STATE LEGISLATURE

The Michigan State Senate pushed forward on a package of bills centered on ensuring greater transparency and accountability from polluters.

Sextortion isn’t specifically criminalized in Michigan law but House Bills 5887, 5888 and 5889 would create criminal penalties and create educational resources that could be distributed at schools on the dangers of sexual extortion and how to access help.

Voting rights advocates are calling on Michigan lawmakers to pass the Voting Rights Act—which would formally codify protections against voting discrimination into state law. 

Wayne State students Cassidy Allen and Maggie Graham call for updating Michigan’s outdated sex ed laws to better prepare students.

The state House of Representatives cleared legislation Tuesday night that will now head to the Governor’s desk to expand Michigan’s eligibility for unemployment benefits to 26 weeks and steeply increase maximum payments, though the bills that cleared the state House Tuesday passed with strong opposition from Republicans.

Members of the Senate Housing and Human Services Committee on Thursday voted to advance policy creating a state-level paid family leave program, amid frustrations with a separate paid sick leave policy put in place through a decision by the state Supreme Court. 

Democratic lawmakers are planning to repeal outdated—and largely unenforced—state laws that criminalize adultery and same-sex sexual conduct in the state of Michigan.

State lawmakers joined local government officials this week to call for support on a slate of bills aimed at addressing water affordability concerns in the state. 

Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) anticipates long days—and late nights—in Lansing as Democrats push to pass several bills before the holidays.

Community leaders are calling on Democratic state lawmakers to use their final weeks in full control of this year’s legislative session to put an end to the so-called “Dark Store” tax theory that large retailers across Michigan have used to lower their property taxes.