Sen. Ed McBroom

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to modify how sales tax is calculated on vehicle trade-ins. It updates the rules for determining the tax credit allowed when a customer uses an old vehicle to pay for a new one, ensuring the credit is based on the agreed-upon value of the trade-in rather than a fixed dollar limit. The changes apply to dealers selling new or used motor vehicles and recreational vehicles, requiring them to separately state the trade-in value on invoices to qualify for the tax credit. By clarifying these provisions, the legislation aims to standardize the process for calculating sales tax on vehicle purchases involving trade-ins.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 984 requires state agencies in Michigan to use software that accurately reproduces a person's name on official documents. Specifically, the law mandates that such software must correctly display hyphens, bicapitalization, and apostrophes within names. This provision directly affects government employees who create communications or records containing individual names. The bill aims to prevent errors in how names appear on state-issued paperwork by setting a technical standard for the software used.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Dark Store Prevention Act, allows Michigan cities, villages, and townships to legally remove private deed restrictions on vacant commercial properties. To proceed, a local government must prove the property is in a retail zone, has been empty for at least two years, and is considered blighted after holding a public hearing. If these conditions are met, the local government can file a lawsuit to have a court officially strike the restrictive clauses from the property's deed. The measure directly affects local officials seeking to clear abandoned retail spaces and property owners whose land is subject to such covenants.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 13, 2026, as "Rail Day" to honor the importance of rail transportation in Michigan. The measure does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the state's rail network and its contributions to safety and the economy. By recognizing the industry's recent safety improvements and its role in supporting key sectors like manufacturing and agriculture, the bill highlights the value of rail infrastructure to the public. Ultimately, the resolution is a commemorative gesture intended to celebrate the rail system's efficiency and safety record without altering any existing regulations.

Maddy summarySB 580 modifies Michigan's rules for issuing restricted driver's licenses to individuals suspended due to DUI convictions. It requires installing an ignition interlock device and completing a specialty court program before eligibility, limiting driving to work, treatment, school, or essential appointments. The restricted license remains valid for at least one year, during which any alcohol use could trigger further suspension. This applies to those with two DUI convictions or one DUI plus prior related offenses under Michigan law.

Maddy summarySB 943 mandates that the Secretary of State conduct random audits of election precincts following every primary and general election in Michigan. These audits require a hand tally of votes in selected precincts to verify the accuracy of unofficial election returns before results are certified. The bill also prohibits county clerks who are affiliated with political parties from directing or supervising these audits, requiring them to appoint a non-partisan designee instead. Additionally, the legislation sets strict deadlines for completing audits and certifying election results, ensuring that the tabulation audit is finished before the board of county canvassers can finalize the official outcome.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the law governing the Mackinac Bridge to require tolls for drivers who cross the bridge after an unscheduled closure lasting longer than 90 minutes. Specifically, if the bridge is closed for more than 1.5 hours, drivers will not be charged until three hours after it reopens or until traffic backup clears the toll plaza, whichever happens later. The legislation applies to all vehicles and individuals using the bridge and establishes a misdemeanor penalty, including fines or jail time, for failing to pay the required tolls.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP), an organization that represents retired teachers, administrators, and support staff. The bill formally acknowledges MARSP's long-standing advocacy for the economic security, health, and pension rights of retired school employees in Michigan. By adopting this resolution, the Senate expresses appreciation for the contributions of retired educators and wishes the organization well in its future work.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 297 aims to protect registered professional nurses by ensuring their refusal to work beyond their predetermined schedule is not grounds for administrative action. It also establishes penalties for hospitals that violate rules related to mandatory overtime for nurses, as referenced in section 21526. Hospitals found in violation could face an administrative fine of $1,000 for each instance, along with other potential sanctions. This bill amends the Public Health Code to implement these provisions, directly affecting nurses and hospitals.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 296 prohibits hospitals from requiring registered professional nurses to work beyond their regularly scheduled, on-call, or voluntarily agreed-upon hours. It mandates that nurses working 12 or more consecutive hours receive 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time immediately afterward. Exceptions to this prohibition include declared states of emergency, mass casualty incidents, certain patient-care procedures, and situations where an oncoming nurse is unexpectedly absent. The bill also protects nurses from retaliation if they refuse work assignments that exceed these limits and requires hospitals to post notices informing nurses of these provisions.