Sen. Mallory McMorrow

Maddy summarySenate Bill 138 amends the Michigan vehicle code to allow the Secretary of State to issue temporary registration permits. This directly affects vehicle owners who apply for a new registration plate but whose current registration will expire before they receive the permanent plate. These temporary permits are issued without charge and are valid until the permanent plate arrives or for 60 days, whichever occurs first. The bill also updates language regarding general registration renewal applications, proof of title, and vehicle insurance requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 137 amends several sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code to account for the electronic transfer of vehicle titles. The bill specifies that certain existing requirements for physical paper titles, such as endorsement and delivery, do not apply when a vehicle title is issued electronically. This update helps modernize the process for vehicle owners, purchasers, and transferees by integrating electronic title practices into current law.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 260 amends Michigan's governmental immunity act, specifically for public universities, colleges, and school districts. It removes their immunity from tort liability in cases of criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees or agents. These institutions can be held liable if they were negligent in hiring, supervision, or training, or if they had knowledge of the conduct and failed to report it to law enforcement. However, liability is only imposed if the institution also had prior knowledge of the individual's propensity for or previous acts of criminal sexual conduct and failed to intervene to prevent the subsequent conduct.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 259 revises the statute of limitations for certain claims made against the state of Michigan. While most claims against the state remain subject to a three-year filing deadline, this bill specifically exempts claims related to criminal sexual conduct violations from this general time limit (MCL 600.5851b). The bill makes these changes retroactive, applying to relevant legal actions that are currently pending or are filed in the future. This legislation is tied to two other Senate Bills and will only take effect if they are also enacted.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 307 proposes to amend the Michigan consumer protection act to require the labeling of lead-containing plumbing fixtures. The bill aims to revise section 3 of the act and add a new section 3p. While the provided text details existing unlawful trade practices, the specific new provisions outlining the labeling requirements for lead-containing plumbing fixtures are not included. This legislation would directly affect manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of plumbing fixtures, as well as consumers purchasing these products.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 306 amends the Michigan campaign finance act to allow candidates to use campaign funds for specific caregiving expenses. The bill defines "caregiving expenses" as the costs for direct care, protection, and supervision of a child or person with a disability or medical condition for whom a candidate has direct responsibility. These expenses must directly result from the candidate engaging in campaign activities. The bill clarifies that excluded costs include private school tuition, medical expenses, tutoring, and payments to relatives, unless the relative provides a professional care service at a standard rate.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 305 establishes the Air Quality Enforcement and Mitigation (AQEM) fund, directing all civil and administrative fines collected for air pollution violations into this dedicated fund. The bill mandates that 80% of the fund's money be used for an air quality community impact grant program, with the remaining 20% allocated for increased air monitoring in environmental justice communities and program administration. This grant program will provide funding to eligible entities like nonprofits and local governments for projects such as air pollution mitigation, health impact assessments, and community education, prioritizing environmental justice communities. The Department will develop guidelines for these grants in consultation with an advisory committee, which includes public health experts and community residents.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 designates May 2025 as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month" in Michigan. This resolution encourages all Michigan citizens to participate in efforts to promote motorcycle safety, including rider education, proper gear use, and increased vigilance from all drivers to reduce crashes.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 295 requires Michigan public schools to provide water safety instruction to students. By the 2026-2027 school year, school districts and public school academies must offer age- and grade-appropriate water safety lessons, covering topics like safe behaviors in and around water and the importance of CPR, as part of physical education. The Department of Education will develop a model program for this instruction. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services will create a multilingual informational notice on water safety, which schools must distribute annually to parents and post online beginning October 2026. This bill aims to enhance water safety education for students across Michigan.

Maddy summarySB 234 requires Michigan public school districts and public school academies to create and implement policies limiting student cell phone use during school hours starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The policy must restrict phones during instructional time, breaks, lunch, and recess, while requiring exceptions for emergencies, medical devices, and students with disabilities (as required by law). Schools must detail enforcement methods and post the policy on their websites. This directly affects all Michigan K-12 public schools and their governing boards. The bill does not ban phones outright but mandates structured policies to reduce classroom distractions.