Sen. Sam Singh

Maddy summarySB 133 allows insurance producers who belong to a professional insurance association to carry over unused continuing education credits to the next licensing period. This change directly affects licensed insurance producers in Michigan who are members of qualifying associations. The bill amends existing law to create a formal system for rolling over credits, reducing the need to complete full education requirements each year. This policy simplifies compliance for producers by enabling credit carryover, without altering core licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing how Michigan elects the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. Starting in 2027, the lieutenant governor would be chosen by the same political party as the governor, while the secretary of state and attorney general would be selected through primary elections instead of party conventions. The measure also requires that any vacancies in the offices of secretary of state or attorney general be filled by gubernatorial appointment. These changes would alter the current system where these officials are nominated by party conventions and run on the same ticket as the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Michigan's state of energy emergency from July 1, 2026, to September 16, 2026, to align with a potential federal waiver allowing more flexible gasoline production. The measure directly affects consumers and businesses by aiming to prevent fuel shortages and price spikes that could occur if stricter fuel regulations were reinstated. By keeping the emergency in effect, the state can continue to relax its own fuel requirements while the federal government addresses supply constraints. The resolution takes effect immediately upon July 1, ensuring there is no gap in the emergency declaration.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to update and clarify definitions related to dam safety and inland lakes. It directly affects dam owners, operators, and the state department responsible for regulating these structures by refining terms such as "dam," "failure," and "high hazard potential dam." The legislation adds new sections to the statute to establish clearer standards for what constitutes a dam, how it is classified based on potential risk, and the specific requirements for emergency action plans. By modifying existing legal language, the bill aims to improve consistency in how dam safety regulations are applied and understood.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Parent and Child Legal Representation Commission and Office in Michigan to oversee legal representation for indigent parents and children in child welfare cases. The commission will consist of 17 members appointed by the governor, including judges, attorneys, public officials, and community representatives, who will establish standards for attorney caseloads, training, payment rates, and eligibility for representation. Key provisions include creating a roster of eligible attorneys, defining indigency criteria that includes a presumption of financial hardship for those receiving public assistance or under 18, and requiring public input on standards before they take effect. The bill also mandates quarterly commission meetings and compliance with open meetings and freedom of information laws while providing expense reimbursement for commissioners.

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 summarySB 535 requires businesses selling goods or services with automatic renewal contracts to clearly disclose key terms to consumers in 14-point type. This includes the contract length, pricing (including promotional periods), renewal terms, and simple cancellation procedures - both at sign-up and before each renewal. Businesses must send electronic renewal notices 30-60 days in advance, allow at least 30 days to cancel, and provide easy cancellation methods (like a website link or phone number). The law applies to most subscription services but excludes regulated utilities, insurance, and contracts cancelable for pro-rata refunds. Consumers can void contracts that violate these rules.

Maddy summarySB 536 amends Michigan's Consumer Protection Act to require clear, conspicuous disclosure of conditions when businesses advertise goods or services as "free" or without charge. This specifically targets deceptive marketing practices by mandating that any terms, prerequisites, or conditions for receiving free offers must be disclosed prominently alongside the "free" claim (as added under subdivision (r) of Section 3). The bill directly affects businesses - such as subscription services, trials, or promotional offers - that use "free" language without clarifying requirements like payment, sign-up fees, or automatic renewal terms. It strengthens existing protections by making it unlawful to mislead consumers about the true cost or conditions of "free" offers.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Security for Employees Act, restricts how employers in Michigan can use automated decision-making tools and electronic monitoring systems for their workforce. It generally prohibits using these technologies for employment decisions like hiring or firing, except when screening large volumes of applications based on specific job criteria. Employers are only allowed to monitor employees for specific purposes such as ensuring job function completion, monitoring production quality, or protecting health and safety, and they must obtain written consent from every employee before using such tools. The legislation also mandates that employers provide clear notice of monitoring, maintain accurate data, allow employees to correct their records, and conduct impact assessments to ensure these tools do not negatively affect individuals based on protected characteristics.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 245 proposes changes to Michigan's insurance code, primarily affecting how insurers process and pay claims to insureds, beneficiaries, and third-party claimants. The bill expands the definition of unfair or deceptive insurance practices to explicitly include conduct that occurs during claims handling and resolution. It requires insurers to pay benefits on a timely basis or pay 12% interest, otherwise considering it an unfair trade practice unless the claim is reasonably in dispute. Additionally, for benefits not paid timely, the insurer would be liable for the full amount of the loss, irrespective of policy coverage limits.