Sen. Mallory McMorrow

Maddy summarySB 505 requires Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) to create a statewide research and monitoring plan focused on microplastics in the Great Lakes by July 2026. The plan must assess microplastic impacts on drinking water, human/animal health, and the Great Lakes ecosystem, establish baseline data, identify sources, and propose reduction strategies using federal standards (like EPA and NOAA guidelines). It mandates annual updates, public reporting, and requires DEGLE to collaborate with universities and leverage existing federal efforts. The bill directly affects state agencies, researchers, and Great Lakes water quality management, with implementation deadlines set for 2026 and 2028.

Maddy summarySB 503 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of plastic microbeads (intentionally added solid plastic particles ≤5mm) in personal care products (like face scrubs and toothpaste) and cleaning products (including floor cleaners) in Michigan. Starting January 1, 2027, these products cannot contain microbeads unless the concentration is below 1 part per million by weight. The law applies to manufacturers, sellers, and distributors within the state, with enforcement by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Violations carry civil fines up to $2,000 per day, and the department must report on enforcement annually. The bill does not affect air care products or materials used in non-personal care applications.

Maddy summarySB 801 prohibits law enforcement officers from stopping, detaining, or arresting individuals based solely on personal characteristics like race, ethnicity, language, religious affiliation, or perceived sexual orientation. It also bans officers from entering a dwelling using a federal administrative warrant. The bill amends existing law to clarify when federal officers may enforce state law (requiring state warrants or joint investigations) and specifies that such enforcement must comply with the new restrictions. These provisions directly affect all Michigan law enforcement officers (state and federal) and individuals subject to stops or searches under the bill's rules.

Maddy summarySB 794 prohibits landlords from using algorithmic pricing software that incorporates nonpublic competitor data - such as actual rent prices or occupancy rates from other landlords - to coordinate rent pricing or enter into anti-competitive agreements. The bill defines "nonpublic competitor data" as information not widely available to the public and bans its use in software that advises landlords on rent amounts for prospective tenants. This directly affects landlords who rely on such tools to set or adjust rental rates. Violations would be treated as violations of Michigan's antitrust laws, potentially leading to penalties.

Maddy summarySB 795 requires landlords in Michigan to offer tenants the option of having their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus. Landlords must provide this option when a lease is signed and annually thereafter, with clear disclosure of fees (capped at $10/month or actual cost), opt-in/out procedures, and a 6-month waiting period after opting out. The law applies to most rental agreements but excludes small landlords with 15 or fewer units (unless they own multiple properties) and assisted housing developments. Tenants who opt in can build credit history, while landlords must follow specific disclosure rules and cannot charge fees for non-payment of the optional reporting fee.

Maddy summarySB 768 prohibits gas, electric, and steam utilities from filing a new rate case (requesting rate increases) sooner than three years after their previous rate case. This amendment to Michigan's Public Utilities Act (MCL 460.6a) directly affects all utilities regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission when seeking rate adjustments. The key mechanism adds a mandatory three-year waiting period between full rate case filings, preventing utilities from repeatedly seeking rate changes too frequently. It does not change existing processes for partial rate relief or other rate adjustments. The bill aims to stabilize utility rate-setting timelines without altering current hearing requirements or refund procedures.

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 495 requires Michigan public schools, districts, and academies to develop and biennially review comprehensive emergency operations plans. These plans must address school violence, threats, fire, intruders, mental health training for teachers, security improvements, active violence protocols, and pupil reunification. The bill mandates that plans include specific guidelines listed in subsection (3), such as vulnerability assessments and protocols for wireless device use during emergencies. It applies directly to all public school buildings and requires collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.

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.