Sen. Stephanie Chang

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 145 is a non-binding measure that formally recognizes the historic, cultural, and religious significance of Diwali. The resolution highlights how the festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Michigan and around the world, noting its themes of light triumphing over darkness and community togetherness. It expresses the Senate's respect for those who observe the holiday and aligns its message of tolerance with American ideals. Because this is a commemorative resolution rather than a law, it does not create new legal requirements or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for Michigan cities, townships, and counties to create stormwater management utilities and charge fees to property owners. To implement these fees, local governments must first develop a five-year management plan that details how fees will be calculated and includes a public hearing for community input. The law also outlines how property owners can request fee reductions or appeal their charges if they disagree with the amount assessed. Ultimately, the legislation provides the authority and procedural steps for local units of government to fund stormwater infrastructure through a dedicated utility system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the fees county treasurers charge for providing transcripts, abstracts, and copies of property tax records. It establishes specific rates for paper documents, such as 25 cents per year for tax abstracts and a minimum charge of 50 cents for any request. The legislation also sets a maximum fee of 30 cents per parcel record, capped at $2,000 total, for electronic copies of real property data like owner names, assessed values, and tax bills. Additionally, it allows large charter counties with over 2 million people to set their own fees as long as the cost does not exceed the actual expense of providing the service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's vehicle code to formally define "vulnerable roadway user" for traffic safety purposes. It explicitly includes pedestrians, people using nonmotorized devices like roller skates, scooters, and skateboards, as well as individuals in wheelchairs or riding horses. The law only takes effect if three other related bills are also passed, ensuring a coordinated update to traffic regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's vehicle code to strengthen penalties for drivers who cause physical injury or death to vulnerable roadway users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. It directly affects drivers by establishing stricter rules for license suspension and denial when serious accidents occur due to moving violations. The key mechanism involves automatically revoking or denying driver licenses for individuals convicted of specific severe offenses, including negligent homicide or manslaughter involving a vehicle. Additionally, the bill tightens restrictions on issuing licenses to non-residents and those with prior criminal records related to traffic safety. These changes aim to enhance accountability for dangerous driving behaviors that harm people on the road.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to explicitly include lactating status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions within the legal definition of "sex." By updating definitions for employer, employment agency, and public service, the legislation ensures that discrimination protections against these conditions apply broadly across workplaces, public accommodations, and state services. The change directly affects individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as the businesses and organizations that employ or serve them, by clarifying that denying rights based on these statuses constitutes illegal discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates November 9-16, 2024, as Kindness Week to honor the global observance. It encourages individuals, families, schools, businesses, and organizations to perform acts of kindness and pay them forward during that period. The measure does not create new laws or require specific actions but serves to recognize the value of kindness and promote positive community behavior.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for renewing licenses for emergency medical services personnel in Michigan, including EMTs, paramedics, and instructors. It establishes specific renewal fees for different license types, sets a standard late fee for missed deadlines, and clarifies that volunteers who do not charge for their services are exempt from these costs. Additionally, the legislation extends the grace period for relicensing after a license expires and removes the requirement for renewers to maintain national registry status.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to provide financial assistance to businesses that lose revenue due to unexpected street closures or road construction projects that run significantly longer than planned. To qualify for a grant, a business must prove a significant drop in profits over the previous three tax years, with each award capped at $15,000 per year. The Department of Transportation will manage the program, reviewing applications based on factors like the severity of traffic disruption and lack of pedestrian access, and must report annually on how funds are used. Money for these grants comes from a newly created fund in the state treasury, which can be funded by various sources and must be invested by the state treasurer.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the fees that individuals must pay to file various civil cases in circuit courts. It specifically sets new dollar amounts for filing civil actions, appeals, jury trial demands, and motions, while also establishing fee exemptions for certain family law matters involving child custody or support. The legislation includes provisions for waiving these fees for indigent parties and outlines how collected funds will be distributed to state and county treasurers. Because the bill is tied to another piece of legislation, it will only become effective if that companion bill is also passed into law.