Sen. Dayna Polehanki

Maddy summaryThis symbolic Senate Resolution (SR 61) recognizes June 29-July 5, 2025, as "Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the threat invasive species pose to the state's Great Lakes, rivers, and recreational waterways. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about preventing invasive species spread - impacting over 900,000 boaters and Michigan's $1.4 billion water-dependent economy - through coordinated efforts with communities and organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it serves only as a formal recognition, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 223 requires research facilities that use dogs or cats for laboratory research to submit an annual compliance report by March 31 each year. The report must include three specific data points: the total number of animals owned, the total used in research, and the total released (transferred to shelters for adoption) during the previous calendar year. Facilities must submit this report on a form provided by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the department cannot publish this information on its website. This bill directly affects all research facilities licensed under Michigan's animal research regulations that handle dogs or cats for laboratory purposes.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 283 (SB 283) amends the Michigan penal code to establish specific penalties for stealing or taking a dog without the owner's consent. This bill directly affects individuals who steal dogs and aims to protect dog owners. Under the proposed changes, such an act would be classified as a misdemeanor. Penalties for this offense would include imprisonment for up to one year, a fine ranging from $500 to $1,500, or both. The bill also repeals an existing section of law related to animals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 55) formally recognizes June 2025 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in the state of Michigan. It does not create new laws or change existing policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic statement of recognition by the Michigan Senate. The resolution highlights historical milestones for LGBTQ+ rights, including Michigan's 2023 law adding sexual orientation and gender identity to anti-discrimination protections, and acknowledges ongoing efforts to support LGBTQ+ communities. As a procedural resolution, it directly affects the state's official calendar and public acknowledgment of Pride Month, without imposing any legal obligations.

Maddy summarySB 386 creates a new legal pathway for individuals exposed to a proven toxic substance to seek medical monitoring through civil court. It directly affects people who have been exposed to toxic substances, allowing them to file claims for monitoring services to detect potential health impacts. The bill amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by adding Section 20136, which establishes this right without requiring proof of current illness. Key provisions clarify that exposure must be linked to a specific toxic substance and that medical monitoring must be medically necessary. The law does not change existing liability rules for environmental cleanup but adds a specific remedy for exposed individuals.

Maddy summarySB 387 amends Michigan's Revised Judicature Act to change when legal claims for groundwater contamination must begin. It states that for cases involving hazardous substances, a claim accrues (starts counting) when the plaintiff discovers the contamination or reasonably should have discovered it. This directly affects individuals or communities seeking damages for groundwater pollution from sources like industrial spills or leaks. The key change delays the start of the statute of limitations from the contamination event to the point of discovery, making it easier for affected parties to file lawsuits after contamination is identified.

Maddy summarySB 157 creates a new regulatory framework for pet cemeteries in the state. It directly affects pet cemetery operators and pet owners by establishing licensing requirements, minimum burial standards, and enforcement procedures. Key provisions include mandating state licenses for all pet cemeteries, setting standards for plot maintenance and record-keeping, and creating a complaint process for consumers. The bill passed the House on June 10, 2025, and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 385 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to exclude specific environmental cleanup standards from the definition of a "rule." It adds a new exclusion (item t) for "cleanup criteria and target detection limits" developed by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy under environmental protection laws. This means these standards will not be subject to formal rule-making procedures like public hearings or comment periods. The bill directly affects how the environmental agency establishes and implements cleanup standards for contaminated sites.

Maddy summarySB 392 amends Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require cleanup of contaminated sites to meet residential and safe drinking water standards, unless technically infeasible. It directly affects property owners, developers, and environmental remediation companies responsible for cleaning up hazardous substance releases at contaminated sites. The bill mandates that cleanup efforts must restore affected aquifers to drinking water standards where possible, stop contamination spread, and comply with state/federal environmental laws. Exceptions allowing less stringent cleanup are only permitted if the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy documents technical infeasibility and confirms the alternative approach still protects public health and the environment. This bill updates existing cleanup standards (sections 20118, 20120a, and related sections) to strengthen residential and water quality protections.

Maddy summarySB 391 updates Michigan's environmental cleanup rules by establishing clearer standards for determining natural background levels of hazardous substances in soil. It defines "background concentration" as naturally occurring levels in soil, allowing property owners to demonstrate contamination is not due to human activity using specific soil surveys or studies. The bill directly affects developers, property owners, and environmental agencies involved in site cleanups by reducing unnecessary cleanup requirements when contamination matches natural background levels. Key provisions include adding new definitions (like "background concentration" and "baseline environmental assessment") and revising cleanup criteria to align with state soil surveys, making it easier to distinguish natural soil levels from pollution requiring remediation.