Sen. Dayna Polehanki

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the PFAS Protection Act, requires manufacturers in Michigan to report products containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals and mandates labeling on specific consumer goods. It directly affects manufacturers, importers, and distributors of items such as apparel, cookware, children's products, and cleaning supplies that include these chemicals. The legislation establishes definitions for various product categories, creates reporting requirements for state officials, and authorizes the creation of rules to enforce compliance with the new standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's environmental regulations by clarifying rules for wastewater discharge and adding specific permit requirements for oceangoing vessels. It requires that any waste discharge into state waters must occur at least one mile upstream from the nearest dwelling and mandates that vessels operating in Michigan ports obtain permits demonstrating compliance with federal aquatic nuisance species rules. The legislation also sets strict timelines for the state department to review permit applications and outlines procedures for permit modification, suspension, or revocation if pollution violations occur. Additionally, it establishes fee structures for vessel permits and allows the department to adopt more protective standards than federal rules for preventing aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes.

Maddy summarySB 509 prohibits Michigan government entities (like police departments, courts, or DMVs) from sharing personal information - including addresses, IDs, or criminal history - with federal immigration authorities unless a court-issued warrant is presented. It requires agencies to verify if requests are for immigration enforcement and deny such requests without a warrant. Agencies must also report annual data on these requests to state officials by March 31 each year. The law aims to prevent local government data from being used in federal immigration actions without judicial oversight.

Maddy summarySB 504 requires Michigan to test public water supplies for tiny plastic particles (microplastics) starting in 2027, with quarterly sampling through 2030. It focuses testing on water sources near Great Lakes shorelines, agricultural areas, landfills, and groundwater systems, using methods aligned with federal or state standards. By July 2031, the state must report findings - including microplastic levels, sources, and potential health impacts - and recommend next steps for monitoring or regulation. This directly affects all public water systems in Michigan, including those serving communities near environmental justice concerns.

Maddy summarySB 505 requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) to create a statewide research and monitoring plan focused on microplastics in the Great Lakes by July 2026. The plan must assess microplastic impacts on drinking water, human/animal health, and the Great Lakes ecosystem, establish baseline data, identify sources, and propose reduction strategies using federal standards (like EPA and NOAA guidelines). It mandates annual updates, public reporting, and requires DEGLE to collaborate with universities and leverage existing federal efforts. The bill directly affects state agencies, researchers, and Great Lakes water quality management, with implementation deadlines set for 2026 and 2028.

Maddy summarySB 503 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of plastic microbeads (intentionally added solid plastic particles ≤5mm) in personal care products (like face scrubs and toothpaste) and cleaning products (including floor cleaners) in Michigan. Starting January 1, 2027, these products cannot contain microbeads unless the concentration is below 1 part per million by weight. The law applies to manufacturers, sellers, and distributors within the state, with enforcement by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Violations carry civil fines up to $2,000 per day, and the department must report on enforcement annually. The bill does not affect air care products or materials used in non-personal care applications.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges Michigan's public colleges and universities to create a consistent statewide policy for awarding academic credit to students who complete International Baccalaureate coursework. The bill recommends that institutions grant credit for IB exam scores of four or higher, allowing such credit to count toward elective degree requirements while permitting schools to set higher standards for major-specific courses. By establishing uniform standards, the resolution aims to reduce uncertainty for students, improve college affordability, and help retain high-achieving Michigan graduates who might otherwise transfer to states with clearer credit policies. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation to state universities rather than a law that mandates specific actions.

Maddy summarySB 768 prohibits gas, electric, and steam utilities from filing a new rate case (requesting rate increases) sooner than three years after their previous rate case. This amendment to Michigan's Public Utilities Act (MCL 460.6a) directly affects all utilities regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission when seeking rate adjustments. The key mechanism adds a mandatory three-year waiting period between full rate case filings, preventing utilities from repeatedly seeking rate changes too frequently. It does not change existing processes for partial rate relief or other rate adjustments. The bill aims to stabilize utility rate-setting timelines without altering current hearing requirements or refund procedures.

Maddy summarySB 806 creates a dedicated "hyperbaric oxygen therapy inspection fund" in the state treasury, funded by licensing fees paid by freestanding hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities. The fund is managed by the state treasurer and administered by the state health department, with all money used solely for inspecting these facilities. This bill directly affects hyperbaric oxygen therapy providers and the state's inspection process for their facilities. The fund ensures consistent, dedicated funding for inspections, replacing general appropriations for this specific purpose.

Maddy summarySB 803 creates a new licensure requirement for freestanding facilities that provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a medical treatment using pressurized oxygen. It directly affects businesses operating standalone HBOT centers and patients receiving this therapy by establishing specific safety and operational standards. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to add licensing rules for these facilities, ensuring they meet state health and safety criteria. This change applies to facilities not located within hospitals, requiring them to obtain state licensure before operation.