Sen. Mallory McMorrow

Maddy summarySB 96 establishes safety standards for temporary door locking devices in Michigan child care centers. It requires these devices to be portable (not permanently attached), allow quick unlocking from both inside and outside with a key/tool, not interfere with fire exits, and be installed per approved plans. Child care centers must submit installation details for approval, provide staff training, and limit lock use to specific emergency periods. The law directly affects all licensed child care centers operating such devices, ensuring they meet fire safety and emergency access requirements.

Maddy summarySB 97 updates Michigan's fire prevention code to clarify that temporary locking devices or systems installed in child care centers - under specific construction codes - do not violate fire safety rules. It directly affects child care centers using these temporary locks during construction or renovations. The bill amends Section 22 of the Fire Prevention Code (MCL 29.22) to explicitly exclude such devices from being considered fire hazards, aligning with existing construction safety standards. This is a technical clarification, not a new policy, and applies only to child care centers meeting the referenced construction code requirements.

Maddy summarySB 158 prohibits the use of automated programs (bots) to purchase event tickets online in bulk. It directly affects consumers trying to buy tickets fairly and venues or ticket sellers using such bots to manipulate sales. The bill creates a new legal prohibition against these automated ticket-buying practices, making it illegal for businesses to deploy them. This policy change aims to prevent scalping and ensure equitable access to tickets for the general public.

Maddy summarySB 349 would allow Michigan high school students to opt out of the workforce readiness assessment portion of the Michigan Merit Examination. The bill amends MCL 380.1279g to provide this opt-out option directly to students taking the exam. It does not change the overall examination requirements but gives students a choice regarding this specific assessment component. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Education and Workforce.

Maddy summarySB 513 amends Michigan's liquor law by changing the legal definition of "brand" under Section 105 of the 1998 Liquor Code (MCL 436.1105) and adds a new Section 604. This directly affects liquor businesses, distributors, and regulators by clarifying how "brand" is legally defined in licensing and regulatory contexts. The bill does not create new taxes or restrictions but adjusts terminology to align with current industry practices. It passed unanimously in the legislature on December 2, 2025, with no opposing votes. (Note: The bill is procedural, focusing solely on statutory definition, not new policy.)

Maddy summarySB 95 (the "hospital price transparency act") prohibits hospitals from attempting to collect debts for services provided when they were not complying with state price transparency laws. It specifically bans hospitals from using debt collectors, suing patients, or reporting debts to credit bureaus for care received during non-compliance periods. The bill directly affects hospitals that fail to publicly list prices for services (like "chargemaster" rates) and patients who received care during those violations. Key provisions define "collection actions" and clarify that hospitals cannot pursue payment for non-compliant billing periods, offering patients remedies if hospitals attempt collection anyway.

Maddy summarySB 512 amends multiple sections of Michigan's liquor distribution laws (1998 PA 58), including provisions related to licensing, distribution channels, and retailer operations. It directly affects liquor distributors, retailers, and potentially consumers by modifying existing regulatory rules. The bill adds a new section (412) and updates specific sections (105, 303, 526, 607, 609b, 1025), though the context does not detail the exact policy changes. The bill passed the legislature on December 2, 2025, with 37 votes in favor.

Maddy summarySB 82 creates new legal protections to enhance the safety of judges, their families, and household members. The bill directly affects judges and their immediate household by limiting public access to personal information like home addresses and phone numbers. Key provisions require courts to implement measures that restrict the disclosure of such details and establish protocols for physical safety. This legislation aims to strengthen existing safeguards against potential threats by making personal information less accessible to the public.

Maddy summarySB 483 creates a palliative care advisory task force within Michigan's health department. The task force will study current palliative care services and make recommendations to improve access and quality for patients facing serious illness. This affects Michigan's healthcare system by establishing a new body to address gaps in end-of-life care services.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution honoring Donald Koivisto, a former Michigan State Senator (1990-2002) and House Representative (1981-1986). The resolution expresses the legislature's tribute to his service, highlighting his dedication to the Upper Peninsula, farming community, and bipartisan collaboration. It was unanimously adopted by both chambers as a formal expression of respect for his legacy. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely commemorates his public service.