Sen. Mary Cavanagh

Maddy summarySB 128 establishes the Michigan-Ireland Trade Commission to promote economic partnerships between Michigan businesses and Ireland. The bill creates a new state commission tasked with coordinating trade promotion activities, facilitating business connections, and supporting export opportunities for Michigan companies targeting the Irish market. This commission will operate under state agency oversight and directly affect Michigan businesses engaged in international trade with Ireland. The bill does not impose new taxes or regulations but creates a dedicated entity to advance bilateral trade relations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan health insurers to cover medically necessary treatments for menopause and perimenopause symptoms, including FDA-approved hormone therapy. It specifically prohibits insurers from demanding prior authorization, step therapy, or "fail-first" protocols for hormone therapy prescriptions related to these conditions. The law applies directly to health insurance policies sold in Michigan and affects patients experiencing menopause or perimenopause symptoms who seek treatment. Key provisions ensure coverage for treatments without additional administrative barriers typically imposed by insurers. The bill defines menopause as permanent cessation of menstruation and perimenopause as the transitional phase before menopause.

Maddy summarySB 717 requires Michigan's Medicaid program to cover medically necessary treatments for menopause and perimenopause symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy and FDA-approved treatments, without requiring prior authorization. The bill prohibits step therapy or "fail-first" protocols for these treatments, meaning patients won't be forced to try other medications first. This applies to all Medicaid beneficiaries in Michigan seeking care for these conditions and directly affects how the state's health department administers coverage under the medical assistance program.

Maddy summarySB 714 amends Michigan's sports betting law to regulate advertising and promotions for internet gaming. It requires all sports betting ads to be pre-approved by the state board and prohibits advertising to anyone under 21, limiting ads to audiences where under 21s make up no more than 30% of viewers/readers. The bill also bans deceptive claims, mandates disclaimers about gambling addiction helplines, and prohibits sponsorships targeting minors (with limited exceptions for venues or channels). Violations carry fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses or license revocation for third violations. These rules apply directly to sports betting operators and their marketing efforts.

Maddy summarySB 713 regulates advertisements for internet gaming in Michigan by requiring all ads to be approved by the state board and comply with state law. It bans deceptive marketing, prohibits advertising to anyone under 21 (with strict proof that under 30% of an ad's audience is under 21), and mandates addiction disclaimers with a helpline number. Internet gaming operators face fines up to $5,000 for first violations and license revocation for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects online gaming companies and advertisers, while allowing municipalities to set reasonable sign restrictions that don’t conflict with the law.

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a memorial resolution honoring Irma Clark-Coleman, a former Michigan state legislator who served in the House (1999-2002) and Senate (2003-2010). The resolution recognizes her decades of public service at both local (Wayne County) and state levels, including her advocacy for education reform and legislative work on children’s issues. Unanimously adopted by the Michigan Legislature in December 2025, it serves as a formal tribute to her legacy and does not enact any policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal (SJR F) removes gender-specific language from two Michigan Constitution sections. It repeals the current definition of marriage as "the union of one man and one woman" (Article I, Section 25) and updates property rights language to be gender-neutral (Article X, Section 1). The change would affect all Michiganders by eliminating gender-based restrictions in marriage recognition and ensuring property rights for married individuals are defined without gender distinctions. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to reflect these neutral terms. The bill is currently in committee for review.

Maddy summarySB 251 proposes a new law requiring water utilities to provide clearer billing information and establish affordability programs for low-income households. It directly affects public water systems by mandating transparent rate structures and creating a process for discounted service rates. The bill aims to make water costs more predictable and accessible through concrete requirements for utility reporting and customer assistance. Specific implementation details are still under review by the committee.

Maddy summarySB 250 creates a new program to provide financial assistance for water bills to low-income households. It adds specific provisions to the state’s human services law (MCL 400.1-400.119b) to establish eligibility criteria and program administration. The policy directly affects residents struggling to afford basic water services, aiming to reduce financial strain through state-funded support. This change modifies existing law to integrate water affordability into human services programs.

Maddy summarySB 255 would decriminalize restoring water service to a lawfully occupied home after a shutoff due to non-payment, provided no metering or backflow devices are damaged. It changes penalties from potential felony charges to civil violations, with first offenses requiring up to 25 hours of community service, and repeat offenses limited to fines under $500 or up to 100 hours of service. The bill applies specifically to residents who restore service themselves, not utility workers or others. It also mandates referrals to water assistance programs for those cited under this provision.