Rep. Parker Fairbairn

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress to freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A agricultural workers at the 2023 level ($15.10/hour) through 2025. It directly affects Michigan farmers who rely on the H-2A program, as the current 2025 AEWR in Michigan is $18.15/hour - a 34% increase since 2019. The resolution seeks to prevent further wage hikes for temporary farm workers, aiming to reduce rising labor costs amid broader farm expense increases. It does not change existing law but calls on Congress to pass legislation implementing this freeze.

Maddy summaryHB 4117 amends Michigan's Animal Industry Act to require cage-free housing for egg-laying hens and restrict confinement for gestating sows and calves raised for veal. It prohibits keeping hens in cages or confining them in ways that prevent turning around freely or fully extending limbs, mandating cage-free systems with enrichments like perches and nest boxes, and setting minimum floor space based on industry guidelines. The law affects egg producers (especially those with 3,000+ hens) and businesses selling shell eggs in Michigan, with small farms (<3,000 hens) exempt from the egg sales ban. It takes effect for egg-laying hens on January 1, 2029, and for gestating sows on April 1, 2020 (already implemented).

Maddy summaryHB 4109 clarifies that health club staff (including owners and employees) have no legal obligation to provide emergency medical assistance using on-site AEDs during health club incidents. It explicitly states this does not override Michigan's existing Good Samaritan law (1963 PA 17), which protects people who assist in emergencies. The bill requires companion bill HB 4108 to pass first before taking effect. This directly affects health club operations regarding medical emergency response protocols.

Maddy summaryHB 4002 amends Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act to clarify eligibility and usage rules for workers. It expands the definition of "family member" to include domestic partners and specifies that employees must work at least 25 hours weekly (averaged over a benefit year) to qualify for sick time. The bill also defines key terms like "benefit year" (a 12-month period for calculating leave) and clarifies that employers with 50+ employees must provide sick time for health, family, or safety needs. These changes aim to make the law's implementation more consistent while maintaining existing requirements for covered workers.

Maddy summaryHB 4074 requires Michigan conservation officers to wear body-worn cameras during official duties. This applies specifically to conservation officers (not all law enforcement) while performing their conservation-related responsibilities. The bill mandates compliance with Michigan’s existing Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Privacy Act (2017 PA 85) for recording and disclosure of footage. The bill was introduced on February 12, 2025, and referred to the Natural Resources and Tourism Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 4001 updates Michigan's minimum wage schedule, setting new rates that increase to $12.00 per hour starting February 21, 2025, and reaching $15.00 by 2029. It replaces the previous 2018 law (PA 337) and adds an annual adjustment mechanism: starting in 2019, the wage will rise each January based on Midwest-region inflation data, capped at 3.5% per year. The bill also modifies youth wage rules, allowing employers to pay new workers under 20 a training rate of 75% of the minimum wage for their first 90 days, while prohibiting displacement of existing workers to hire at this lower rate. This directly affects all hourly workers in Michigan covered by state minimum wage laws, including young workers and employers subject to wage requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a 15-member Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses, appointed by the House Speaker (9 Republicans, 6 Democrats). The committee's sole purpose is to study and recommend legislation regarding Michigan's minimum wage (including for service workers) and earned sick time policies. It does not change current laws but will review potential future bills on these topics. The resolution was introduced and adopted on January 9, 2025.