Sen. Mallory McMorrow

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the Environmental Permit Review Commission and repeals the specific sections of law that created it. It directly affects the Department of Environmental Quality and the various state agencies that issue environmental permits, such as those for mining, waste disposal, and water use. The legislation removes the requirement for the state to appoint panels or hold public hearings to review certain permit applications, thereby streamlining the administrative process. While it retains existing definitions for terms like "permit" and "processing period," it effectively ends the oversight role previously held by the commission.

Maddy summarySB 393 proposes to eliminate Part 26 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, which currently establishes the Environmental Science Advisory Board. This legislative change would effectively dissolve the board by removing the specific sections of law that created it and defined its functions. The bill directly impacts the state's administrative structure by ending the formal advisory role this board plays in environmental matters. If passed, the repeal would leave the existing framework for environmental science advice without this specific statutory entity.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the State Housing Development Authority Act to update definitions and funding rules for the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund. It clarifies terms such as "downtown area" and "adjacent neighborhood" and expands the list of eligible applicants to include various types of corporations, municipalities, and partnerships focused on affordable housing. The legislation establishes specific requirements for how fund money must be allocated, mandating that at least 25% support general rental projects and 30% target extremely low-income households through supportive or transitional housing. Additionally, it requires that any rental project receiving fund assistance reserve at least 20% of its units for households earning no more than 60% of the area median income.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 23 through 29, 2024, as Grassroots Week in Michigan to honor precinct delegates and grassroots leaders. The measure aims to acknowledge the efforts of these individuals, who serve as the smallest link in the districting system by registering voters and organizing community support for political candidates. By officially recognizing this week, the Senate encourages all residents to express gratitude for the time and energy these volunteers dedicate to their neighborhoods. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of appreciation for their role in the democratic process.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's use tax rules to simplify record-keeping requirements for businesses and explicitly adds microbreweries to a list of entities exempt from certain documentation rules. It allows wholesalers, liquor commission agents, and microbrewers to satisfy exemption paperwork needs simply by providing their Michigan liquor control commission license numbers instead of traditional exemption certificates. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that sellers are generally not responsible for taxes if a buyer incorrectly claims an exemption, provided the seller has followed proper procedures and obtained the necessary identifying information. These changes aim to streamline administrative processes for specific alcohol industry participants while maintaining accountability for tax collection.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's sales tax rules to simplify how businesses verify tax exemptions and introduces a new exemption for microbrewers. It requires sellers to collect specific identifying information from buyers when claiming tax exemptions, allowing a liquor control commission license number to satisfy this requirement for certain transactions. The legislation also streamlines record-keeping by permitting electronic formats, removing the need for signatures on digital forms, and establishing clear timelines for obtaining exemption documentation to protect sellers from liability. Additionally, it creates a process for buyers who missed the initial exemption claim to request a refund from the state within four years if they can provide proper documentation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, a 1964 civil rights campaign in Mississippi where volunteers worked to register Black voters and establish community schools. The bill directly affects the state legislature by formally recognizing the historical significance of the event and honoring the Michigan residents who participated as volunteers. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the struggle for voting rights and the sacrifices made by activists during that period. The text highlights the efforts of various organizations to challenge segregation and notes the violent opposition faced by participants, including murders and beatings. Ultimately, the resolution affirms the importance of voting rights for all citizens without altering any existing legal framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Food Law to explicitly allow dogs to be present at restaurants that offer outdoor seating. The change directly affects food service establishments by clarifying that the existing rules permitting outdoor seating do not prohibit the presence of pets. By modifying specific sections of the current statute, the legislation updates the legal framework to accommodate businesses that wish to serve customers with their dogs outside. This policy adjustment does not alter health and safety standards for the food itself but rather expands the types of establishments and seating arrangements currently recognized under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Mobile Home Commission Act to modernize the regulation of manufactured housing and the entities that manage or sell them. It directly affects mobile home dealers, park owners, local governments, and residents by clarifying definitions and establishing new rules for licensing and safety. Key provisions include refining what constitutes a mobile home, defining the roles of the state department and local authorities, and adding specific sections to address warranties, service practices, and the titling of homes. The legislation also introduces new terms like "material deficiency" to better identify violations that threaten health and safety within mobile home parks. Overall, the bill aims to streamline administrative processes and ensure consistent standards across the state's mobile home industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new procedure for mobile home park owners to declare a resident's mobile home abandoned under specific conditions. The process requires a prior court order restoring possession to the park owner, followed by a waiting period of at least 90 days of non-occupancy or 10 days of unpaid rent, along with delinquent debts. Before declaring abandonment, the park owner must calculate the home's fair market value, send detailed notices to the owner and lienholders, and file a notice with the secretary of state. If the home's value exceeds the owed rent and fees, the park owner must offer the excess amount to the owner via check. The bill also outlines the owner's right to remove the home within a set timeframe and the park owner's ability to apply for title if the home remains unremoved after a final notice period.