Sen. Dan Lauwers

Maddy summarySB 71 amends Michigan's penal code to specifically designate the portions of the Mackinac Bridge not open to the public as a "key facility." This means unauthorized entry to these restricted bridge areas would be prohibited, with violations punishable by up to four years in prison or a $2,500 fine. The law requires these areas to be clearly marked with signage meeting specific size and spacing standards (minimum 1-inch letters, 50 square inches per sign, spaced for visibility). The bill does not affect public access to bridge sections already open to pedestrians or restrict lawful public gatherings.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ban the governor, lieutenant governor, and department directors from using autopen devices to sign specific official documents. The key provision explicitly prohibits the use of autopens for bills, executive orders, and clemency documents such as reprieves, commutations, and pardons. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this change would require these officials to sign these documents by hand rather than electronically or via stamp. The measure aims to ensure personal authentication of critical legal and executive actions by removing automated signing options.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan state law to require the Department of Treasury to pay interest on tax refunds that are delayed beyond specific timeframes. It directly affects taxpayers who have filed complete and timely income tax returns and are awaiting refunds. Under the new rules, refunds for Michigan income taxes will automatically earn interest if they are not processed within 30 or 60 days of the department receiving the return, depending on when the return was filed. The bill also establishes a penalty of $100 for refunds delayed more than 90 days and sets a fixed 3% annual interest rate for a temporary period before switching to a variable rate tied to the prime rate. These provisions apply only to straightforward refunds without errors, audits, or suspected fraud, ensuring the state compensates citizens for administrative delays.

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 proposes changes to Michigan's election laws regarding absentee voting. It would require individuals who vote by absentee ballot to provide a specific reason for their request, rather than allowing them to vote without stating one. The legislation also modifies existing sections of the state election code and removes several other related provisions. These changes directly affect voters who wish to cast absentee ballots and the officials who process those requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the definition of a homestead and adjusts how property tax credits are calculated for Michigan residents. It clarifies that unoccupied property leased to others is excluded from homestead status and sets specific acreage limits for agricultural land based on how long a claimant has lived there. Additionally, the legislation updates the rules for determining household resources by excluding certain business, rental, and operating losses from income calculations. These changes directly affect homeowners and renters who rely on property tax credits and aim to refine the criteria used to determine eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 1045 clarifies the definition of "owner" for Michigan's homestead property tax credit by explicitly including individuals who place their primary residence into a revocable trust or a qualified personal residence trust. This change ensures that people using these specific types of trusts to hold their homes can still qualify for the tax credit, which is designed to help offset property taxes for homeowners. The bill amends the state's income tax act to update this eligibility rule without altering other parts of the tax code or the credit amount itself.

Maddy summarySB 728 allows passengers to consume alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed vendors anywhere within airport terminal complexes (not just designated areas), directly affecting travelers at Michigan airports served by commercial airlines. The bill amends Michigan's liquor code to permit consumption throughout the terminal complex, subject to approval by the airport's governing body. Key provisions include expanding where alcohol can be consumed without restriction to specific licensed areas, while maintaining that airport licenses for alcohol sales are non-transferable. This policy change applies specifically to publicly owned airports with scheduled commercial flights.

Maddy summarySB 608 repeals 27 specific sections of Michigan's 2020 Industrial Hemp Growers Act (MCL 333.29101 et seq.), removing existing administrative provisions related to the state's industrial hemp program. This bill directly affects hemp program administrators and growers who would have been subject to the repealed sections, which covered licensing, testing, and operational requirements. The repeal takes effect on February 1, 2026, streamlining the regulatory framework by eliminating outdated or redundant administrative language. The bill does not create new rules or alter hemp cultivation policies.

Maddy summarySB 986 amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act to clarify how the 2% additional sales tax applies to residential utility bills for electricity, gas, and home heating fuels. The bill requires large utility providers with 100,000 or more customers to prorate usage calculations based on days after April 30, 1994, while smaller providers have the option to either prorate or apply the tax starting with the first bill covering usage after that date. This legislative change directly affects utility companies and their residential customers by standardizing the timing and calculation of sales tax on essential energy services. The amendment aims to ensure consistent application of the tax across different provider sizes while maintaining the exemption for residential use of these utilities.