Sen. Mallory McMorrow

Maddy summarySenate Bill 959 requires railroads operating in Michigan to install and maintain wayside detector systems that scan trains for defects like hot wheel bearings and dragging equipment. The bill sets specific rules for how often these systems must be placed along tracks, depending on the size of the railroad, and mandates that alerts be sent immediately to train operators so they can stop or repair issues safely. It also gives the state Office of Rail the authority to investigate railroads that refuse to cooperate and requires a report on derailments caused by bearing or axle failures by the end of 2028.

Maddy summarySB 1011 creates a new state-regulated program called a small business health pool to offer health coverage to Michigan employers with fewer than 500 employees and eligible self-employed individuals. This initiative requires these businesses to join a nonprofit sponsoring association that meets specific financial and operational standards, ensuring the group is stable and has a legitimate business purpose beyond just providing insurance. The bill establishes rules for how these pools operate, allowing them to be fully insured, level-funded, or self-funded while mandating that they cover essential health benefits and cannot discriminate based on health status or claims history. Additionally, the legislation creates a state-funded reinsurance program to reimburse 60% of catastrophic claims between $75,000 and $250,000 per person to help stabilize premiums. The Department of Insurance will oversee the program by reviewing financial solvency and compliance, but it will not approve insurance rates except for fully insured products.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees Act, restricts how employers in Michigan can use automated decision-making tools and electronic monitoring systems for their workforce. It generally prohibits using these technologies for employment decisions like hiring or firing, except when screening large volumes of applications based on specific job criteria. Employers are only allowed to monitor employees for specific purposes such as ensuring job function completion, monitoring production quality, or protecting health and safety, and they must obtain written consent from every employee before using such tools. The legislation also mandates that employers provide clear notice of monitoring, maintain accurate data, allow employees to correct their records, and conduct impact assessments to ensure these tools do not negatively affect individuals based on protected characteristics.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act to update acreage limits and add new requirements for designating economic development zones in specific areas. It raises the maximum allowable zone size from 15% to 20% of a local government's total land for new or rehabilitated facilities and from 10% to 20% for homestead facilities. Additionally, the legislation introduces stricter criteria for zones in cities and townships created after 2022, requiring them to be adjacent to existing development with adequate infrastructure and containing at least five residential units per acre. The bill also mandates that residents earning more than 120% of the county median income pay full property taxes on their portion of a facility within these zones, while maintaining existing rules for public hearings and housing inspections.

Maddy summarySB 517 amends Michigan's school code to clarify how school districts can use bond funds. It allows districts to borrow for physical infrastructure (like buildings, playgrounds, and initial technology hardware/software purchases) but explicitly prohibits using bond proceeds for ongoing technology costs - such as software upgrades, maintenance, training, or repairs. The bill directly affects school districts by restricting their borrowing options for technology-related expenses. It also requires independent audits of bond spending and permits residents to sue if districts violate these rules.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of June 23-29, 2026, as Grassroots Week in Michigan to honor precinct delegates and grassroots leaders. The measure aims to acknowledge the efforts of everyday residents who organize political movements and serve as a vital link between their communities and elected officials. By formally recognizing these individuals, the bill encourages state residents to express gratitude for their contributions to the democratic process.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's skilled trades regulation act to create a preliminary determination process for individuals with criminal convictions who are seeking professional licenses. Under the new rules, applicants can submit a request to the department to get an early assessment of whether their past court judgments would likely lead to a license denial based on good moral character requirements. The department must provide this written decision within 60 days and cannot require the applicant to complete education or training before making this initial review. Additionally, the bill requires the department to publish an annual report detailing the number of license denials and the specific criminal offenses that led to those decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to create a preliminary determination process for individuals seeking professional licensure or registration who have criminal court judgments. It allows applicants to request a written decision from the Department of Health and Human Services on whether their criminal history would likely result in a license denial based on good moral character requirements. The process requires applicants to submit a specific form, a nonrefundable fee, and details of their criminal proceedings, with the department required to provide a response within 60 days. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a negative preliminary determination does not bar a future license application and mandates that the department publish lists of disciplined individuals to inform the public and relevant agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's occupational code to create a preliminary determination process for individuals seeking professional licenses who have criminal convictions. It allows applicants to request an early assessment from the department to see if their past court judgments would likely lead to a denial based on good moral character requirements. The legislation also modifies rules for relicensing, permitting individuals who let their licenses expire to renew without re-examination or additional training if they apply within three years and meet specific conditions. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance for applicants with criminal records and streamline the process for those who have lapsed in maintaining their professional credentials.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new grant program and fund to support community violence intervention and prevention efforts in Michigan. It directs state funding to eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations that meet specific criteria, such as having high homicide rates or a demonstrated need to address violence. The grants must be used for evidence-based strategies that utilize trauma-informed care, expand economic opportunities, and avoid contributing to mass incarceration. Furthermore, the legislation requires that at least 75% of any grant given to a local government be passed on to community-based or nonprofit groups, ensuring that law enforcement agencies do not receive these specific funds. The bill also mandates regular reporting on financial use and program outcomes to ensure accountability.