Sen. John Damoose

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 145 is a non-binding measure that formally recognizes the historic, cultural, and religious significance of Diwali. The resolution highlights how the festival is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Michigan and around the world, noting its themes of light triumphing over darkness and community togetherness. It expresses the Senate's respect for those who observe the holiday and aligns its message of tolerance with American ideals. Because this is a commemorative resolution rather than a law, it does not create new legal requirements or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance companies in Michigan to send notices and documents to customers via electronic means, such as email or mobile apps, provided the customer gives clear consent. To use this option, insurers must inform customers of their right to receive paper copies, explain how to withdraw consent, and confirm that the customer has the necessary technology to access the digital information. If a customer does not receive an electronic message or chooses to stop using it, the insurer must switch to traditional mail delivery. The law also protects insurance producers from liability regarding electronic delivery unless they directly caused harm and excludes health insurers from these requirements. Finally, this legislation will only take effect if several other related bills are passed into law at the same time.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program to provide financial assistance to businesses that lose revenue due to unexpected street closures or road construction projects that run significantly longer than planned. To qualify for a grant, a business must prove a significant drop in profits over the previous three tax years, with each award capped at $15,000 per year. The Department of Transportation will manage the program, reviewing applications based on factors like the severity of traffic disruption and lack of pedestrian access, and must report annually on how funds are used. Money for these grants comes from a newly created fund in the state treasury, which can be funded by various sources and must be invested by the state treasurer.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in Michigan to cover the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders linked to streptococcal infections, commonly known as PANDAS and PANS. It mandates that insurers provide equal cost-sharing for these treatments compared to other benefits and prohibits denying coverage based on a patient's medical history or the specific name used for the diagnosis. The legislation also ensures timely authorization for urgent care, bans requirements to try symptom-only medications before approving immunomodulating therapies, and sets billing codes for these conditions. Additionally, it directs insurance appeals to follow evidence-based treatment guidelines developed by medical professionals.

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 Senate resolution designates September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of supporting children affected by cancer. The measure, introduced by Senator Erika Geiss, serves to recognize the resilience of patients and their families while acknowledging the progress made in treatment and research over recent decades. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the bill aims to encourage increased support and attention to the cause without imposing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the cherry as the official fruit of Michigan. It achieves this by amending state law to formally recognize the cherry in this capacity. The change is symbolic and does not alter any existing regulations or create new legal obligations.

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.