Sen. Stephanie Chang

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1041 proposes to repeal a 1913 law that regulated telephone lines and companies in Michigan. This bill would remove the legal framework that designated telephone services as common carriers and assigned regulatory duties to the Public Service Commission. The legislation includes a condition that it only becomes effective if a separate, related bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summarySB 1040 proposes changes to Michigan's existing laws regarding home sales and telephone solicitations. The bill updates the official title of the statute and modifies specific sections that outline the rights and duties of parties involved in these transactions. Additionally, it repeals several older sections that previously regulated telephone solicitations. This legislation directly affects consumers and businesses engaged in home solicitation sales and phone marketing within the state.

Maddy summarySB 1039 updates Michigan's consumer protection laws to strengthen rules against deceptive telephone solicitations and other unfair trade practices. The bill amends existing statutes to explicitly define and prohibit specific misleading behaviors, such as falsely claiming products are new, exaggerating price reductions, or misrepresenting a consumer's need for repairs. It also introduces stricter requirements for environmental claims, ensuring that labels like "recycled" or "degradable" are backed by evidence, and adds new protections for vulnerable consumers who may be unable to understand agreements due to disability or illiteracy. By clarifying these definitions and adding new prohibited acts, the legislation aims to provide clearer guidance to businesses and better safeguards for consumers engaging in various transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Telephone Solicitation Act in Michigan to regulate how businesses and organizations make phone calls for sales, charity contributions, employment offers, or prize promotions. It defines specific terms such as "vulnerable individuals" (those 75 or older or with disabilities) and "vulnerable telephone numbers" like emergency lines and hospitals to protect these groups from unwanted contact. The law prohibits calling these protected numbers and requires clear, written consent from residents before using automated dialers, recorded messages, or prerecorded voicemails for solicitation purposes. Additionally, the act clarifies that calls to existing customers are generally allowed unless the customer has explicitly requested to stop receiving them, while also defining lead generation and low-income workers within the new framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Michigan's tax tribunal to hold small claims hearings for property tax disputes via telephone or video conference, making the process more accessible. It applies specifically to cases involving residential properties, farms, or properties with fewer than four rental units where the disputed value is under $100,000, as well as other tax appeals involving $20,000 or less. The legislation also requires the tribunal to create a simplified filing form for these appeals and sets specific rules for where in-person hearings must take place relative to the property location.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's existing breastfeeding protections to explicitly include the expression of human milk, such as pumping breast milk in public spaces. It prohibits businesses and public service providers from denying access or displaying signs that discourage individuals from breastfeeding or expressing milk. The law applies to any place of public accommodation or public service, ensuring that these activities are treated with the same non-discriminatory standards as actual breastfeeding.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases death and disability benefits for Michigan public safety officers who are injured or killed while performing their duties. Starting October 1, 2024, the state will pay $50,000 to the officer's surviving spouse or dependents, or to their estate if no family members exist, whereas claims paid before that date will receive $25,000. The additional payment is intended to be given on top of any other benefits the family may already receive. The law applies retroactively to any benefit applications that were pending on or after the October 1, 2024 effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Nancy C. Cassis, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It recognizes her career as a public servant and details her legislative achievements, including her work on tax policy and her receipt of various awards. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to her family and requests that copies of the document be sent to them as a tribute.