Sen. Mary Cavanagh

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates state funding to Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It establishes the budget amount the department can spend on its operations and programs during that period. The legislation authorizes the department to use these funds for its designated responsibilities related to insurance and financial services regulation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 109 designates April 2026 as Community College Month to honor Michigan's 31 community and tribal colleges. This resolution does not change any laws or policies but serves as a formal recognition of the role these institutions play in education and workforce development. A copy of the resolution will be sent to each community college to highlight their contributions to the state.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 107 officially designates April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week within the state legislature. This commemorative resolution highlights the critical disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and supports awareness efforts led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. The measure does not alter laws or funding but serves to recognize the theme 'Rooted in Justice & Joy' and draw attention to the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 297 aims to protect registered professional nurses by ensuring their refusal to work beyond their predetermined schedule is not grounds for administrative action. It also establishes penalties for hospitals that violate rules related to mandatory overtime for nurses, as referenced in section 21526. Hospitals found in violation could face an administrative fine of $1,000 for each instance, along with other potential sanctions. This bill amends the Public Health Code to implement these provisions, directly affecting nurses and hospitals.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 296 prohibits hospitals from requiring registered professional nurses to work beyond their regularly scheduled, on-call, or voluntarily agreed-upon hours. It mandates that nurses working 12 or more consecutive hours receive 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time immediately afterward. Exceptions to this prohibition include declared states of emergency, mass casualty incidents, certain patient-care procedures, and situations where an oncoming nurse is unexpectedly absent. The bill also protects nurses from retaliation if they refuse work assignments that exceed these limits and requires hospitals to post notices informing nurses of these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in Michigan to establish worker transition programs that provide training, job placement assistance, and fair wages when restructuring or transferring ownership of facilities. It mandates that acquiring entities in utility sales offer employment to existing workers for at least 30 months before hiring outside replacements and must maintain current wage rates and benefits during that period. The legislation also directs the Public Service Commission to set service quality and reliability standards for utilities, including prohibiting extra fees for credit card payments and requiring at least one free payment option for residential customers. Utilities must annually report on their compliance with these standards, and the commission will review performance data to ensure proper system operation and maintenance.

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 summaryThis bill establishes a scholarship program in Michigan to help individuals who failed their social worker licensing exam on their first attempt cover the costs of retaking it. The program is designed to support people who want to become licensed bachelor's or master's social workers and are required to work in health professional shortage areas or with medically underserved populations after receiving the scholarship. Eligible candidates can receive up to $1,000 for exam-related expenses, including registration fees, study materials, and related costs like transportation or childcare, provided they submit proof of residency and a commitment to work in designated areas. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will manage the program, maintain a dedicated state fund for the scholarships, and publish annual reports on the number of recipients and their exam passage rates.

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.