serve. Additionally, the bill requires professional guardians to file a bond, maintain a regular visitation schedule, and disclose any outside compensation received for their services. These changes aim to standardize qualifications and oversight for individuals managing the affairs of those under legal incapacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits limited liability companies in Michigan from spending money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. It applies to both companies formed in the state and those from other states doing business here, with exceptions for existing contracts and bona fide news reporting. If a company violates this rule, the state can invalidate the spending, order the company to return the funds, or dissolve the company. The legislation also clarifies that a company's lack of legal power to make political donations does not automatically make all its other business actions invalid. This measure is tied to two other bills and will only take effect if all three are passed into law.

Maddy summarySB 1086 amends the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act to clarify and expand the legal powers of nonprofit organizations regarding financial activities and governance. The bill specifically adds a new section to detail the authority of nonprofits to make contracts, incur liabilities, and provide guarantees for related entities, such as corporations they own or control. By updating existing statutes and inserting new provisions, the legislation aims to remove previous ambiguities about how nonprofits can manage their assets and support affiliated businesses. This change directly affects nonprofit corporations across the state by formalizing their ability to engage in complex financial arrangements necessary for their operations.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit businesses formed in Michigan and foreign companies authorized to do business here from spending money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. The rule applies to corporations, nonprofits, and limited liability companies, but it allows exceptions for existing financial contracts and independent news reporting or editorials. If a business violates these restrictions, the state attorney general could sue to invalidate the spending, force the company to return the funds, or dissolve the entity. The measure would also allow the state to revoke the operating authority of any foreign company that breaks the spending ban.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Michigan business corporations from using their funds to support or oppose candidates, political parties, committees, or ballot measures. It applies to both companies formed within the state and foreign corporations doing business in Michigan, declaring any such spending illegal and subject to penalties like disgorgement of funds or corporate dissolution. The law includes specific exceptions for existing contracts signed before the bill takes effect and for bona fide news stories published by independent media outlets. Additionally, it grants the Attorney General or the administrator the authority to sue to stop violations or force companies to return illegally spent money.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's criminal procedure code to clarify how courts assess and collect financial costs from defendants. It requires judges to determine if a defendant is financially unable to pay before ordering fines or court fees. If a defendant is not indigent, the court can impose specific minimum state costs and additional expenses related to the trial, such as personnel salaries and facility maintenance, but must waive these charges for those who qualify as indigent. The legislation also establishes a fee structure for probation supervision, charging $30 per month without electronic monitoring or $60 per month with it, while allowing courts to waive these fees for indigent individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a standardized process for courts to determine whether individuals can afford court-related fees and fines. It requires judges to conduct a three-part financial assessment before imposing costs, which includes checking if a person receives public assistance, has income below a specific low-income threshold, or faces unique financial hardships. Under the new rules, people currently incarcerated are automatically considered indigent, and those found to be unable to pay will not be ordered to cover court costs or fees. Additionally, the legislation allows individuals to request a review of their financial status after sentencing if their circumstances have changed, potentially leading to the waiver of previously imposed charges.