Sen. Mallory McMorrow

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 summarySB 350 would allow Michigan public school students to opt out of the workforce readiness assessment portion of the Michigan Merit Examination. Currently required for high school graduation, this section tests job skills and career readiness; the bill would give students the choice to skip it without academic penalty. The change directly affects students in Michigan public schools who take the exam, which is mandatory for graduation. The bill amends state law (MCL 388.1704b) to create this opt-out option, focusing on student choice in a specific assessment component.

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.

Maddy summarySB 249 creates a task force to develop a low-income water bill assistance program for Michigan residents. The task force, appointed by the Department of Human Services within 30 days, must include representatives from small/large water providers, consumer advocacy groups, community agencies, local governments, and environmental organizations. Over nine months, the task force will advise on program best practices, create implementation guidance, develop outreach materials, seek additional funding, and recommend criteria for providers to run their own affordability programs. This bill does not directly provide assistance but establishes the framework for future program development, pending passage of related bills (SB 248, 250, 252).

Maddy summarySB 254 requires utility providers (like water or sewage services) to approve tenant requests to transfer utility accounts when moving into a rental property. It amends Michigan law to mandate that providers must accept requests from tenants under Section 1f(1) of 1972 PA 348 (which defines "lessee" as a tenant). This directly affects renters who want to continue utility service under their name when leasing a new property, rather than the previous owner or landlord. The bill does not change utility rates or create new fees, only streamlining the transfer process for tenants.

Maddy summarySB 253 requires landlords to provide tenants in single-metered rental units (not part of multifamily properties) with the option to have water and sewer bills sent directly to both the tenant and landlord. It prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who make this request, including eviction, rent increases, or denying lease renewals. The law applies only to new or renewed leases after its effective date and does not override federal housing laws. Tenants in these units gain direct access to their utility billing information, while landlords must comply with the new notification requirement.

Maddy summarySB 256 amends Michigan's criminal sentencing guidelines to reduce penalties for tampering with utility services (like electricity or water) that could shut off a residence. It specifically changes sections 777.16o and 777.16s of the Michigan Penal Code to reflect that certain utility tampering acts are now decriminalized, shifting them from criminal offenses to civil or administrative matters. The bill directly affects individuals who might interfere with utility services to a home, such as low-income residents attempting to avoid shutoffs. This change removes potential criminal charges for these specific acts while maintaining safety and service protections.