This bill requires employers to provide unpaid leave for employees whose children are hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. The amount of leave depends on company size, with businesses having 16 to 50 employees offering up to 10 days and larger companies offering up to 20 days. Employees can take this time continuously or in smaller increments, and they will be reinstated to their original job with benefits maintained after the leave ends. The law also prohibits discrimination against workers for using this leave and allows employers to request basic verification of the child's hospital stay without asking for private medical details.
This bill updates Michigan's civil procedure laws to clarify how much of a person's wages can be taken by creditors through garnishment. It specifically protects certain types of income from being garnished, including public assistance benefits, unemployment compensation, disability payments, and both federal and state earned income tax credits. Additionally, the legislation sets new limits on how much of a weekly paycheck can be seized, capping the amount at 20% of earnings up to a specific threshold and 30% of earnings above that threshold. These changes directly affect individuals whose wages are subject to garnishment and the creditors seeking to collect debts from them.
This bill modifies the Michigan State Police retirement plan to change how new members receive health benefits and employer contributions. Instead of paying for health insurance premiums, employers will make matching contributions to a Tier 2 retirement account, ranging from 2% to 4% of an employee's pay depending on their start date. Additionally, eligible members can contribute up to 2% of their compensation to this account, and those with at least 10 years of service will receive a $2,000 credit to a health reimbursement account. The legislation also outlines specific rules for when these contributions begin, how long they last, and how they are treated for loan purposes or if an employee leaves the force.
Senate, July 6, 2026 -- The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2112) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to increased safety standards in the construction industry, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3134).
This bill amends Massachusetts gas regulations to restrict new gas facilities and expansions within five miles of environmental justice neighborhoods unless they are strictly necessary for public safety. It also mandates that gas companies submit biennial just transition plans to the Department of Public Utilities, detailing strategies for workforce retention, training, and managing the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050. These provisions require companies to outline specific measures for hiring, cross-training, and mitigating the impact of potential job losses as they phase out natural gas infrastructure. The legislation applies to all gas distribution and transmission companies operating in the state, ensuring they address both community environmental concerns and the needs of their employees during the energy transition.
Senate, July 9, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence (House, No. 4767) [also based on Senate, No. Senate, Nos. 1718].
By Mr. Moore and Mr. Frost of Auburn, a joint petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Michael O. Moore and Paul K. Frost for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Timothy Cluett, an employee of the Worcester county sheriff’s office. Public Service.
Senate, July 9, 2026 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2012) of Adam Gomez and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish fairness for agricultural laborers, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3132).
Senate, July 16, 2026 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence (House, No. 4767, amended) (being the text of Senate document numbered 3171, printed as amended)
This bill modifies the rules governing disciplinary actions for Massachusetts Water Resources Authority employees. It changes the standard for firing or punishing staff from "arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable grounds" to the stricter requirement of "just cause." This update ensures that employees can only be disciplined if there is a valid, fair reason for the action, rather than allowing broader interpretations of misconduct. The change directly affects the workforce of the water authority and alters how their employment disputes are handled under state law.
