Maddy summarySB 28 amends Michigan's Animal Industry Act to require egg-laying hens to be housed in cage-free systems that allow natural behaviors (like perching and dust bathing) and provide minimum floor space per hen, as defined by the United Egg Producers' 2017 guidelines. It directly affects egg producers and sellers of shell eggs in Michigan, prohibiting the sale of eggs from hens confined in non-compliant systems (e.g., battery cages) unless the farm has fewer than 3,000 hens. Key provisions include banning tethering that prevents hens from turning around freely or fully extending limbs, with exemptions for veterinary care, research, and small farms. The law enables civil enforcement by the state to stop sales of non-compliant eggs, without criminal penalties.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 58 requires Michigan's Department of Education, with input from the Department of Natural Resources, to create a model firearm safety program for students in grades 6-12 by June 2025. The program must be at least 10 hours long, taught by certified hunter education instructors, and cover safe handling, storage, types of firearms, and hunting practices - without bringing firearms into school buildings. Schools may offer the instruction as an optional extracurricular activity or integrate it into existing courses, and students or parents can request excusal without academic penalty. Completing the program fulfills the hunter safety requirement for obtaining a hunting license under state law. The bill directly affects public schools, students in grades 6-12, and the state departments overseeing education and natural resources.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. The Michigan Senate formally recognizes January 26-February 1, 2025, as Catholic Schools Week. It expresses support for Catholic schools' role in Michigan education, citing their student enrollment, compliance with public school standards, and contributions to community values. The resolution has no legal effect or funding impact - it solely serves to honor these schools during the designated week.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund to ensure money collected from utility bills remains in the fund rather than lapsing back to the state's general treasury. It establishes a mandatory monthly surcharge of up to one dollar per residential electric meter, capped at a total of $50 million annually, to finance energy assistance for low-income households. Utilities must list this fee separately on customer bills and remit the collected funds to the state treasurer, though they may opt out of the surcharge if they agree not to shut off service during the winter heating season. The legislation also clarifies that the Public Service Commission cannot regulate municipally owned utilities and requires the department of health and human services to return collected funds to the geographic areas where they originated when possible.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Education to create and distribute a model firearm safety program for students in grades 6 through 12 by June 1, 2025. The curriculum must cover topics such as proper handling, maintenance, storage, and hunting practices, totaling at least 10 hours of instruction led by certified hunter education instructors. While schools can offer this as an optional class or integrate it into existing courses, firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited from being brought onto school property during these sessions. Additionally, the bill ensures that any student or their parent can request an exemption from the course without penalty or loss of academic credit. Finally, completing this instruction satisfies the state's hunter safety course requirement for obtaining a hunting license.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the transfer of a 92.98-acre state-owned property in Green Oak Township, Livingston County, from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The legislation outlines the specific boundaries of the land and establishes that the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget will manage the transfer process while the receiving department covers associated survey and closing costs. Once approved by the State Administrative Board, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will assume full administrative control and responsibility for the property and any improvements on it.
Maddy summarySB 1048 amends the Michigan Mental Health Code to update and clarify the official definitions of key terms used throughout the state's mental health and substance use disorder systems. The bill specifically revises the definitions for "security transport officer," "serious emotional disturbance," "serious mental illness," and various service categories to ensure consistency with current diagnostic standards and federal laws. By modifying these sections, the legislation aims to provide clearer guidance for agencies, facilities, and individuals regarding eligibility criteria and service descriptions. This change directly affects the operations of county mental health departments, private security companies, adult foster care facilities, and the recipients of mental health services.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's mental health code to ensure patients and their designated representatives receive clear information about their rights before treatment begins. Specifically, it requires that patients be told orally and in writing about their right to object to treatment and how to end voluntary care. Additionally, the law mandates that copies of the consent form and a specific termination form be provided to the patient, the consenting individual, and one person chosen by the patient. These changes aim to improve transparency and empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their mental health care.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to Michigan public schools for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, specifically designating money for student mental health and school safety initiatives. The legislation allocates $25 million from the state school aid fund and $303 million from the general fund to districts and schools that opt in to these programs. These funds can be used to hire mental health staff, purchase safety infrastructure like cameras and door locks, provide threat assessment training, and implement technology platforms for crisis management and cyberbullying prevention. The bill also allows for emergency spending on immediate safety threats, subject to departmental approval, and requires that general fund allocations be spent before using money from the state school aid fund.