Sen. Dayna Polehanki

Maddy summaryThis bill increases death and disability benefits for Michigan public safety officers who are injured or killed while performing their duties. Starting October 1, 2024, the state will pay $50,000 to the officer's surviving spouse or dependents, or to their estate if no family members exist, whereas claims paid before that date will receive $25,000. The additional payment is intended to be given on top of any other benefits the family may already receive. The law applies retroactively to any benefit applications that were pending on or after the October 1, 2024 effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Michigan state agencies and public institutions from using dogs in research or training activities that cause pain or distress. It defines specific scenarios where such use is banned, including procedures that could cause death, injury, fear, trauma, or involve invasive surgeries, while allowing exceptions for veterinary training on existing conditions and routine spaying or neutering. Violations of these rules can result in civil fines of up to $5,000 for each day the violation continues. The legislation also directs the state health department to create new standards for animal care and establishes a new section that may be named "Queenie's law."

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Nancy C. Cassis, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It recognizes her career as a public servant and details her legislative achievements, including her work on tax policy and her receipt of various awards. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to her family and requests that copies of the document be sent to them as a tribute.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 21, 2024, as Maltese American Heritage Day to honor the contributions of Maltese Americans in Michigan. The measure commemorates the 60th anniversary of Malta's independence and acknowledges the state's large population of Maltese immigrants and their descendants, particularly in the Metro Detroit area. By adopting this resolution, the legislature formally recognizes the cultural and economic impact of this community without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of supporting children affected by cancer. The measure, introduced by Senator Erika Geiss, serves to recognize the resilience of patients and their families while acknowledging the progress made in treatment and research over recent decades. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the bill aims to encourage increased support and attention to the cause without imposing new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for parking in designated electric vehicle charging spaces by defining what constitutes an electric vehicle parking space and the equipment used to charge vehicles. It prohibits stopping, standing, or parking in these marked spaces unless the vehicle is actively plugged in, while requiring space owners to post clear signs detailing the restriction, time limits, and potential fines. The legislation applies only to public charging spaces and allows local governments to create similar laws that do not conflict with state rules. Additionally, the bill updates existing parking violation procedures to ensure that registered vehicle owners can be held responsible for parking infractions and have the right to seek reimbursement from the actual driver if they were not authorized to operate the vehicle.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sex offender registration act to clarify who must register and under what circumstances. It expands the definition of a "conviction" to include specific tribal and military court judgments, as well as certain juvenile dispositions for serious offenses committed by individuals aged 14 or older. The legislation also updates the definition of "custodial authority" to explicitly include various school employees, correctional facility staff, and other individuals in positions of power who exploit their status to engage in sexual contact with victims. These changes ensure that a broader range of offenders, including those with specific types of past adjudications or those who abused authority, are subject to the state's registration requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's sentencing guidelines to establish specific rules for crimes involving sexual conduct with or involving a corpse. It directly affects judges who must determine appropriate prison sentences for these offenses by providing a structured framework for sentencing decisions. The key provision creates new statutory language within the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure consistency in how these particular crimes are punished.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a dead human body in Michigan. It establishes that sexual contact, defined as intentional touching of specific body areas for sexual purposes like revenge or humiliation, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison or a $500 fine. More severe sexual penetration, such as entry into genital or anal openings, is classified as a felony carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The law also allows prison terms for these offenses to run consecutively to other sentences related to the same incident.

Maddy summarySB 690 amends the Michigan Code of Military Justice to update the legal framework governing the state's military forces. The bill modifies numerous existing sections and adds new provisions to address changes in military law and procedure. These updates directly affect the administration and discipline of the Michigan National Guard and other state military units. By revising specific articles within the code, the legislation ensures the state's military justice system remains current with broader legal standards.