Sen. Kevin Hertel

Maddy summarySB 421 changes Michigan's vehicle code to establish special "Children's Trust" license plates. The design must be approved by the State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, and donations from these plates will be sent to the Children's Trust Fund under state law. This fund supports children's services in Michigan, with money collected through plate sales credited directly to it. The bill requires the Secretary of State and State Treasurer to handle the plates and funds as specified, and it is linked to another bill (SB 418) for full implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits limited liability companies in Michigan from spending money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. It applies to both companies formed in the state and those from other states doing business here, with exceptions for existing contracts and bona fide news reporting. If a company violates this rule, the state can invalidate the spending, order the company to return the funds, or dissolve the company. The legislation also clarifies that a company's lack of legal power to make political donations does not automatically make all its other business actions invalid. This measure is tied to two other bills and will only take effect if all three are passed into law.

Maddy summarySB 1086 amends the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act to clarify and expand the legal powers of nonprofit organizations regarding financial activities and governance. The bill specifically adds a new section to detail the authority of nonprofits to make contracts, incur liabilities, and provide guarantees for related entities, such as corporations they own or control. By updating existing statutes and inserting new provisions, the legislation aims to remove previous ambiguities about how nonprofits can manage their assets and support affiliated businesses. This change directly affects nonprofit corporations across the state by formalizing their ability to engage in complex financial arrangements necessary for their operations.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit businesses formed in Michigan and foreign companies authorized to do business here from spending money to support or oppose candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. The rule applies to corporations, nonprofits, and limited liability companies, but it allows exceptions for existing financial contracts and independent news reporting or editorials. If a business violates these restrictions, the state attorney general could sue to invalidate the spending, force the company to return the funds, or dissolve the entity. The measure would also allow the state to revoke the operating authority of any foreign company that breaks the spending ban.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Michigan business corporations from using their funds to support or oppose candidates, political parties, committees, or ballot measures. It applies to both companies formed within the state and foreign corporations doing business in Michigan, declaring any such spending illegal and subject to penalties like disgorgement of funds or corporate dissolution. The law includes specific exceptions for existing contracts signed before the bill takes effect and for bona fide news stories published by independent media outlets. Additionally, it grants the Attorney General or the administrator the authority to sue to stop violations or force companies to return illegally spent money.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Michigan's state of energy emergency from July 1, 2026, to September 16, 2026, to align with a potential federal waiver allowing more flexible gasoline production. The measure directly affects consumers and businesses by aiming to prevent fuel shortages and price spikes that could occur if stricter fuel regulations were reinstated. By keeping the emergency in effect, the state can continue to relax its own fuel requirements while the federal government addresses supply constraints. The resolution takes effect immediately upon July 1, ensuring there is no gap in the emergency declaration.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life and public service of R. Robert Geake, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The text details his extensive career, including his legislative work on committees focused on education, mental health, and children's welfare, as well as his later roles as an investigator and chair of the Office of the Children's Ombudsman and the Legislative Retirement System Board. The resolution formally expresses the Legislature's tribute to his dedication and instructs that copies of the document be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Energy Pricing Protection Act, prohibits businesses from charging excessively high prices for gasoline, propane, and home heating oil during market disruptions. It defines a market disruption as events like natural disasters, strikes, or emergencies and sets a 20% price increase threshold as the limit for what is considered unjustified, unless sellers can prove higher costs or prior discounts caused the rise. The law applies to anyone selling these essential energy products but excludes utilities regulated by state or federal commissions. Enforcement is handled by state and local prosecutors, who can issue written demands for documents and testimony and file court actions against violators, with investigative details kept confidential until a formal charge is made.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Hotel and Lodging Pricing Protection Act to stop businesses from raising room rates by more than 20% during a declared state of emergency unless they can prove the increase is due to higher costs or pre-existing contracts. The law applies to hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and short-term rentals like Airbnb, but excludes large resort-managed units. It allows prosecutors to investigate violations by issuing legal demands for documents and testimony, with courts empowered to enforce compliance if the investigation is deemed proper.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Commodities and Emergency Services and Supplies Pricing Protection Act to stop businesses from raising prices unfairly during a declared state of emergency. It specifically targets sales of building materials, food, emergency supplies, medical items, and general goods, defining an illegal price hike as an increase of more than 20% compared to pre-emergency rates unless the seller can prove higher costs. The law prohibits charging or offering these items at excessively high prices and grants prosecutors the power to investigate violations by demanding documents and testimony from suspected violators.