Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summaryMichigan Senate Bill 1124 allows homeless or runaway youths who are at least 14 years old to consent to and receive medically necessary health care without requiring parental permission. The bill defines specific criteria for these youths, including those seeking shelter in basic centers or transitional living programs, and lists acceptable documentation such as statements from school liaisons, attorneys, or two adults familiar with the individual's circumstances. Additionally, it grants young parents aged 14 and older the right to consent to medical treatment for their own children. Health care providers are protected from civil or criminal liability when treating these youths without parental consent, though they remain liable for any negligence in diagnosis or treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the State Police Retirement Act to allow certain law enforcement officers, including conservation officers and state police motor carrier or securities officers, to join the state police retirement system. It specifically covers individuals who were previously in the state employees' retirement system but elected to terminate that participation, as well as new hires entering eligible positions after June 5, 2027. These individuals are treated as if they first became members of the state police retirement system after June 9, 2012, which subjects them to specific benefit rules and compensation calculations defined for that cohort. The bill also permits these officers to purchase service credit for prior service under the state employees' retirement system.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1134 allows specific state law enforcement employees, including corrections officers, conservation officers, and certain state police personnel, to voluntarily transfer from the general state employee retirement system to the Michigan State Police Retirement System. Eligible employees must submit a written election between August 2 and October 15, 2027, to become effective members of the new system on January 1, 2028. The bill permits these individuals to transfer their personal contributions and vested employer contributions to purchase service credit in the police retirement plan. This legislation is tied to two other bills and will not take effect unless all three are enacted into law.

Maddy summarySB 1135 allows certain law enforcement officers who were first hired after a specific date and currently participate in the state employees' retirement system to purchase service credit for their previous work. This provision applies to officers covered under sections 4(1)(b), (d), and (f) of the State Police Retirement Act, enabling them to count prior state employee service toward their law enforcement retirement benefits. To receive this credit, members must pay an amount equal to the actuarial value of that service, which can be done through tax-deferred or additional payments. The bill sets a deadline of October 15, 2027, for initiating these purchases and requires that payment be completed within four years of starting the process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It directs members of the legislative body to acknowledge this historic milestone and encourages citizens to gather on July 4th to express gratitude for American freedoms. The bill focuses on symbolic commemoration and reflection on the nation's founding principles rather than implementing new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 52 amends Michigan's Port Authority Act (1978 PA 639) to update financial rules for port authorities. It modifies how these authorities manage grant funds, issue revenue bonds, and use "ancillary financing facilities" like interest rate swaps or insurance contracts. The bill adds new language (Section 19a) and revises multiple existing sections to clarify financial operations. This procedural update directly affects port authorities managing state-owned port facilities, such as piers, docks, and related infrastructure, without creating new facilities or changing their core responsibilities.

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 summarySB 301 establishes a corporate income tax credit for employers who offer paid leave to employees donating organs. Beginning in 2026, eligible employers can claim a credit equal to 100% of the wages paid to an employee during up to 12 weeks of organ donation leave. To qualify, this leave must be separate from other paid leave benefits and compensate the employee at their full normal wage. The credit is non-refundable but can be carried forward for up to three years to offset future tax liabilities.

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.