Sen. Michele Hoitenga

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 77) honors the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, following his 2025 assassination at Utah Valley University. It formally condemns political violence, commends law enforcement, and extends condolences to his family. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic tribute expressing the Senate’s condemnation of violence targeting individuals for their political views. It calls on all Americans to reject political violence and uphold civil discourse. (Note: As a memorial resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or policies beyond this expression of sentiment.)

Maddy summarySB 594 allows individuals with a valid concealed pistol license from Michigan or another state to carry concealed pistols in the Michigan state capitol building. It amends the Michigan State Capitol Historic Site Act to remove the commission’s authority to prohibit such carrying. Licensed individuals must present their concealed pistol license to capitol security officers or legislative sergeants at arms if requested. This change directly affects licensed concealed pistol carriers, including legislators, staff, and the public, who visit the capitol building.

Maddy summarySB 587 requires Michigan's Public Service Commission to submit a detailed report to the House and Senate energy committees before approving any rate increase for gas, electric, or steam utilities. The report must explain the proposed increase, its justification, and expected impact on customers. Committees then have 30 days to hold a public hearing and issue a nonbinding recommendation to the commission. This change applies to all utilities seeking rate hikes and adds a legislative review step before final approval. The bill modifies existing rate approval procedures without altering the core process for utilities to file applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Michigan's state budget bills to be passed into law by a specific annual deadline. If the budget isn't enacted by that date, both state legislators and the governor would lose their pay until the budget is approved. The amendment modifies three sections of the state constitution to establish this deadline and link compensation to budget passage. It specifically targets the general appropriation bills that fund state operations, not other legislation. The deadline is defined by existing law (MCL 18.1365) as the date set for budget enactment each year.

Maddy summarySB 514 creates a corporate income tax credit for beverage distributors who charge deposits on returnable containers. It allows eligible distributors to claim a $0.005 credit per container sold starting in 2026, with annual adjustments based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index beginning in 2027. Distributors must attach a specific report to their tax return to claim the credit, and any unused credit amount is refundable. The bill directly affects beverage distributors who originate container deposits and depends on the passage of companion bill SB 512 to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 516 would allow Michigan pharmacists to provide ivermectin without a prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires that ivermectin sold over-the-counter must meet manufacturing standards and have clear labeling with dosage, contraindications, and safety information. It amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to add new sections (17771 and 17771a) enabling this access under pharmacist discretion. The bill is currently in committee after being introduced on September 3, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 406 updates Michigan's firearm exemption rules by amending sections 231 and 237a of the penal code and repealing outdated provisions. It adds a training requirement for certain exemptions in section 231 (e.g., corrections employees must complete weapon use training) and clarifies school zone exemptions in section 237a. The bill specifically allows security personnel, licensed carry holders, and hunters transporting firearms under defined conditions (e.g., unloaded in a trunk for hunting trips) to carry weapons on school property without penalty. It directly affects law enforcement, corrections staff, security contractors, and hunters who transport firearms for permitted activities. The changes aim to modernize exemptions while maintaining school safety protections.

Maddy summarySB 408 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update language regarding firearm restrictions in wildlife areas. It clarifies that existing exceptions for concealed pistol license holders (under MCL 28.421-28.435) and authorized carry under specific statutes (MCL 28.432a, 750.227, etc.) remain valid when transporting or carrying firearms in areas frequented by wild animals. The bill does not change general requirements for hunters or alter laws governing wildlife hunting; it only updates the legal text to reflect current concealed carry provisions. This affects hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone carrying firearms in Michigan's natural areas.

Maddy summarySB 409 updates outdated references in Michigan's criminal procedure code related to firearm sentencing. It amends specific sections (MCL 769.12, 777.11b, and 777.16m) to correct legal citations, ensuring consistency in how firearm-related sentencing guidelines are referenced. This procedural update directly affects courts, prosecutors, and legal professionals who apply these sections when handling firearm cases. The bill does not change sentencing rules or penalties, only modernizing the code's references for clarity.

Maddy summarySB 410 updates references in Michigan’s Corrections Code to reflect current law. It amends Section 33b of the 1953 Corrections Code (MCL 791.233b) by replacing outdated citations to specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code and Public Health Code with their current, amended versions. This technical correction does not change parole eligibility rules or who is affected - prisoners convicted of the listed violent crimes (e.g., assault, sexual offenses, certain firearms violations) remain ineligible for parole under the existing provisions. The bill only ensures the law references accurate, current statutes, not policy changes. It is a procedural update dependent on another bill (SB 406) passing.