Sen. John Cherry

Maddy summarySenate Bill 961 creates a new State Voting Rights Act in Michigan to protect the voting rights of racial, color, and language minority groups. The bill prohibits local governments and officials from implementing election rules or practices that create disparities in voter participation or impair the ability of minority groups to elect candidates of their choice. Key provisions include establishing definitions for voting methods and protected classes, requiring a court-appointed monitor under certain circumstances, and creating a fund to support enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Voting and Elections Database and Institute, a new entity designed to collect, archive, and make election data publicly available at no cost. The institute will be created through an agreement between the Secretary of State and public research universities, with the university selecting the director and assuming responsibility for most operating costs. Key provisions include the centralization of precinct-level election results, voter registration lists, polling place locations, and demographic estimates, which must be maintained for at least 12 years before permanent archival. The institute will also offer research opportunities, training classes, and technical assistance to local governments and the public while implementing rigorous cybersecurity standards for the data it holds.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 963 creates the Language Assistance for Elections Act to require Michigan local governments to provide election materials in languages other than English for residents with limited English proficiency. The law mandates that counties, cities, and townships must offer translated ballots, voting instructions, and signage if their population includes a specific number of voters who share a single non-English language. The Secretary of State will publish a list of affected jurisdictions and languages annually, while also providing certified translations and electronic voting systems to ensure accuracy. Local governments will be reimbursed for additional costs associated with implementing these translation and testing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Amber Alert Act to expand when the state's Amber Alert system can be activated for missing children. It requires the Department of State Police to issue an Amber Alert for any missing child with special needs or for any missing child who law enforcement believes is in danger after a preliminary investigation. The bill defines "child with special needs" as someone under 26 who has a qualifying impairment, requires special education services, and has not yet graduated high school. The legislation also establishes that this act may be known as the "Rowan Act" and was introduced by Senator Sean McCann in March 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Child Abduction Broadcast Act to rename it the Child Abduction and Missing Child Broadcast Act and expand how radio and television stations can share information about missing children. It allows broadcasters to disseminate child abduction alerts through various channels, including social media, when they receive information from the Michigan Department of State Police under the existing Amber Alert system. The legislation also provides legal immunity to broadcasters who accurately share this information from the state police. The bill will not take effect unless it is passed together with a companion bill, SB 892.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ Pride Month in Michigan. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of the LGBTQ+ community's history, contributions, and ongoing fight for equality rather than enacting new laws or policies. By adopting this resolution, the state legislature acknowledges the cultural and civic value of the community and aligns with national traditions of celebrating Pride Month.

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 609 creates a dedicated "industrial hemp fund" within Michigan's state treasury to manage fees and funding for the state's industrial hemp program. It specifies that fees from hemp licensing (under Section 511) and other sources must be deposited into this fund, with money carrying over annually instead of lapsing. The bill requires the state Department to administer the fund and use it to operate the hemp program, but sets a clear end date: all remaining funds must transfer to the agriculture licensing fund by October 1, 2026. This bill modifies the financial administration of Michigan's hemp program without changing hemp cultivation rules or directly affecting growers.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Michigan to align its policies with federal requirements for certified community behavioral health clinics, ensuring the state does not create rules that conflict with federal standards. It mandates the development of a process to determine new clinic locations in specific regions to prevent overlapping service areas. Additionally, the bill requires continued cooperation with the federal government on these clinics, allowing the legislature to vote on opting out, which would give state officials 12 months to stop operations if chosen. The legislation will not take effect unless it is tied to the passage of a companion bill, SB 1000.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's social welfare act to establish a new prospective payment system that funds certified community behavioral health clinics based on anticipated costs rather than individual services. It requires the state department to develop payment rates using actuarial methods and mandates that any new clinic sites approved starting in 2028 undergo a review process to prevent service duplication and ensure geographic distribution. The legislation defines eligible clinics as nonprofit or government-run entities and prioritizes approval for sites operated by community mental health services programs. Additionally, the bill outlines specific policies to mitigate conflicts of interest, define retaliatory actions, and create a dispute resolution process, while noting that implementation depends on future legislative funding.