Sen. Mallory McMorrow

Maddy summarySenate Bill 961 creates a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. The bill prohibits local governments and officials from implementing election rules or practices that create disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of minority groups to elect candidates of their choice. Key provisions include establishing definitions for voting methods and protected classes, requiring a court-appointed monitor under certain circumstances, and creating a fund to support enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, a new entity designed to collect, archive, and make election data publicly available at no cost. The institute will be created through an agreement between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and assuming responsibility for most operating costs. Key provisions include the centralization of precinct-level election results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and demographic estimates, which must be maintained for at least 12 years before permanent archival. The institute will also offer research opportunities, training classes, and technical assistance to local governments and the public while implementing rigorous cybersecurity standards for the data it holds.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 963 creates the Language Assistance for Elections Act to require Michigan local governments to provide election materials in languages other than English for residents with limited English proficiency. The law mandates that counties, cities, and townships must offer translated ballots, voting instructions, and signage if their population includes a specific number of voters who share a single non-English language. The Secretary of State will publish a list of affected jurisdictions and languages annually, while also providing certified translations and electronic voting systems to ensure accuracy. Local governments will be reimbursed for additional costs associated with implementing these translation and testing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Pride Month in Michigan. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of the LGBTQ+ community's history, contributions, and ongoing fight for equality rather than enacting new laws or policies. By adopting this resolution, the state legislature acknowledges the cultural and civic value of the community and aligns with national traditions of celebrating Pride Month.

Maddy summarySB 304 updates regulations for ferry services by amending two 1899 laws (sections in chapters IX and XVI of LA 437). It directly affects ferry operators and passengers by changing how ferry operations are governed. The bill requires voter approval via referendum before these regulatory changes take effect. This is a procedural update to existing law, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 127 formally designates June 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Month to honor victims and survivors of gun violence. The resolution highlights the pervasive impact of gun violence in the United States and references specific tragedies, including the deaths of Hadiya Pendleton and others. It encourages citizens to support community efforts to prevent gun violence and to participate in awareness activities, such as wearing orange. This legislative action serves as a commemorative measure rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 783 prohibits publicly traded companies receiving Michigan state economic incentives (like grants, tax breaks, or loans) from buying back their own company shares during the incentive period. It requires the Michigan Strategic Fund to include this restriction in all new incentive agreements, with a 10% penalty plus repayment of incentives if violated. The bill directly affects publicly traded businesses that seek state economic development assistance under Michigan's Strategic Fund Act. This policy change aims to ensure state incentives support broader economic activity rather than shareholder returns.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1002 allows school districts in Michigan to issue high school diplomas to women who left school between 1940 and 1946 to work or support the war effort during World War II. To receive a diploma, these individuals must apply through the Michigan veterans affairs agency, and the application can be submitted by family members or designated representatives. The bill amends existing legislation that currently provides diplomas to male veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict.

Maddy summaryMichigan Senate Bill 971, known as the Residential Homeownership Accessibility Act, restricts out-of-state investors from buying or owning more than ten single-family homes in the state. The law requires these investors to register with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority before purchasing property and prohibits them from acquiring additional homes once they reach the ten-home limit. Penalties for violations include fines of up to $100,000 per illegal purchase or year of non-compliance, and affected investors are barred from renting the properties until they reduce their holdings below the limit. The bill specifically targets corporations, hedge funds, and private equity firms not domiciled in Michigan while exempting local governments, nonprofit organizations, and employers renting homes to staff.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 991 amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to prohibit businesses from using certain algorithms and protected class data to set prices. This law directly affects companies that sell goods or services by banning the practice of adjusting prices based on factors like race, age, or other personal characteristics. The bill adds a new section to the statute to explicitly make this pricing behavior unlawful, ensuring that consumers are not charged different amounts for the same items based on their personal data.