Sen. Mary Cavanagh

Maddy summarySB 782 prohibits auto insurers from requiring policyholders to list all household members on insurance applications and bans denial of coverage solely because someone wasn't listed. It directly affects Michigan residents applying for personal protection insurance and their relatives living in the same home. The bill amends Michigan’s insurance code to make it illegal for insurers to use household composition as a condition for coverage or claim denial. This changes existing practice by preventing insurers from refusing claims based on incomplete household information. The law applies to all standard auto insurance policies covering bodily injury from motor vehicle accidents.

Maddy summarySB 583 allows Michigan taxpayers to receive tax notices by email if they have consented to electronic communication. The bill adds Section 28a, requiring taxpayers to provide written consent for electronic notices before the Department of Treasury can send them via email. This change directly affects individual and business taxpayers who choose to opt into electronic notices for tax matters. The key mechanism is the new consent requirement, which replaces the previous default of mail-based notices for all taxpayers.

Maddy summarySB 584 would change Michigan's tax law to make it optional for pension administrators to withhold income tax from pension or annuity payments. Currently, pension providers must withhold tax under Section 703 of the Income Tax Act, but this bill would allow them to choose whether to withhold. The change directly affects pension administrators (like retirement plan providers) and recipients of pension payments, as it removes a mandatory withholding requirement. The bill amends Section 703 of the 1967 Income Tax Act (MCL 206.703) without altering other withholding rules for employers, flow-through entities, or casinos.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month in Michigan. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, as it is a symbolic gesture of commemoration. The resolution affirms Michigan's commitment to honoring African-American contributions to history, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. It aligns with longstanding national recognition of Black History Month, which began in 1976.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 95) symbolically recognizes February 11, 2026, as "UAW White Shirt Day" to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the UAW's first contract with General Motors and the 1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike. It honors the UAW's history, including the origin of the "White Shirt Day" tradition (starting in 1948), where members wear white shirts to symbolize equal respect for workers. The resolution directly affects UAW members, retirees, and Michigan communities by formally acknowledging their historical contributions to labor rights and the state's economy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact or new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 547 requires healthcare providers (like doctors and hospitals) to submit medical records and comply with insurance reviews for accident-related care under Michigan's no-fault insurance. It creates a formal process for insurers to request explanations for treatments deemed excessive, with providers able to appeal decisions to the state department. The bill also penalizes providers who submit false information during reviews as fraudulent insurance acts. These changes apply to all healthcare providers offering covered services and aim to standardize how insurers evaluate medical care against medical guidelines. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee.

Maddy summarySB 543 increases civil fines for violations of Michigan's insurance code. Insurers face fines up to $100,000 per knowing violation (capped at $500,000 total), while other entities face up to $5,000 per knowing violation (capped at $50,000 total). The bill clarifies that fines apply to non-compliant filings under specific chapters but exclude individual policy actions based on those filings. It also strengthens enforcement by allowing the director to order cease-and-desist actions and suspend licenses for repeated violations.

Maddy summarySB 549 amends Michigan's Insurance Code to strengthen data security requirements for insurers handling personal information. It requires insurers to notify Michigan residents if their unencrypted personal data (like Social Security numbers or financial account details) was accessed by unauthorized parties, or if encrypted data was accessed with the encryption key. The law also mandates that insurers notify data owners if a breach affects information they own but the insurer maintains. These notifications must be provided without unreasonable delay after determining the breach could cause substantial harm or identity theft. The bill directly affects Michigan residents whose data is held by insurers and the insurers themselves, who must now follow specific breach notification protocols.

Maddy summarySB 545 requires Michigan auto and homeowners insurers to provide clear, written explanations to policyholders when making significant changes to their coverage or rates (like increases over 10%, cancellations, or reduced coverage). It mandates that notices explain the specific factors driving the change - such as driving history or property risks - instead of vague terms like "poor loss history" or "internal models." Policyholders can request written details, and insurers must share these notices with their insurance agents under certain conditions. The law applies to policies issued after January 1, 2026, and does not replace existing cancellation notice requirements.

Maddy summarySB 550 requires auto and home insurers in Michigan to provide policyholders with clear, written explanations of how their insurance rates are calculated. Specifically, insurers must send annual notices detailing rating classifications, how rates vary based on those factors, and how policyholders can verify their premiums (Sec. 2112). The bill also strengthens filing rules for insurers, mandating detailed rate manuals be submitted to the state insurance department for review (Sec. 2106, 2108), with a 90-day waiting period for auto insurance rate changes. Additionally, it prohibits "redlining" (denying coverage based on location) and requires insurers to certify filings comply with state rules. This directly affects insurers (who must file and disclose) and policyholders (who gain transparency into rate calculations).