Sen. Jim Runestad

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary ban on approving and operating new data centers in Michigan until April 1, 2027. It directly affects businesses by prohibiting local governments and state agencies from issuing necessary permits or authorizations for these facilities during the designated period. The legislation also sets a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day for any entity that begins operating a data center in violation of the moratorium. The bill takes effect only if a companion bill, SB 1019, is also passed into law.

Maddy summarySB 1019 amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to explicitly include the data center regulation act as a law that local zoning ordinances must follow. This change directly affects local governments and developers by ensuring that zoning rules do not conflict with state data center regulations. The bill also clarifies that counties and townships cannot regulate the drilling or operation of oil and gas wells, while establishing specific criteria for when local units can restrict mining based on potential serious consequences. Additionally, it protects certain renewable energy projects approved after January 1, 2021, from having their special land use approvals revoked if substantial construction or initial costs have been incurred. The legislation remains in effect only if a companion bill, SB 1018, is also enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Public Service Commission to pause approvals for new contracts, tariffs, discounts, or rates between electric utilities and qualified data centers. The pause is set to last from the bill's effective date until April 1, 2027, and applies specifically to facilities designed to store and process data. By adding a new section to the state's public utilities law, the measure temporarily restricts the commission's ability to finalize financial agreements with these specific facilities.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 998 modifies Michigan's use tax law to clarify how credit for trade-in vehicles is calculated when determining the taxable amount of a purchase. The bill updates the definition of 'purchase price' to ensure that the value of a trade-in vehicle used as part payment is properly excluded from the tax base, aligning the rules with existing provisions for watercraft. This change directly affects vehicle dealers and consumers who trade in their current vehicles to buy new ones, ensuring the tax is applied only to the net cost rather than the full purchase price.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to modify how sales tax is calculated on vehicle trade-ins. It updates the rules for determining the tax credit allowed when a customer uses an old vehicle to pay for a new one, ensuring the credit is based on the agreed-upon value of the trade-in rather than a fixed dollar limit. The changes apply to dealers selling new or used motor vehicles and recreational vehicles, requiring them to separately state the trade-in value on invoices to qualify for the tax credit. By clarifying these provisions, the legislation aims to standardize the process for calculating sales tax on vehicle purchases involving trade-ins.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Child Custody Act to strengthen the preference for equal or approximately equal parenting time between parents. It requires courts to presume that shared parenting serves a child's best interests unless specific evidence shows otherwise, and mandates that parents be advised of this right when custody cases are filed. The legislation also clarifies that joint custody does not eliminate child support obligations and adds specific factors for courts to consider when determining parenting schedules, including the child's age and special needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's child custody laws to include equal parenting time with both parents as a specific factor when courts decide what is in a child's best interest. It establishes a legal presumption that awarding equal or approximately equal parenting time to each parent serves the child's best interests, unless proven otherwise by clear and convincing evidence. The legislation also strengthens protections against offenders convicted of criminal sexual conduct by prohibiting them from receiving custody of their own children or siblings without the consent of the other parent or the child. These changes directly affect parents involved in custody disputes and aim to ensure that custody decisions prioritize balanced parental involvement while maintaining safety for victims of sexual misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Friend of the Court offices to provide specific information to parents involved in child custody or support cases. The key changes mandate that these offices give parties a pamphlet explaining their rights, including the legal presumption of equal parenting time and the option to close the Friend of the Court case if they do not need its enforcement services. Additionally, the bill ensures parents are informed about joint custody options, alternative dispute resolution methods, and how to file grievances against the office. These informational duties must be fulfilled as soon as possible after a case is filed, with an oral explanation available upon request. The legislation also clarifies procedures for investigations and fee assessments related to custody and support recommendations.

Maddy summarySB 902 modifies Michigan's criminal procedure laws by establishing a mandatory supervision fee for individuals placed on probation after a sentence is delayed. Specifically, the bill requires courts to order a fee of $30 per month, or $60 per month if electronic monitoring is used, for up to 12 months of delay. This fee is collected by the Department of Corrections and is intended to cover supervision costs while the defendant awaits final sentencing. The legislation applies to adults facing various felony and misdemeanor charges but excludes juveniles and allows courts to waive the fee for indigent defendants.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 297 aims to protect registered professional nurses by ensuring their refusal to work beyond their predetermined schedule is not grounds for administrative action. It also establishes penalties for hospitals that violate rules related to mandatory overtime for nurses, as referenced in section 21526. Hospitals found in violation could face an administrative fine of $1,000 for each instance, along with other potential sanctions. This bill amends the Public Health Code to implement these provisions, directly affecting nurses and hospitals.