Sen. John Damoose

Maddy summarySB 249 creates a task force to develop a low-income water bill assistance program for Michigan residents. The task force, appointed by the Department of Human Services within 30 days, must include representatives from small/large water providers, consumer advocacy groups, community agencies, local governments, and environmental organizations. Over nine months, the task force will advise on program best practices, create implementation guidance, develop outreach materials, seek additional funding, and recommend criteria for providers to run their own affordability programs. This bill does not directly provide assistance but establishes the framework for future program development, pending passage of related bills (SB 248, 250, 252).

Maddy summarySB 254 requires utility providers (like water or sewage services) to approve tenant requests to transfer utility accounts when moving into a rental property. It amends Michigan law to mandate that providers must accept requests from tenants under Section 1f(1) of 1972 PA 348 (which defines "lessee" as a tenant). This directly affects renters who want to continue utility service under their name when leasing a new property, rather than the previous owner or landlord. The bill does not change utility rates or create new fees, only streamlining the transfer process for tenants.

Maddy summarySB 253 requires landlords to provide tenants in single-metered rental units (not part of multifamily properties) with the option to have water and sewer bills sent directly to both the tenant and landlord. It prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who make this request, including eviction, rent increases, or denying lease renewals. The law applies only to new or renewed leases after its effective date and does not override federal housing laws. Tenants in these units gain direct access to their utility billing information, while landlords must comply with the new notification requirement.

Maddy summarySB 256 amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to reduce penalties for tampering with utility services (like electricity or water) that could shut off a residence. It specifically changes sections 777.16o and 777.16s of the Michigan Penal Code to reflect that certain utility tampering acts are now decriminalized, shifting them from criminal offenses to civil or administrative matters. The bill directly affects individuals who might interfere with utility services to a home, such as low-income residents attempting to avoid shutoffs. This change removes potential criminal charges for these specific acts while maintaining safety and service protections.

Maddy summarySB 252, the "Water Shutoff Protection Act," prevents residential water shutoffs for vulnerable households without prior notice and multiple contact attempts. It protects critical care customers (requiring water for medical equipment) and eligible low-income customers (earning ≤200% of federal poverty guidelines or receiving specific assistance programs like SNAP or energy aid). The bill requires water providers to contact customers at least three times via multiple methods (notices, calls, texts, mail) before shutoff, detailing payment plans and affordability programs. Notices must include specific details like shutoff dates, available options, and contact information for program administrators.

Maddy summarySB 248 creates a water rate affordability fund to provide financial assistance for human services, directly supporting low-income households struggling with water utility costs. The bill amends Michigan's human services code to establish this fund, which would help cover water bills for eligible residents. Currently in committee review (reported favorably with a substitute on November 5, 2025), the bill has not yet been voted on by the full chamber. It focuses on a concrete policy mechanism - funding for water bill assistance - without specifying eligibility details or funding sources in the provided context.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 84) is a symbolic commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1975 sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, which claimed all 29 crew members. It designates November 10, 2025, as "Edmund Fitzgerald Day" and directs the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the crew's families, maritime organizations, and Great Lakes history museums. The resolution honors the tragedy's historical significance and the crew's legacy without creating new laws or affecting any specific group through policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 625 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to clarify procedures for recovering improperly paid benefits. It directly affects individuals who received benefits they weren't entitled to, requiring repayment within 3 years (except for identity fraud cases) through deductions from future benefits (max 50%), cash payments, or tax refunds. The bill establishes specific waiver conditions where repayment may be forgiven if it would be "contrary to equity and good conscience," such as when benefits were paid due to agency errors, claimants provided unintentionally incorrect wage info, or household income was below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. This update streamlines repayment processes while offering relief in defined hardship scenarios.

Maddy summarySCR 6 is a memorial resolution passed by the Michigan Legislature to honor Virgil Clark Smith, a former member of the Michigan Senate (1988-2000) and House of Representatives (1977-1988). The resolution commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including his historic role as the first African American Senate Democratic Floor Leader. It expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication, leadership, and legacy as a trailblazing legislator and later Wayne County Circuit Court judge. The resolution was adopted unanimously by both chambers in October 2025 and will be transmitted to Smith's family.

Maddy summarySB 614 would replace Michigan's current high school graduation requirement for 2-3 credits in a language other than English (Section 1278a(2)) with a "life skills" requirement. The bill allows students to fulfill this credit through foreign language, fine arts, or career/technical education programs approved by the state. This change directly affects all Michigan high school students seeking diplomas, as it modifies a core graduation standard under the Revised School Code. The bill amends Sections 1278a, 1278b, and 1531f of the 1976 School Code (MCL 380.1278a et seq.).