Sen. Dayna Polehanki

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the President and Congress to reverse actions from the Trump Administration that the bill's sponsors claim are driving up energy costs. It calls for reinstating renewable energy programs, closing inefficient coal plants, and passing a war powers resolution to end the conflict with Iran, which the bill states has increased fuel prices. The measure directly addresses Michigan residents, farmers, and businesses facing higher energy and fertilizer expenses, and it requests that copies be sent to federal and state leaders.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's social work licensure requirements by adding a new provision that allows individuals who have passed the required postdegree experience but failed the licensure exam to apply for a waiver if they complete an additional 2,000 hours of supervised practice. It directly affects aspiring social workers who have met educational and experience requirements but have not yet passed the state licensing examination. The key mechanism introduces a waiver process for the exam requirement when applicants can demonstrate substantial additional supervised experience beyond the standard two-year postdegree requirement. The bill also clarifies supervision requirements for limited licenses, specifying that individuals practicing under a limited license must work under the supervision of a licensed master's social worker within approved agencies or facilities.

Maddy summarySB 508 prohibits law enforcement officers from checking immigration status or enforcing immigration laws in specific "sensitive locations," including schools, hospitals, places of worship, courthouses, and facilities serving vulnerable groups like children or crime victims. The bill allows exceptions only if a court orders entry or if an immediate threat to public safety requires action. It directly affects state and local law enforcement officers and individuals present at these locations during routine activities. The law creates a new legal framework to limit immigration enforcement in settings where people seek safety or services.

Maddy summarySB 510 requires Michigan law enforcement officers to wear uniforms displaying their name or badge number when interacting with the public, prohibiting masks or disguises except in specific circumstances. It allows masks for medical protection against airborne diseases, during state emergencies involving toxins, or for physical face protection. Violating this rule is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine. The law applies to all Michigan and federal law enforcement officers during public interactions but excludes undercover operations.

Maddy summarySB 732 creates a new program allowing Michigan customers with rooftop solar, batteries, or other on-site energy systems (called "behind-the-meter generators") to earn payments for providing grid services like reducing peak demand or improving reliability during outages. It requires the Michigan Public Service Commission to develop rules within a year, ensuring fair compensation based on actual grid value - covering costs like reduced infrastructure needs and enhanced resilience - while prohibiting utilities from owning these systems. The program directly affects residential and commercial customers with eligible energy systems, as well as third-party aggregators that manage multiple systems. Key provisions include standardized contracts, consumer protections, and rules preventing double-compensation for the same service.

Maddy summarySB 731 creates a new program to coordinate customer-owned energy resources like rooftop solar, home batteries, and electric vehicles to provide grid services. It directly affects homeowners with these systems, energy aggregators (companies that bundle customer resources), and electric utilities. The bill requires utilities to work with third-party aggregators during specific "program events" to manage distributed energy resources (such as solar panels or batteries) and demand response (like adjusting appliance use) to support grid reliability. Key mechanisms include defining terms like "aggregator" and establishing communication systems between utilities and these third parties. The program aims to integrate small-scale energy resources into grid operations without changing utility rates or renewable energy targets.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.

Maddy summarySB 697 amends Michigan's election law to change the signature requirements for petitions that qualify candidates or initiatives for the ballot. This bill directly affects candidates seeking office and citizen-led initiatives needing to collect signatures to appear on election ballots. The amendment modifies section 544f of the Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.544f), which currently sets the rules for petition signature counts. Specific details about the revised signature numbers or process are not provided in the available context.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Bruce Patterson, a former Michigan state legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and Senate. It recognizes his public service career, which included leadership roles in committees on energy policy, environmental protection, and consumer rights, as well as his advocacy for nursing home care and water pollution control. The resolution expresses the Legislature's tribute to his memory and directs that copies be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's environmental regulations by establishing clearer guidelines for where landfills can be located and how they must be permitted. It directly affects waste management companies, local health departments, and county officials by requiring specific application fees and engineering plans before new disposal areas can be built. Key provisions include setting different fee amounts for various types of landfills and expansions, allowing permit applications to be resubmitted without additional fees if they are initially incomplete, and prohibiting new landfills from being built within one mile of an existing home. The bill also requires county approval for new type II landfills or municipal solid waste incinerators, ensuring that communities demonstrate other waste disposal options have been exhausted before approving new facilities.