This Senate Resolution (SR 19) commemorates the 50th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which provides housing, meals, and support for families of children receiving medical care. It recognizes RMHC's global network - including 5 Michigan locations - and its 2023 impact of 2.7 million overnight stays and over 1,000 programs across 62 countries. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policies or funding but formally honors RMHC's work during its 50th-anniversary year (2024-2025).
This is a commemorative resolution honoring Robert G. "Bob" Bender, a former Michigan House of Representatives member (1983-1994). The resolution formally expresses the House's tribute to Bender's memory, recognizing his service to Barry and Ionia counties, his military career (Navy Captain), agricultural background, and post-legislative volunteer work with the Peace Corps and From Houses to Homes. It was introduced and unanimously adopted by the House on March 18, 2025, as a symbolic memorial for his contributions. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal tribute to a deceased legislator.
HB 4153 creates a new "local teaching certificate" pathway for educators in Michigan. It amends the Revised School Code to define a "certificated teacher" as including individuals holding either a standard teaching certificate or this new local certificate (under added Section 1531l). The bill directly affects teachers seeking certification through local school districts or authorized entities, rather than the standard state-issued process. Key provisions establish that local certificates must meet state standards but can be issued by districts or approved entities, expanding certification options for schools. This change modifies existing sections (501, 521, 551, etc.) to incorporate the new local certificate type into teacher certification requirements.
HB 4151 modifies Michigan's teacher certification rules, primarily allowing experienced educators from other states to obtain Michigan teaching licenses without retaking certain exams if they've taught successfully for at least three years in their home state. It maintains existing requirements for new teachers to complete reading competency training (including diagnosing reading disabilities) before advancing to professional certification. The bill also requires the education department to report annually on exam fees and develop standardized tests for teacher certification, while keeping the same reading proficiency standards for Michigan-certified teachers. These changes directly affect teachers seeking certification or additional endorsements in Michigan, especially those transferring from other states or countries.
HB 4060 amends Michigan's school code to update rules for funding area career and technical education (CTE) programs through local property taxes. It sets specific millage limits: new programs can levy up to 1 mill, while existing programs can increase to 1.5 times their 1993 rate (with elector approval only for new increases). The bill requires school districts to audit and publicly post CTE fund usage online, mandates repayment if funds are misused, and defines allowable CTE program expenses to include inter-district contracts. These changes directly affect intermediate school districts operating CTE programs and ensure tax dollars are used solely for designated career education purposes.
This resolution declares March 2025 as Disability Awareness Month in Michigan. It symbolically recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities and encourages Michigan residents, businesses, and institutions to improve accessibility and support disability rights. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, aligning with the state's commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This Senate Resolution (SR 17) is a symbolic recognition of March 17, 2025, as Saint Patrick’s Day. It does not create new laws, affect any specific group, or change policies. The resolution commemorates the Feast of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, and acknowledges Irish cultural heritage and contributions to the U.S. The Senate adopted it on March 13, 2025, as a ceremonial gesture.
HB 4018 clarifies when juveniles aged 16-17 can be transported with adults during custody. The bill specifies that juveniles may only be transported with an adult who is 25 or younger if both were taken into custody simultaneously for the same offense or occupied the same vehicle during the offense. It requires juveniles to be separated from adults "at the earliest available time" after arrival. This directly affects law enforcement and juvenile justice systems handling cases involving older juveniles (16-17) and young adults (under 25) who commit offenses together. The amendment updates Michigan's Probate Code to provide clear, specific conditions for this exception to standard juvenile detention rules.
This Senate Resolution (SR 16) symbolically recognizes March 9-15, 2025, as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Week in Michigan. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges MS as a significant health issue affecting residents, particularly those aged 20-50. The resolution encourages Michigan citizens to learn more about MS and support individuals and families impacted by the disease. It aligns with the National MS Society’s mission but has no direct policy or financial impact on affected individuals.
This resolution directs the House Clerk to only present to the Governor bills that were finally passed by both chambers during the current 103rd Legislature session. It clarifies that bills from the previous 102nd Legislature session (which ended January 1, 2025) should not be presented by the new Clerk, as they do not carry over to the new session under Michigan's constitutional rules. The resolution ensures the Clerk follows the House's adopted rules for the current session.
HR 40 is a non-binding resolution urging the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) to update its eligibility rules for female athletes to comply with Executive Order 14201. The resolution states that MHSAA’s current rules, which allow biological males to compete in women’s sports, conflict with the federal executive order prioritizing female-only competition. It argues this noncompliance risks jeopardizing federal funding for Michigan school districts and compromises the safety and fairness of women’s athletic competitions. The resolution was adopted by the Michigan House with 66 yeas, 43 nays, and 1 excused vote on March 12, 2025.
SB 88 requires liquor retailers to pay administrative fees to wholesalers when payments are bounced due to insufficient funds. It directly affects liquor retailers who make dishonored payments and wholesalers who collect these fees. The bill establishes a progressive fee structure: $50 for the first bounced payment, increasing to $250 for the fifth or subsequent bounced payments within a 12-month period. Wholesalers must charge these fees for each bounced payment, with higher fees applying for repeated offenses within the same 12-month window. This changes the existing law by adding specific fee amounts and requiring wholesalers to enforce them.
