Sen. Michele Hoitenga

Maddy summarySB 125 amends Michigan's income tax code (sections 30(f)(iv) and related provisions) to adjust how retirement benefit deduction limits are calculated. It changes the annual adjustment formula for the maximum deductible retirement income ($42,240 for single filers, $84,480 for joint filers) to tie directly to the U.S. Consumer Price Index, replacing previous methods. This affects Michigan taxpayers claiming retirement income deductions, including those receiving National Guard benefits (already deductible under section 30(e)(iii)). The bill updates the existing deduction mechanism without creating new benefits or altering eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Santana to formally recognize February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it affirms the legislature's support for the annual observance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context, honors African-American contributions, and encourages public awareness of both achievements and ongoing efforts toward racial equality. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on February 12-13, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summarySB 84 prevents local governments (like cities or counties) from banning gas-burning appliances in residential buildings. It specifically stops ordinances that would prohibit the use of certain gas appliances - such as furnaces, dryers, and stoves - that rely on a continuously burning pilot light (small constant flame) for operation. The bill includes exceptions for mobile homes, propane-only appliances, and models meeting federal energy efficiency standards. This law requires local governments to allow these gas appliances in new or existing homes, overriding any conflicting local rules.

Maddy summarySB 85 requires child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes to obtain fingerprints from staff and household members during license applications or renewals. It expands where fingerprints can be collected - allowing individuals to use local law enforcement agencies or county sheriff's offices - instead of requiring only state-run locations. The bill mandates background checks against sex offender registries, state criminal databases, and FBI records, with results delivered within 45 days. Individuals denied eligibility may request a review of their case if they believe the denial was based on incorrect information.

Maddy summarySB 86 amends Michigan's Social Welfare Act to allow elected officials to serve on county social services boards, removing a current restriction that prohibited such members. This change directly affects county social services boards, which are responsible for administering local human services programs. The key provision updates Section 46 of the law to permit members holding elective offices (like county commissioners) to serve, while maintaining other appointment rules. The bill does not create new programs or funding but adjusts board composition requirements. It is currently in committee review after being introduced on February 12, 2025.

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.

Maddy summarySB 64 prohibits child care centers from charging employees or job applicants for required criminal background checks. The bill amends Michigan's child care licensing law (MCL 722.115d) to explicitly state that centers cannot pass the actual cost of these checks - conducted through the state police's ICHAT system - to staff members. This directly affects childcare workers and applicants who would otherwise pay for background screenings mandated for employment. The key provision removes a financial burden from employees while maintaining existing requirements for background checks to ensure child safety.

Maddy summarySB 61 requires Michigan child care centers to implement drinking water safety protocols. Centers must create a management plan detailing water outlets (including filtered vs. unfiltered sources), test water for lead every two years, and respond to results: replace filters immediately for low lead levels (1-5 ppb), shut off water and report for higher levels (>5 ppb), and notify parents. Centers only need to install filtration if testing detects lead, as the law focuses on testing and response, not mandatory filtration. This applies to all licensed child care centers in Michigan, with key deadlines of January 2025 for plans and October 2025 for full compliance.

Maddy summarySB 63 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to explicitly include state departments as eligible recipients of funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. This change allows state agencies, such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, to apply directly for grants to acquire land for recreation or environmental protection, or to develop public recreation facilities. Previously, the law did not explicitly list state departments as recipients, though they could sometimes participate under broader provisions. The amendment ensures state agencies can now access these funds for projects that protect natural resources and improve public outdoor access.

Maddy summarySB 65 requires hunters to purchase a $15 (resident) or $30 (nonresident) "deer baiting license" to legally bait deer on private property during hunting season. This applies specifically to hunters using bait for taking deer, excluding agricultural practices, wildlife feeding, or disease management exceptions. The law also allows wildlife officials to restrict baiting in deer management units with two or more cases of chronic wasting disease within a year. The licensing requirement is temporary and will expire on January 1, 2029.