Sen. Michele Hoitenga

Maddy summaryThis bill allows specific military veterans and their families to apply for special Michigan license plates that identify their service or sacrifice. Eligible individuals include former prisoners of war, World War I veterans, Pearl Harbor survivors, Purple Heart recipients, and family members of active-duty soldiers, fallen service members, or those who lost a loved one while serving. To qualify, applicants must submit proof of their status to the Secretary of State, and the plates will feature unique designs such as "EX-POW," "WWI," "Pearl Harbor survivor," or "Gold Star Family" along with the vehicle owner's birthday expiration. The legislation also waives standard service fees for these applications and grants tax exemptions for the first plate issued to a prisoner of war, while requiring taxes on additional plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools and child care centers in Michigan to install filtered water stations and shut off unfiltered drinking fountains to ensure safe drinking water. Facilities must create a management plan that maps water outlets, schedules regular testing for lead levels, and outlines procedures for replacing filters and addressing contamination. If tests show lead levels between one and five parts per billion, schools must check and replace filters immediately, while levels above five parts per billion require shutting off the water, posting warning signs, and notifying parents. Schools are exempt from these requirements if they have already tested positive for lead and are not eligible for the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires child care centers in Michigan to install filtration systems for drinking water and create a management plan detailing where filtered and unfiltered water is available. Facilities must test their water for lead at least every two years and follow specific protocols, such as replacing filters or shutting off outlets, if lead levels are detected. The legislation applies to all licensed child care centers but exempts those that have already tested positive for lead and are currently addressing the issue. Additionally, centers must keep records of their testing and maintenance for three years and report certain results to state departments.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits local governments from forcing small adult foster care facilities to switch from their existing private wells to public water systems. It specifically protects facilities that currently have wells providing enough water and meet all safety standards for contaminants. The law applies only to adult foster care homes caring for 50 or fewer residents, ensuring they can maintain their current water supply if it is safe and sufficient. By adding this provision to Michigan's Safe Drinking Water Act, the legislation prevents municipalities from mandating a change in water sources for these specific types of care facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to explicitly authorize grants to state departments, counties, and road commissions for acquiring land or developing public recreation facilities. It establishes that any such grant must be matched by the recipient entity with at least 25% of the project's total cost. Additionally, the legislation requires that no less than 25% of the fund's annual expenditures be dedicated to land acquisition and an equal portion to facility development. The bill also outlines rules for repaying the trust fund if land purchased with its money is later sold or transferred to a non-governmental owner.

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 prohibits child care organizations in Michigan from charging job applicants or employees for the cost of criminal background checks required for employment. It mandates that these organizations conduct specific background screenings using state tools or equivalent checks from the applicant's state of residence before making job offers. The legislation also ensures that child care staff and household members cannot be billed for the fees associated with these mandatory criminal history checks. By removing these costs from applicants, the bill aims to streamline the hiring process while maintaining safety standards through required background investigations.

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.

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.