Sen. Michael Webber

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new licensing category for vendors selling portable electronics insurance in Michigan. It requires companies to submit detailed applications listing specific personnel and office locations to the state department. The law also sets fee limits, charging up to $1,000 for initial licenses or $500 for renewals, with reduced rates of $100 for vendors operating at ten or fewer locations. Because the bill is tied to several other pieces of legislation, it will only become active if all related bills are passed and signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employees of electronics vendors to sell portable electronics insurance without holding a personal insurance producer license, provided the vendor is already licensed to do so. To ensure proper oversight, the insurer must supervise the program and provide required training to vendor staff, which can be delivered electronically with additional oversight by licensed producers. The legislation also prohibits vendors from basing employee compensation primarily on the number of insurance policies sold and mandates that insurance charges be clearly itemized on customer bills. Additionally, the bill establishes that money collected for these policies is held in trust by the vendor for the benefit of the insurer.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance companies in Michigan to send notices and documents to customers via electronic means, such as email or mobile apps, provided the customer gives clear consent. To use this option, insurers must inform customers of their right to receive paper copies, explain how to withdraw consent, and confirm that the customer has the necessary technology to access the digital information. If a customer does not receive an electronic message or chooses to stop using it, the insurer must switch to traditional mail delivery. The law also protects insurance producers from liability regarding electronic delivery unless they directly caused harm and excludes health insurers from these requirements. Finally, this legislation will only take effect if several other related bills are passed into law at the same time.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's insurance code to clarify which individuals and entities are exempt from needing an insurance producer license. It specifically adds a new exemption for sales of portable electronics insurance when those sales are incidental to the purchase of a device, provided that customers receive clear written disclosures about coverage details, claim processes, and cancellation rights. The legislation also maintains existing exemptions for various other roles, such as employees handling claims, administrative staff, and those selling travel or storage insurance under specific conditions. By defining these exceptions, the bill aims to regulate how certain types of incidental insurance are sold while reducing licensing requirements for qualified individuals.

Maddy summarySB 1048 amends the Michigan Mental Health Code to update and clarify the official definitions of key terms used throughout the state's mental health and substance use disorder systems. The bill specifically revises the definitions for "security transport officer," "serious emotional disturbance," "serious mental illness," and various service categories to ensure consistency with current diagnostic standards and federal laws. By modifying these sections, the legislation aims to provide clearer guidance for agencies, facilities, and individuals regarding eligibility criteria and service descriptions. This change directly affects the operations of county mental health departments, private security companies, adult foster care facilities, and the recipients of mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's mental health code to ensure patients and their designated representatives receive clear information about their rights before treatment begins. Specifically, it requires that patients be told orally and in writing about their right to object to treatment and how to end voluntary care. Additionally, the law mandates that copies of the consent form and a specific termination form be provided to the patient, the consenting individual, and one person chosen by the patient. These changes aim to improve transparency and empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their mental health care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan public and nonpublic schools to implement a mobile panic alert system starting in the 2025-2026 school year, funded through existing state school aid. The system must connect schools with law enforcement and first responders in real-time and integrate directly with 9-1-1 infrastructure to ensure two-way communication during emergencies like lockdowns or active shooter situations. The Department of Technology, Management, and Budget will procure a single statewide system from a vendor certified under the federal SAFETY Act, while schools that already have compliant systems may apply for an exemption. If a school fails to comply with the new requirements, it could become ineligible for future school safety grants.

Maddy summarySB 1033 allocates $6.7 million from the state's general fund to help public and nonpublic schools purchase and install mobile panic alert systems. This funding is specifically designated for the 2024-2025 school year and is intended to meet state requirements for emergency alert technology in schools. The bill designates these funds as a work project appropriation, meaning any unspent money will be carried forward to the following year until the installation is complete by September 2027. The legislation also includes broader funding allocations for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years to support various state education programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state tax credit program for Michigan companies involved in aerospace and defense technology research and development. Effective in 2025, eligible businesses can receive a credit equal to 20% of their qualified R&D expenses that exceed a specific baseline, with a maximum credit of $5 million per company per year. The program also offers a separate credit for smaller defense and aerospace suppliers to cover costs related to storing and maintaining finished goods, capped at $1 million annually. To claim these benefits, companies must be designated by the Michigan Strategic Fund and submit a certificate with their annual tax return, while the total credits available for the entire program are limited to $100 million per year.

Maddy summarySB 1018 establishes the Michigan Strategic Fund as a central entity for state economic development by transferring the responsibilities of the Job Development Authority and the Michigan Economic Development Authority to it. The bill grants the fund broad powers to make loans, grants, and investments, issue bonds, and acquire or develop real and personal property to support various projects. It also allows the fund to certify minority venture capital companies for tax credit purposes and to operate specialized centers and accounts for managing its assets. By consolidating these functions, the legislation aims to streamline economic incentives and financing options for businesses and projects within the state.