Sen. Mallory McMorrow

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Services within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The office would manage state funds and grants, track violence trends, and provide technical assistance to local nonprofit organizations working to reduce shootings and homicides. It would also set statewide goals for violence reduction, publish best practices, and coordinate all related prevention efforts across the state. The legislation does not take effect unless a companion bill, SB 1016, is also passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires railroad companies in Michigan to operate freight trains with a minimum crew of two people. It applies to all freight trains unless the train is being moved within a yard for maintenance purposes, assisting another train with mechanical issues or steep grades, or if a federal law already mandates two crew members. The law defines specific terms like 'helper service' and 'hostler service' to clarify when the two-person crew requirement does not apply. By adding a new section to the existing railroad code, the measure establishes a new standard for crew staffing on freight operations.

Maddy summarySB 328 requires auto insurers in Michigan to reduce premiums by 10% for new policies or the first renewal after the law takes effect. This applies to all policies issued or renewed under the specified conditions, directly affecting policyholders and insurers. The bill explicitly prohibits insurers from lowering coverage options to offset this premium reduction. It mandates concrete changes to insurance pricing without altering policy terms or coverage requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 245 proposes changes to Michigan's insurance code, primarily affecting how insurers process and pay claims to insureds, beneficiaries, and third-party claimants. The bill expands the definition of unfair or deceptive insurance practices to explicitly include conduct that occurs during claims handling and resolution. It requires insurers to pay benefits on a timely basis or pay 12% interest, otherwise considering it an unfair trade practice unless the claim is reasonably in dispute. Additionally, for benefits not paid timely, the insurer would be liable for the full amount of the loss, irrespective of policy coverage limits.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day to honor Michigan's significant role in the national cherry industry. The measure highlights the state's status as the top cherry producer and celebrates the history and economic impact of the cherry harvest, particularly in the Grand Traverse region. By officially recognizing this date, the legislature aims to acknowledge the contributions of growers, processors, and merchants who support the local economy and promote cherries.

Maddy summarySB 451 prohibits consumer reporting agencies in Michigan from including medical debt in credit reports, protecting residents from negative credit impacts due to unpaid medical bills. The law requires collection agencies to disclose this restriction in writing to consumers and forbids them from claiming medical debt will appear on credit reports unless the debt relates to a mortgage exceeding the federal conforming loan limit ($766,550 for 2024). It directly affects consumers who receive medical care but have unpaid bills, as their credit scores will no longer be harmed by such debt. The law also provides legal remedies, including damages and attorney fees, for violations.

Maddy summarySB 450 amends Michigan law to require public hospital boards to follow the Hospital Financial Assistance Act when setting patient payment policies for non-charity care. It directly affects county public hospitals by making their financial assistance policies subject to existing state standards under the Hospital Financial Assistance Act. The bill updates Section 17 of the 1913 Public Act 350 to clarify that hospital trustees' authority over patient fees is governed by this act, ensuring consistent financial assistance rules across public hospitals.

Maddy summarySB 701 amends Section 3 of Michigan's Consumer Protection Act (MCL 445.903) to modify provisions related to unfair credit practices. The bill title indicates it aims to set a maximum interest rate for medical debt, but the provided bill text only shows the current language of Section 3 (which lists unfair trade practices like deceptive advertising, false representations, and misleading credit terms), not the proposed changes. The context does not include the specific amendment language or how it would alter the medical debt interest rate. Without the actual proposed text of the amendment, the precise policy change cannot be summarized. The bill is currently in committee for review.

Maddy summarySB 449 requires Michigan hospitals to create and implement financial assistance programs for uninsured patients and those with high medical debt relative to income. Specifically, hospitals must offer up to 100% discounts for patients earning at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines, base eligibility on objective income metrics, and publish program details clearly on bills, statements, and websites in plain language. Hospitals must also report annual data on program usage and debt relief to the state health department by 2027, with violations subject to $10,000 civil fines. The law directly affects uninsured patients and hospital financial operations, aiming to reduce barriers to care for low-income individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments in Michigan to notify the Secretary of State within 20 days of making specific changes to election rules, such as altering how winners are determined or switching between district-based and at-large voting systems. It also mandates that localities inform the state at least 20 days before removing voters from registration lists and within five business days of requests to inspect voting equipment or ballot data. To ensure transparency, the Secretary of State must post these notifications on the state website in an accessible format and publicly list any local government that fails to comply with these reporting deadlines. These provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2028, after a consultation period with county clerks, municipal clerks, and voting rights advocates.