Sen. Mary Cavanagh

Maddy summarySB 113 amends Michigan's penal code to address the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill makes it illegal to obtain or use a vulnerable adult's money or property through fraud, deceit, or coercion for personal benefit, and extends this prohibition to include acts committed against their estate after death. It establishes a tiered system of penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, based on the value of the money or property involved and the offender's prior convictions. This legislation provides increased legal consequences for individuals who financially abuse vulnerable adults and their estates.

Maddy summarySB 111 creates a new "elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order" to protect individuals aged 60+ or those defined as vulnerable adults (e.g., with developmental disabilities or under specific legal protections). The order can restrain specific harmful actions, including assault, firearm possession, animal abuse, property destruction, financial exploitation, and interference with personal liberty. It also allows courts to order return of assets, prohibit access to funds, award damages, and require bond security to prevent financial harm. The bill mandates transferring cases to probate court if the petitioner is under guardianship, ensuring coordinated legal oversight. This directly affects vulnerable Michiganders facing abuse or exploitation by caregivers or others.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 21) symbolically designates March 25, 2025, as "Equal Pay Day" in Michigan. It does not create new laws or policies but raises awareness about persistent pay disparities, noting women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men based on 2019 census data. The resolution highlights that these gaps disproportionately affect women of color and worsen over time, impacting retirement savings and wealth equity. It encourages Michigan citizens to recognize women’s contributions to the workforce, aligning with national Equal Pay Day observances. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a legislative bill with binding effects.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) introduced by Senator Chang designating March 2025 as Social Work Month. It recognizes the contributions of social workers in Michigan and across the U.S., highlighting their roles in mental health care, child welfare, advocacy for vulnerable populations, and community support. The resolution calls on citizens to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating this month. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups through legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 51 establishes the Black Leadership Advisory Council to address racial inequity in Michigan. The council, composed of 15 governor-appointed members (including representation from specific fields like health and education, an immigrant expert, and a member aged 18-35), must develop policies to eliminate discrimination in areas like housing, employment, and healthcare. It is required to identify discriminatory state laws, collaborate with the governor on equitable legislation, and submit annual reports. The council operates independently but receives department staff support, with no compensation for members beyond expense reimbursement.

Maddy summarySB 116 amends Michigan's Food Law to add a new licensing exemption for certain disabled individuals operating food businesses. The bill modifies Section 4105 of the Food Law to include disabled individuals as a category eligible for exemption from standard food establishment licensing requirements. This change specifically allows disabled individuals to operate food-related activities without needing a separate license, provided they meet the existing criteria for food warehouse or processor exemptions (e.g., handling only uncut produce, storing/sorting their own products). The exemption applies to businesses that align with current rules for food warehouses, focusing on unprocessed items and limiting operations to storage and basic handling. This policy change directly affects disabled individuals seeking to start small-scale food businesses without the burden of full licensing.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SR 18), not a bill with legal effect. It affirms that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential principles for achieving the American Dream, and encourages policymakers, schools, workplaces, and organizations to adopt DEI practices. The resolution makes no new laws or requirements - it simply expresses support for DEI as foundational to opportunity and prosperity. It was unanimously adopted by the Michigan Senate on March 18, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 17) is a symbolic recognition of March 17, 2025, as Saint Patrick’s Day. It does not create new laws, affect any specific group, or change policies. The resolution commemorates the Feast of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, and acknowledges Irish cultural heritage and contributions to the U.S. The Senate adopted it on March 13, 2025, as a ceremonial gesture.

Maddy summarySB 89 creates parole eligibility for individuals convicted of first-degree murder under a felony-murder theory before November 4, 1980, who are currently serving life sentences without parole. The bill amends Michigan’s penal code to allow these specific individuals - historically convicted under a legal standard that barred parole - to be considered for parole under the state’s corrections code. This change directly affects people already incarcerated under such pre-1980 convictions, altering their sentencing status without altering their original conviction. The provision applies only to those serving life sentences on the bill’s effective date, not to new cases.

Maddy summarySB 90 amends Michigan's Corrections Code to require parole consideration for individuals sentenced before 1980 for certain crimes. It specifically creates a new process (via added sections 35a and 83a) to allow parole boards to review cases of people incarcerated for offenses listed in Section 33b (like certain violent crimes) who were sentenced prior to 1980. The bill changes existing rules by mandating that parole boards must consider these individuals for parole, rather than automatically denying it based on their sentence date. This directly affects thousands of incarcerated people in Michigan who were convicted and sentenced before 1980 for qualifying offenses.