Sen. Dayna Polehanki

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act to update eligibility requirements for individuals seeking financial aid for adult education. It directly affects adults aged 25 and older who are pursuing associate degrees or industry-recognized certificates at Michigan community colleges. The key provision establishes that this bill will only become effective if a companion bill, SB 406, is also passed into law. By linking its activation to another piece of legislation, the bill ensures that changes to the grant program are implemented as part of a coordinated legislative effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from carrying firearms on the premises of specific state buildings, including the Michigan State Capitol and the Anderson House Office Building. It also bans guns in various public and private locations such as banks, churches, courts, theaters, sports arenas, day care centers, hospitals, and licensed liquor establishments. The law includes exceptions for security personnel, peace officers, licensed concealed carry holders serving as state legislators, and anyone with the property owner's permission. Violating these restrictions is classified as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $100, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Reproductive Health Data Privacy Act in Michigan to protect personal information related to reproductive health status. It directly affects businesses and organizations that provide reproductive health services by requiring their explicit, opt-in consent before collecting, processing, or selling such data. The law also prohibits the use of geofencing technology to track individuals near reproductive health facilities and defines specific rules for what counts as valid consent, excluding vague terms of service or deceptive design. Additionally, the act outlines civil sanctions and remedies for violations, ensuring that only de-identified or aggregated data is exempt from these privacy protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed individuals from carrying concealed pistols or electro-muscular disruption devices on the premises of various public and private locations, including schools, child care centers, sports arenas, bars serving alcohol, places of worship, hospitals, and college classrooms. The law explicitly excludes parking areas from these restrictions and does not apply to current state legislators or specific groups of law enforcement and security personnel who are required to carry weapons for their jobs. Violations of the ban result in escalating penalties, starting with a fine and license suspension for a first offense and potentially leading to felony charges and license revocation for third or subsequent offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing cap on Michigan's Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund, allowing the state to maintain a reserve of up to $10 million instead of the previous limit. It enables the director of emergency management to use these funds for employee overtime, travel, and subsistence during disasters, as well as for other emergency needs with the governor's approval. The legislation also clarifies that any leftover money in the fund at the end of a fiscal year will not be returned to the general budget but will remain available for future use. Additionally, the bill ensures that interest earned on investments made with the fund is credited back to the account.

Maddy summarySB 406 modifies the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act to update eligibility rules and establish a new short-term training program for adult learners. The bill maintains the existing requirement that grant recipients be at least 25 years old, though it allows for a temporary reduction to age 21 if funding permits, with this lower age limit expiring after the 2032 fiscal year. Additionally, the legislation creates a new skills scholarship program offering one-time grants of up to $1,500 for individuals to attend approved short-term occupational training programs. To receive these funds, applicants must meet the same age, residency, and education requirements as the standard reconnect grant and apply for all available financial aid. The bill also directs the state department to manage applications, approve qualified training programs, and maintain a public list of available options.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate money to endowment funds at certified community foundations starting in 2024. Individuals can claim a credit equal to 50% of their donation, up to a maximum of $100 for single filers or $200 for joint filers, while estates and trusts can claim up to 10% of their tax liability or $5,000, whichever is less. To qualify, the community foundation must be certified by the state department and have at least $1 million in assets, and donors must receive a gift acknowledgment confirming the contribution went to an endowment fund. The bill also requires the state department to report the total amount of these credits claimed each year to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's liquor control code to address situations where liquor retailers use payments that are rejected by banks due to insufficient funds. Under the new rules, a retailer who makes such a dishonored payment to a wholesaler must pay a $50 administrative fee. If the retailer repeats this mistake within 12 months, the fee increases to $150 for a second offense and $300 for a third or subsequent offense. The bill also clarifies that any fines imposed by the state commission for these violations must be placed into a specific state fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act to allow owners of registered repair facilities to operate an additional facility under the same registration. The legislation clarifies definitions for terms such as "auxiliary facility" and "BAIID service," which refers to work on breath alcohol ignition interlock devices. It also updates requirements for mechanics, specifying that certified specialty or master mechanics working at an auxiliary facility are not required to display their certificates at that specific location. These changes aim to streamline regulations for vehicle repair businesses while maintaining oversight over mechanic certifications and service descriptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing law to officially rename the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman to the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsperson. It directly affects the Michigan Department of Corrections by granting the ombudsperson expanded powers to investigate complaints from prisoners, their families, legislators, and advocates regarding administrative actions or facility issues. Key provisions allow the ombudsperson to access prisoner medical and mental health records, hire qualified experts, and use photographic equipment during investigations. Additionally, the bill requires the creation of a standardized complaint form available both online and in correctional facility libraries to streamline how grievances are filed.