Sen. Dayna Polehanki

Maddy summarySB 203 creates new sentencing guidelines for individuals who intentionally make false reports to law enforcement about serious emergencies (like active threats or crimes) to summon police to a residence. It directly affects people who deliberately lie to trigger emergency responses, such as false reports of violence or danger at someone's home. The bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.16t) to specify enhanced penalties for this specific offense. This adds a clear legal consequence for misusing emergency services, aiming to deter false reports that waste police resources and cause unnecessary fear.

Maddy summarySB 51 establishes the Black Leadership Advisory Council to address racial inequity in Michigan. The council, composed of 15 governor-appointed members (including representation from specific fields like health and education, an immigrant expert, and a member aged 18-35), must develop policies to eliminate discrimination in areas like housing, employment, and healthcare. It is required to identify discriminatory state laws, collaborate with the governor on equitable legislation, and submit annual reports. The council operates independently but receives department staff support, with no compensation for members beyond expense reimbursement.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SR 18), not a bill with legal effect. It affirms that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential principles for achieving the American Dream, and encourages policymakers, schools, workplaces, and organizations to adopt DEI practices. The resolution makes no new laws or requirements - it simply expresses support for DEI as foundational to opportunity and prosperity. It was unanimously adopted by the Michigan Senate on March 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts where stores can display alcoholic beverages that share branding with non-alcoholic products (like soda or juice) near items targeting children. Large stores (over 2,500 square feet) must keep these alcoholic products away from cartoon-themed candy, toys, or youth-oriented snacks. Smaller stores (2,500 sq ft or less) can either avoid such displays or post clear 8.5x11 inch signage stating "THIS PRODUCT IS AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE AVAILABLE ONLY TO PERSONS WHO ARE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER" on affected displays. Fines for violations go to a liquor enforcement fund.

Maddy summarySB 127 prohibits public bodies (such as state agencies, schools, and universities) from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It defines prohibited actions as those requiring federal reporting (e.g., USDA regulations), causing injury/fear, or involving invasive procedures like surgery. Exceptions include veterinary training for treating existing conditions and routine procedures like spaying/neutering performed by veterinarians or students. Violations carry civil fines of $1,000-$5,000 per dog per day, enforceable by county prosecutors or the Attorney General.

Maddy summarySB 103 modifies Michigan's psychology licensing rules by requiring new limited license holders (except those working for government or certain nonprofits) to have supervision by a fully licensed psychologist for 180 days after the law takes effect. After this period, limited licensees must continue to have supervision unless they work for government/nonprofits without diagnosing autism spectrum disorders, or have held their limited license for at least 3 years while diagnosing autism. The bill directly affects psychology professionals seeking or holding limited licenses under current rules. It creates a temporary transition period followed by a permanent supervision requirement with specific exceptions for certain employment settings.

Maddy summarySB 104 modifies Michigan's licensing requirements for psychologists by updating the postgraduate experience rule. It directly affects individuals seeking a psychology license who hold a doctoral degree, requiring them to complete at least one year of supervised postdoctoral experience in a health care setting. The bill clarifies that this supervised experience must be overseen by a fully licensed psychologist (not a limited license holder) and specifies the arrangements approved by the licensing board. These changes apply to new applicants under the revised rules, streamlining the path to full licensure while maintaining supervision standards.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Santana to formally recognize February 2025 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it affirms the legislature's support for the annual observance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context, honors African-American contributions, and encourages public awareness of both achievements and ongoing efforts toward racial equality. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on February 12-13, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 8) designates February 3-7, 2025, as School Counseling Week in Michigan. It recognizes the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career development, while raising awareness about the critical need to improve student-to-counselor ratios (currently 598:1 in Michigan, far exceeding the recommended 250:1). The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of counselors' contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 3) authorizes the Senate Majority Leader to take legal action against the House of Representatives to compel it to present nine specific bills to the Governor. The bills - passed by both chambers during the 2023-2024 legislative session - were returned to the House on December 20, 2024, but the House has refused to present them to the Governor despite a constitutional requirement under Michigan’s Article IV, Section 33. The Senate seeks to enforce this duty through court action, targeting House Bills 4177 and 4665-4667 (2023) and 4900-4901, 5817-5818, and 6058 (2024). The resolution focuses solely on procedural compliance, not policy content.