Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in Michigan to establish worker transition programs that provide training, job placement assistance, and fair wages when restructuring or transferring ownership of facilities. It mandates that acquiring entities in utility sales offer employment to existing workers for at least 30 months before hiring outside replacements and must maintain current wage rates and benefits during that period. The legislation also directs the Public Service Commission to set service quality and reliability standards for utilities, including prohibiting extra fees for credit card payments and requiring at least one free payment option for residential customers. Utilities must annually report on their compliance with these standards, and the commission will review performance data to ensure proper system operation and maintenance.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 736 amends Michigan's child abuse laws to clarify definitions and adjust penalties based on the severity of harm caused to children. It establishes four degrees of child abuse, with punishments ranging from misdemeanors (for minor physical harm) to life imprisonment (for causing serious physical or mental harm). The bill defines key terms like "serious physical harm" (e.g., brain damage, fractures) and "serious mental harm," while specifying that reasonable discipline or domestic violence defenses may apply. It directly affects anyone caring for children - such as parents, guardians, or caregivers - who cause harm through intentional acts, omissions, or reckless behavior. The law also requires prosecutors to list prior convictions when seeking enhanced sentences.
Maddy summarySB 735 amends Michigan's Child Protection Law by updating key definitions, particularly clarifying the term "child neglect." It explicitly excludes situations like a child being left unsupervised without foreseeable harm or engaging in reasonable independent activities (such as walking to school or playing outdoors) from being classified as neglect. These changes directly affect child protective services, foster care providers, and legal proceedings by providing clearer standards for identifying neglect. The bill does not alter existing procedures but ensures the law's definitions align with current practices and reduce ambiguity in cases.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.
Maddy summarySB 693 changes the election timing for consolidated townships from the August primary to the May primary. It amends Section 16c of Michigan's 1851 Act 156 to require that elections for the board of a newly consolidated township occur at the next May primary (instead of August) and November general election. This affects townships undergoing consolidation and county boards of commissioners overseeing the process. The change would take effect January 1, 2027, if enacted.
Maddy summarySB 694 changes Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to update the primary election month for county approvals of new or restored circuit judgeships from August to May. Specifically, it requires county boards of commissioners to file resolutions with the state court administrator by the sixteenth Tuesday before the May primary, instead of the August primary. This affects counties seeking to create new judgeships or restore reduced ones, moving the deadline earlier in the year. The bill amends sections 550, 550a, 805, 8175, and 8176 of the Revised Judicature Act to reflect this change.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 2026 as Agriculture Appreciation Month to recognize Michigan's significant agricultural contributions to the state's economy and workforce. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the industry's importance, noting that agriculture supports over 800,000 jobs and contributes more than $125 billion annually to Michigan. The resolution encourages citizens to celebrate the sector during March 2026, acknowledging the state's leadership in various agricultural products like tart cherries, blueberries, and hops.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Bruce Patterson, a former Michigan state legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and Senate. It recognizes his public service career, which included leadership roles in committees on energy policy, environmental protection, and consumer rights, as well as his advocacy for nursing home care and water pollution control. The resolution expresses the Legislature's tribute to his memory and directs that copies be sent to his family.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of M-22 in Leelanau County as the "Company K Indian Veterans 1st Michigan Sharpshooters Civil War Memorial Highway." The designated portion begins at the intersection of M-22 and North Stallman Road and runs north to the intersection of M-22 and North Putnam Road. It amends Michigan's Memorial Highway Act to formally name this highway section in honor of the Civil War unit, with no changes to road infrastructure or policy.
Maddy summarySB 781 creates a special Upper Peninsula vehicle registration plate that drivers can choose instead of standard plates. Vehicle owners pay additional fees ($25 for new plates, $10 for renewals) that fund a dedicated grant program. The money supports Upper Peninsula projects focused on commerce, arts, and history through grants administered by the newly created Upper Peninsula Board. The bill establishes the Board (appointed by the governor) to manage grants and a Plate Commission to design the special plate, with funds disbursed annually starting September 2028.