Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the age requirements for children and adults with developmental disabilities to be eligible for courtroom support dogs during legal proceedings in Michigan. It specifically allows individuals under 18 with developmental disabilities to have a trained support dog sit with them while testifying, whereas the previous rule restricted this benefit to those under 16. The legislation applies to various criminal cases involving vulnerable witnesses, including child protection and assaultive crimes, and maintains existing rules that require advance notice for using a support dog during a trial. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the prosecutor's office assumes full responsibility for the dog while it is present in the courtroom.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's unemployment insurance system by increasing the maximum weekly benefit amount and adjusting how payments are calculated for dependents starting in 2025. It directly affects unemployed individuals who file for benefits, raising the weekly payment cap to $446 in 2025, $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027. The legislation also changes the calculation method for dependents, increasing the additional weekly allowance per dependent from $6 to $12.66 in 2025, with further increases planned for subsequent years. These changes are designed to provide higher financial support to eligible claimers while maintaining specific rules for verifying dependent status and preventing fraud.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to allow electric utilities to offer special long-term pricing contracts to large industrial customers who meet specific demand and capacity requirements. To qualify, an industrial customer must have an annual average electric demand of at least 200 megawatts and sign a contract lasting at least 15 years or the remaining life of the power source. The legislation requires the Public Service Commission to approve these rates only if the utility demonstrates that the arrangement provides a net benefit to all customers, such as reducing system costs or avoiding the need for new power generation. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these long-term rates are not subject to securitization charges, which are fees typically applied to certain utility cost recovery mechanisms.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's rules for filing claims against the state in cases involving criminal sexual conduct. It creates an exception to the standard requirement that individuals must file a written notice within one year of an incident. Specifically, victims of criminal sexual conduct are exempt from the usual deadline and filing procedures outlined in the state's judicial code. The law applies retroactively to cases already in progress and depends on the passage of a related House bill to become effective.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state of Michigan to adjust annual reimbursements for child care providers under the Child Development and Care Program to account for inflation. The adjustments will be calculated using the Detroit Consumer Price Index, a specific measure of local cost changes. This change directly affects families and businesses that operate child care facilities within the state by ensuring their funding keeps pace with rising costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's child care licensing laws to strengthen safety standards and oversight for organizations caring for children. It requires the state to create advisory committees made up of parents and affected organizations to help develop and review rules regarding staff qualifications, facility safety, and operational conduct. A key provision mandates that inspections for health and fire safety be conducted by state staff, fire services, or local authorities, with specific exemptions for schools that already meet existing fire codes. Additionally, the bill ensures that rules are reviewed at least every five years and gives operators up to 90 days to comply with new regulations unless there is an immediate health or safety risk.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's existing laws on governmental immunity to clarify when state agencies and their employees can be held liable for criminal sexual conduct. It establishes that officials and volunteers are generally protected from lawsuits for injuries or property damage caused while performing their duties, unless their actions involve gross negligence or specific exceptions like providing medical care. The legislation defines "gross negligence" as reckless behavior showing a substantial lack of concern for safety and creates specific rules for immunity regarding judges, legislators, and tactical operations. By adding a new section to the state tort liability act, the bill aims to provide clearer legal standards for holding public servants accountable in cases involving sexual misconduct while maintaining protections for routine government functions.
Maddy summarySB 1188 modifies the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits involving criminal sexual conduct in Michigan, extending the time a victim has to file a claim for damages. Under the bill, victims have 10 years from the date of the incident to bring an action, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or resulted in a conviction. This change applies to conduct prohibited under specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code and removes previous requirements for a prior criminal adjudication. The legislation directly affects survivors of sexual assault by providing a longer window to seek civil compensation for injuries sustained.
Maddy summarySB 1189 amends Michigan law to change the time limits for filing claims against the state government. It requires individuals to file these claims within three years of the incident occurring, with specific exceptions for wrongful imprisonment compensation and other designated cases. The bill also grants the state attorney general the authority to act as a legal representative for the estates of deceased individuals or guardians for minors and other disabled persons in these matters. This legislation is designed to clarify procedural rules for suing the state and relies on the simultaneous passage of two other related bills to take effect.
Maddy summarySB 1190 amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to update the time limits for filing indictments against individuals accused of various crimes. The bill establishes specific deadlines for serious offenses like murder and certain sexual conduct violations, while introducing special rules for cases involving DNA evidence from unidentified suspects. For crimes such as kidnapping and identity theft, the law allows prosecutors to file charges at any time if the suspect remains unknown, but sets a final deadline once the individual is identified. Additionally, the legislation extends the filing window for crimes committed against minors and adjusts time limits for offenses affecting real property. These changes aim to ensure that victims have adequate time to seek justice while maintaining clear procedural standards for the legal system.