Sen. Dayna Polehanki

Maddy summarySB 760, the "Leading Ethical AI Development for Kids Act," prohibits operators of companion chatbots from making these AI systems available to minors (under 18) if they could encourage self-harm, unsafe behavior, or harmful interactions like sexual content. The bill specifically bans chatbots that simulate emotional relationships by retaining personal data, asking unsolicited emotional questions, or prioritizing user validation over safety. Operators face $25,000 fines per violation and can be sued by harmed minors or their guardians for damages. This applies to business-owned chatbots designed for ongoing emotional engagement - not customer service or internal tools - and takes effect in 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 7) is a ceremonial recognition, not a law. It formally designates February 11, 2025, as "UAW White Shirt Day" to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the UAW's first contract with General Motors and honor the tradition started in 1948 where UAW members wear white shirts to symbolize equal respect for blue-collar workers. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for the UAW's contributions to Michigan's workforce and economy. It has no legal effect or direct impact on any individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in Michigan to cover infertility treatments starting in 2027, affecting all individuals with health insurance policies issued or renewed in the state. The legislation mandates comprehensive coverage for diagnostic care, fertility treatments, and preservation services, including at least four complete egg retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers and costs associated with transferring embryos to a third party. Insurers must provide these benefits without discrimination based on various personal characteristics and cannot impose higher deductibles, waiting periods, or preexisting condition exclusions specifically for infertility services. The law defines infertility broadly to include conditions impacting pregnancy ability and situations where individuals lack the necessary gametes, while also clarifying that coverage applies regardless of whether donor gametes are used or if a surrogate is involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated state fund to support Michigan's 988 crisis lifeline system, which provides suicide prevention and mental health crisis services. It establishes a new telecommunications fee of 25 cents per month on landline and mobile phone lines, as well as a 6% fee on prepaid phone purchases, to generate revenue for this fund. The collected fees must be used to improve the crisis hotline infrastructure, expand crisis services, and fund stabilization programs, while ensuring these funds supplement rather than replace existing state or federal grants. Additionally, the bill requires the state treasurer to adjust the monthly fee annually based on inflation and mandates regular audits to ensure phone companies collect and remit the fees correctly.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 112 officially designates April 19-26, 2026, as Infertility Awareness Week to raise public understanding of infertility as a disease that affects people of all backgrounds. The resolution encourages state legislators and the community to participate in awareness efforts alongside the National Infertility Association. This measure does not change laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the challenges faced by individuals and couples struggling with family building.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 113 officially designates May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Month in Michigan. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the disease and encourage support for affected families. The bill does not create new laws or change funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the condition.

Maddy summarySB 481 requires hotels and motels in Michigan to post a human trafficking notice on their premises. This law directly affects all lodging businesses (including motels, inns, and similar properties) that provide temporary accommodations to travelers. The bill amends existing law to mandate that these properties display the notice in a specified manner as directed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Maddy summarySB 463 removes criminal penalties and civil fines for minors (under 18) who purchase, possess, or use tobacco products, vapor products, or alternative nicotine products. The bill eliminates existing legal consequences for these minor offenses, shifting focus away from punishment. It directly affects underage individuals by ending enforcement of penalties under current law (MCL 722.642). The key provision is a "sunset" of these penalties, meaning they would no longer apply once the bill takes effect.

Maddy summarySB 466 amends two sections of Michigan's 1971 Age of Majority Act (MCL 722.52 & 722.53) to update a reference to 1915 Public Act 31 regarding tobacco regulations. It specifically revises how the law cites this historical tobacco statute, ensuring the reference is accurate within the current legal framework. This is a procedural correction to the law's wording, not a change to tobacco regulations or age restrictions themselves. The bill directly affects the legal text of the Age of Majority Act, aligning it with existing tobacco-related statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates three specific dates in the Islamic Hijri calendar as official holidays in Michigan: Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Ghadeer. It directly affects state employees and government operations by requiring these days to be recognized as holidays, similar to other state-recognized observances. The legislation specifies the exact calendar dates for each holiday based on the Islamic lunar calendar, ensuring they are officially acknowledged within the state. This change does not alter existing laws regarding holiday pay or time off but formally adds these religious observances to the list of recognized state holidays.