Sen. Rick Outman

Maddy summarySB 991 restores previous amendments to Michigan's minimum wage law that were previously repealed, reinstating specific wage schedules and overtime rules. The bill sets a new timeline for minimum wage increases, starting at $10.56 in 2024 and reaching $12.05 by 2030, with an additional annual adjustment based on inflation. A key provision allows these wage increases to be delayed if the state's unemployment rate is 8.5% or higher for the preceding year. Additionally, the legislation clarifies overtime requirements for employees in fire protection, law enforcement, and healthcare settings, while maintaining existing exemptions for certain job categories like executives and agricultural workers.

Maddy summarySB 992 amends Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act to restore specific provisions that were previously repealed, ensuring that employers with 50 or more employees must provide paid medical leave for personal health needs, domestic violence, and sexual assault. The bill redefines key terms such as "eligible employee" and "employer" to clarify who qualifies for these benefits and outlines strict rules against retaliating against workers who request or use this time off. By reinstating sections related to accrual, usage, and enforcement while removing others, the legislation aims to maintain consistent protections for workers across the state. This change directly impacts large businesses and their staff, requiring them to adhere to the restored standards for granting sick leave.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 1 of each year as "Blue Star Mothers Day" in Michigan to honor the organization Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. The legislation recognizes the group's long-standing work supporting military families, including welcoming veterans home and caring for mothers of service members. By officially naming this date, the state acknowledges the contributions of the organization without changing any laws or requiring specific actions from individuals. The act takes effect 90 days after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new legal process in Michigan that allows property owners to request the immediate removal of individuals who are unlawfully occupying their residential homes without going through the standard court eviction system. Under the new procedure, an owner or their agent can submit a sworn complaint to the county sheriff, who will then serve a notice to vacate and potentially arrest the occupant for trespassing if they refuse to leave. The law includes specific protections for property owners, such as liability for false claims and a right to recover damages if the removal process is used wrongfully, while also clarifying that this process does not limit existing rights to address crimes like drug manufacturing or theft on the property.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the section of Michigan's Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act that established wind energy resource zones and related expedited siting procedures. By removing these provisions, the legislation effectively ends the special zoning exemptions and streamlined approval processes previously available for large-scale solar, wind, and energy storage facilities. The bill also amends the act's title and definitions but relies on a companion bill to take effect. Ultimately, this measure reverses specific policy changes that allowed for faster development of renewable energy projects by eliminating the designated wind zones.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to remove a specific provision that previously required local zoning ordinances to comply with Part 8 of the Clean and Renewable Energy and Energy Waste Reduction Act. By deleting this requirement, the legislation allows local governments to regulate land use for renewable energy projects without being bound by those specific state-level clean energy standards. The bill also includes other changes to zoning rules regarding oil and gas wells, mining operations, and the protection of renewable energy projects that received special approval after January 1, 2021. However, the entire measure is tied to another bill, SB 0898, meaning it will not take effect unless that companion legislation is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. It formally acknowledges the bravery of Allied troops and encourages all residents of Michigan to observe the anniversary and honor the sacrifices made during the operation. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize historical events and promote remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2024 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month to highlight the condition and encourage public understanding. The bill focuses on raising awareness for a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues, causing symptoms such as joint instability, skin bruising, and digestive issues. By establishing this awareness month, the legislation aims to support those living with EDS and promote further medical research and funding. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor patients and advocate for scientific study.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Congress to provide funding for building a new air traffic control tower at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Michigan. The bill highlights that the airport's current tower is over 60 years old and ranks among the oldest in major U.S. markets, while the airport itself is a rapidly growing commercial hub. By transmitting copies of the resolution to federal leaders and Michigan's congressional representatives, the measure formally requests financial support to replace the aging infrastructure. The text does not mandate funding but serves as a formal recommendation to address the facility's need for modernization.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors the memory of Michael L. Green, a former Michigan state representative and senator who recently passed away. It recognizes his long public service career, including his work in Tuscola County and his legislative roles in both the House and Senate, while noting his personal history and community involvement. The resolution expresses the legislature's tribute to him and directs that copies of the document be sent to his family as a sign of respect.