Sen. John Damoose

Maddy summarySB 442 creates a new state-level process for charitable nonprofit housing organizations to obtain property tax exemptions on specific residential properties (like single-family homes, duplexes, or small multi-unit buildings). Organizations must apply to the state tax commission, which has 60 days to approve or deny the exemption. If approved, the exemption lasts 3-5 years (depending on property type) or ends sooner if the property is occupied by an income-eligible person (family income ≤120% of statewide median) or transferred. The bill modifies existing rules to shift from local resolution-based exemptions to a centralized state application system.

Maddy summarySB 437 amends Michigan's public employment law to prohibit most public employees from being required to pay union fees or dues as a condition of employment. It removes mandatory financial contributions to labor organizations for general public employees (excluding police, firefighters, and state troopers under specific constitutional provisions). The bill restores the pre-2023 policy that allows employees to choose whether to financially support a union, while preserving agreements for police/fire departments where such fees were previously permitted. This directly affects all non-exempt public workers in Michigan state and local government positions.

Maddy summarySB 436 amends Michigan's labor law to restore a "right to work" provision, prohibiting employers and labor organizations from requiring employees to pay union dues or fees as a condition of employment. The bill explicitly bans mandatory union dues (Section 14(2)), making any agreement requiring such payments unlawful and unenforceable after its effective date. It also allocates $1 million to the Department of Labor for public education and implementation support regarding these changes. The bill directly affects employees (who can no longer be forced to pay union fees), employers (who cannot require such payments), and labor organizations (which must operate under voluntary membership).

Maddy summarySB 429 establishes the 99th Judicial District, which consists solely of Antrim County, under Michigan's Revised Judicature Act. It designates the Antrim County probate judge as the district court judge for this new district, formalizing a role currently held under existing law (Section 810a). The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and directly affects Antrim County residents by creating a dedicated trial court system for the county. This change streamlines local court operations without adding new judgeships or altering judicial election processes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 58) that formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army's founding on June 14, 2025. The resolution commemorates the Army's history from its establishment in 1775 through its current role as a key national defense force. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment by the Senate of the Army's service to the nation.

Maddy summarySB 378 requires Michigan public schools to receive annual letter grades (A-F) starting in the 2025-2026 school year based on five specific metrics: student proficiency in math and English language arts, student growth in those subjects, progress for English language learners, high school graduation rates, and academic performance compared to similar schools. The grades are assigned by the state education department using defined measures, such as growth from fall to spring assessments or maintaining proficiency. This directly affects all public schools in Michigan by publicly reporting their performance across these standardized indicators. The bill does not change school funding or operations but creates a new transparency framework for reporting school performance.

Maddy summarySB 412 allows nursing home residents to request and install cameras or recording devices in their rooms for personal monitoring, provided they submit a written request on a specific form. Nursing homes must permit this if the resident or their representative (with proper consent procedures) requests it. For residents unable to consent, their representative must obtain a professional assessment, explain monitoring details, and document the resident’s agreement. Roommates must also provide written consent if sharing a room. The bill prohibits nonconsensual recording of private communications or still photos.

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 summaryThis bill amends Michigan's education savings program to expand "qualified higher education expenses" to include K-12 tuition at public, private, or religious schools. It directly affects Michigan families using the state's education savings accounts who wish to cover K-12 tuition costs. The key provision changes the definition in the program's law to explicitly include tuition expenses for elementary and secondary schools, aligning with IRS Section 529(c)(7). This allows account owners to withdraw funds for K-12 education without penalty, matching the current treatment for higher education expenses under federal law. The amendment applies to all accounts established under the Michigan Education Savings Program Act.

Maddy summarySB 379 modifies Michigan's school code to require school districts to base personnel decisions (like layoffs, recalls, or hiring) on teacher effectiveness measured by the existing performance evaluation system, rather than length of service or tenure alone. It specifically prohibits retaining teachers rated "ineffective" over those rated "minimally effective," "effective," or "highly effective," and mandates that individual performance - especially student growth - be the primary factor. School districts must adopt transparent procedures for these decisions, considering factors like teaching skills, classroom management, and contributions to school performance. The bill directly affects public school teachers, administrators, and school districts in Michigan, changing how staffing changes are handled. It also limits remedies for teachers challenging decisions to reinstatement only, excluding financial damages.