Sen. Dan Lauwers

Maddy summarySenate Bill 987 amends Michigan's use tax law to maintain the exemption of electricity, natural gas, and home heating fuels from the additional 2% use tax for residential use. This change ensures that households continue to pay only the standard sales tax rate on these essential utilities rather than the higher rate. The bill directly affects Michigan residents by preserving the current tax treatment of residential energy consumption. Introduced by Senator Jonathan Lindsey on May 20, 2026, the legislation is currently under review by the Committee on Government Operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Act to limit the amount of time agricultural cooperatives can hold their members' funds. Specifically, it prohibits associations from retaining member money for more than 10 years after receiving it. The legislation also includes a provision that gives cooperatives currently in violation of this rule two years to return the funds to their members once the law takes effect. By updating this section, the bill aims to ensure that member funds are not held indefinitely without being distributed or processed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 2026 as Treatment Court Month to honor the work of treatment courts across the state and nation. The measure does not alter any laws or create new programs; instead, it serves as a formal recognition of these courts' role in helping individuals with substance use and mental health challenges. By highlighting the success of these specialized courts, the bill aims to raise public awareness about their impact on community safety and individual recovery.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP), an organization that represents retired teachers, administrators, and support staff. The bill formally acknowledges MARSP's long-standing advocacy for the economic security, health, and pension rights of retired school employees in Michigan. By adopting this resolution, the Senate expresses appreciation for the contributions of retired educators and wishes the organization well in its future work.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 29, 2026, as "End Jew-Hatred Day" to formally recognize the Jewish community in Michigan. The measure directly affects the state legislature by adopting a symbolic declaration rather than enacting new laws or regulations. Key provisions include a statement condemning antisemitism and a call for unity among lawmakers to address discrimination against Jewish people. The resolution cites recent hate crimes and a specific synagogue attack as context for the observance. Ultimately, the bill serves as a commemorative gesture without altering existing legal frameworks or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution urges the United States and Taiwan to sign additional trade agreements and an agreement to avoid double taxation. It also calls for Taiwan's inclusion in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. Additionally, the bill asks Michigan businesses to refer to the region as "Taiwan," citing the Taiwan Relations Act as legal justification. The measure is based on the significant economic ties between the two entities, including trade in goods, services, and agricultural products.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual allocation for administrative expenses in Michigan's Farm Produce Insurance Fund from $500,000 to $950,000. The change directly affects the fund's management by allowing more money to cover operational costs such as premium refunds, enforcement, record-keeping, and other approved expenses. The bill does not alter the fund's existing investment rules or claim payment procedures, but it updates the specific dollar limit for administrative spending. This adjustment is intended to provide greater financial flexibility for the board managing the insurance program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Joel Gougeon, a former Michigan State Senator who passed away, by formally recognizing his life and public service. The bill does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official tribute to Gougeon's career, military service, and community contributions. It directs copies of the resolution to the Gougeon family as a formal acknowledgment of his legacy. The measure was introduced by Senator Brinks and adopted by the full Senate membership.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Bruce Patterson, a former Michigan state legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and Senate. It recognizes his public service career, which included leadership roles in committees on energy policy, environmental protection, and consumer rights, as well as his advocacy for nursing home care and water pollution control. The resolution expresses the Legislature's tribute to his memory and directs that copies be sent to his family.

Maddy summarySB 773 adds Section 2940a to Michigan's Revised Judicature Act, providing legal immunity to racing facilities and racetracks from nuisance claims. It protects owners/operators from lawsuits by property owners who acquired land *after* the racetrack was built, regardless of later changes to the facility (as long as those changes are legal). The immunity applies to all claims filed after the law's effective date, even if the alleged harm occurred before the property was purchased. However, it does not exempt racetracks from compliance with environmental laws or health/safety regulations. This directly affects property owners near existing racetracks who bought land after the facility existed.