Sen. Ed McBroom

Maddy summarySB 450 amends Michigan law to require public hospital boards to follow the Hospital Financial Assistance Act when setting patient payment policies for non-charity care. It directly affects county public hospitals by making their financial assistance policies subject to existing state standards under the Hospital Financial Assistance Act. The bill updates Section 17 of the 1913 Public Act 350 to clarify that hospital trustees' authority over patient fees is governed by this act, ensuring consistent financial assistance rules across public hospitals.

Maddy summarySB 449 requires Michigan hospitals to create and implement financial assistance programs for uninsured patients and those with high medical debt relative to income. Specifically, hospitals must offer up to 100% discounts for patients earning at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines, base eligibility on objective income metrics, and publish program details clearly on bills, statements, and websites in plain language. Hospitals must also report annual data on program usage and debt relief to the state health department by 2027, with violations subject to $10,000 civil fines. The law directly affects uninsured patients and hospital financial operations, aiming to reduce barriers to care for low-income individuals.

Maddy summarySB 752 amends Michigan law to require courts to verify two specific conditions before allowing certain legal claims (like liens or attachments) against property to be recorded: (1) a detailed explanation of the claim's basis with supporting documents, and (2) proof that the property owner was notified. This applies to most filings except tax liens, consensual agreements (e.g., mortgages), court orders, and specific financial institutions like banks, credit unions, or motor vehicle finance companies. Violations without valid reason could trigger penalties under existing law. The bill primarily affects property owners and entities filing claims, ensuring greater transparency and notice before claims impact property rights.

Maddy summarySB 743 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update definitions related to environmental cleanup standards, specifically revising how "background concentration" of hazardous substances is determined. The bill clarifies that natural pollutant levels (existing without human contamination) can be verified using updated Michigan Administrative Code tables, the 2005 Michigan background soil survey, or department-approved studies. This change directly affects property owners, developers, and environmental agencies assessing contaminated sites, as it provides clearer criteria for determining when cleanup is required. The revised definitions streamline baseline environmental assessments and cleanup decisions under Michigan's brownfield redevelopment program. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would change how the secretary of state and attorney general are nominated, shifting the process from political party conventions to primary elections starting in 2027. It also establishes new rules for the governing boards of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University, increasing their size to nine members and requiring that no more than five members belong to the same political party. Under the plan, the governor would appoint these board members with the advice and consent of the Senate, while also ensuring at least one member comes from the university's alumni association and, for Michigan State University, one member has practical farming expertise. Additionally, the amendment sets specific term limits for board members and requires them to comply with state ethics laws, replacing the current eight-member boards with these new structures.

Maddy summarySB 304 updates regulations for ferry services by amending two 1899 laws (sections in chapters IX and XVI of LA 437). It directly affects ferry operators and passengers by changing how ferry operations are governed. The bill requires voter approval via referendum before these regulatory changes take effect. This is a procedural update to existing law, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySB 1012 modifies Michigan's election laws to change how candidates for secretary of state and attorney general are nominated by political parties. Beginning in 2027, these offices will require a general primary election where voters select candidates, whereas lieutenant governor nominations will continue to be decided solely at party conventions. To appear on the primary ballot for secretary of state or attorney general, candidates must collect nominating petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in half of the state's congressional districts. The bill also adjusts the deadlines for withdrawing nominations and transferring administrative duties regarding ballot descriptions from the secretary of state to a new director of elections.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution asks the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to set reasonable limits on election spending. The proposed change would permit lawmakers to distinguish between individual voters and artificial entities like corporations, unions, and artificial intelligence when regulating money in elections. By seeking a constitutional amendment, the bill aims to clarify that such spending restrictions are permissible under the U.S. Constitution. If passed, this measure would directly affect how election finance laws are written and enforced at both state and federal levels.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 998 modifies Michigan's use tax law to clarify how credit for trade-in vehicles is calculated when determining the taxable amount of a purchase. The bill updates the definition of 'purchase price' to ensure that the value of a trade-in vehicle used as part payment is properly excluded from the tax base, aligning the rules with existing provisions for watercraft. This change directly affects vehicle dealers and consumers who trade in their current vehicles to buy new ones, ensuring the tax is applied only to the net cost rather than the full purchase price.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act to limit the amount of time agricultural cooperatives can hold their members' funds. Specifically, it prohibits associations from retaining member money for more than 10 years after receiving it. The legislation also includes a provision that gives cooperatives currently in violation of this rule two years to return the funds to their members once the law takes effect. By updating this section, the bill aims to ensure that member funds are not held indefinitely without being distributed or processed.