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Dear Friends,
Welcome to the latest edition of my monthly e-newsletter. As always, I hope you find the news and information below helpful. Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who may be interested.
My staff and I are available should you have any thoughts or concerns about state government. Please feel free to contact my office at SenKDaley@senate.michigan.gov or 517-373-1777.
Sincerely,
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Kevin Daley
State Senator
26th District
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Senate passes legislation to protect health care access for families
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The Michigan Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation to ensure Michigan remains part of an interstate medical compact that streamlines physician licensing.
Public Act 6 of 2026 continues Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. The IMLC allows qualified physicians to be eligible for expedited licensure in all participating states, making it easier for patients to access medical care.
The new law also makes Michigan a permanent member of the compact and removes the requirement to pass future measures to remain in the agreement.
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National Donate Life Month
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National Donate Life Month is observed each April to raise awareness about organ donation, encourage donor registration and honor those who have saved lives through donation.
In 2022, the United States reached an important milestone by completing its 1 millionth organ transplant. This achievement was made possible by the generosity of millions of registered donors.
In Michigan, residents can register as organ donors on their state income tax return by checking a box on the form. Residents can also register online or at a Secretary of State office.
For more information, visit GiftofLifeMichigan.org.
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Spring fishing regulations
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The 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations guide is now available for the license season that began on April 1. The guide includes current rules, regulations and license information.
A fishing license is required for anyone age 17 and older. Annual and short-term licenses can be purchased online or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Users can select auto-renew at the online checkout or in the Auto Renewals section of the app to automatically purchase future licenses as they become available. License fees are waived for Michigan residents who are veterans with 100% disability or active-duty military.
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Senate passes bills to cap medical debt
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The Michigan Senate passed a bipartisan package of bills aimed at reducing the financial burden of medical debt and helping prevent a medical emergency from causing long-term financial harm.
Senate Bills 449, 450, 451, 701 and 702 would significantly rein in debt collection practices such as personal liens, wage garnishment and home foreclosures. The bills would also cap interest rates applied to medical debt.
Nonprofit hospitals are already required to maintain financial assistance programs under federal requirements. Under this legislation, all Michigan hospitals would need to offer financial assistance programs to provide patients with repayment options.
The bills have been sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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Licenses are on sale now for two spring turkey hunting seasons that do not require hunters to enter Michigan’s turkey hunt drawing.
Hunts 0234 and 0301 offer more flexible options for hunters, have unlimited quotas and can be purchased throughout the season.
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Hunt 0234 is a statewide license that runs May 2-31. |
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Hunt 0301 is a private-land license for southern Michigan. |
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For complete details, including eligible turkey management units for each hunt, visit the 2026 Spring Turkey Regulations Summary. Please note that the print version of the summary included incorrect season dates for statewide TMU 0234. The correct dates are May 2-31.
For licenses purchased at a license agent or online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, you will receive a paper kill tag. If you purchase online, tags will be mailed within 10-15 business days. For licenses purchased through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, you will receive an electronic kill tag immediately in the app. You must have a kill tag in your possession while hunting.
This year, all harvested turkeys must be reported within 72 hours or before transferring possession of the bird, whichever comes first. Similar to deer harvest reporting, harvests can be reported online or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The reporting system provides real-time harvest information throughout the season.
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The 2025 results for the state’s Master Angler Program are now available. Each year, thousands of anglers submit their biggest catch. The Department of Natural Resources compiles the results as a resource for finding big fish, the best fishing times and the most successful methods. Anglers who submit a qualifying catch receive a patch.
In 2025, the program received 4,391 entries from 3,577 anglers across 760 bodies of water statewide. The program includes more than 45 species. The top five species submitted were bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed, white bass and yellow perch.
Applications for fish caught between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2026, will be accepted until Jan. 10, 2027.
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Celebrating a special occasion?
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My office is happy to offer legislative tributes in honor of noteworthy events such as retirement, anniversaries of businesses in our community, awards and public recognitions.
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