Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4326 amends Michigan's Whistleblowers' Protection Act to expand the types of disclosures protected from employer retaliation. It prohibits employers from discharging or discriminating against employees who report a violation or suspected violation of law to "the press" or "the state employee ombudsman." The bill also protects employees who are asked to participate in investigations by a public body or the state employee ombudsman. It clarifies that "employee" includes state employees (excluding the state classified civil service) and outlines civil action procedures for alleged violations.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 59 declares April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution encourages Michigan residents to observe the week with programs and activities that promote awareness, education, and action in support of Black maternal health.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program to register hospitals that provide maternal care as Level I, II, III, or IV facilities based on their existing certifications from organizations like the Joint Commission. Under this system, hospitals must report their certification status to the state department every three years, and the department will maintain a public online list of all registered facilities and their care levels. The law also requires the department to consult with medical groups when setting up reporting procedures and allows the department to offer technical assistance and potential incentive payments to hospitals that join the program.

Maddy summaryHB 4289 requires Michigan employers with 2 or more employees to post a clear notice about equal pay laws in a visible workplace location. The notice must state that federal and state laws prohibit wage discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, or marital status. It also provides contact details for reporting violations to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, including a phone line and website. Employers who fail to post the notice may face a $100 civil fine.

Maddy summaryHB 4296 amends Michigan's wage discrimination law (MCL 750.556) to clarify that employers cannot pay differently based on protected characteristics like sex, race, religion, or marital status for similar work. It specifies that wage differences based on legitimate factors (not protected traits) do not violate the law. The bill maintains the existing fine structure for violations: up to $5,000 for employers with 1-15 staff, $10,000 for 16-50 employees, and $20,000 for larger businesses. This update aligns the penal code with current civil rights protections under the Elliot-Larsen Act. The bill directly affects all Michigan employers who hire workers.

Maddy summaryHB 4293 requires Michigan employers to obtain written permission from employees before deducting most amounts from paychecks, with exceptions for legally required payments. It limits deductions to 15% of gross wages and ensures employees still receive at least the state or federal minimum wage after deductions. The bill also sets specific rules for handling overpaid wages (without consent if properly documented) and court-ordered debt deductions (requiring 10 business days' written notice). This directly affects all Michigan employers and employees who have deductions taken from their paychecks.

Maddy summaryHB 4294 prohibits state agencies from awarding construction, repair, remodeling, or demolition contracts to employers without a "fair paycheck workplace certificate." This requirement directly affects state agencies purchasing such services and contractors bidding on those projects. The bill amends Michigan's Management and Budget Act to add Section 241(3), mandating that all eligible contractors must hold this certificate, which verifies compliance with fair pay standards. The law applies to all state-funded construction projects where competitive bidding is required, ensuring contractors meet specific workplace fairness criteria before securing contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 4299 repeals Michigan's 2016 law (2016 PA 389) that prevented cities and counties from regulating plastic bags and similar containers. This bill removes the state-level barrier that blocked local governments from enacting their own rules on plastic bag use, disposal, fees, or bans. The repeal directly affects Michigan municipalities, allowing them to create their own local policies on plastic containers without state preemption. The change is procedural, with no new requirements or fees introduced - only the removal of an existing restriction.

Maddy summaryHB 4298 requires physicians to obtain written, informed consent for cosmetic breast implant surgery starting January 1, 2026. It mandates that doctors provide patients with specific information about surgical risks, manufacturer warnings, and a checklist covering implant-associated cancer risks (like ALCL and lymphoma), breast implant illness, FDA black box warnings, and safety reporting options. The Michigan Board of Medicine must develop this checklist by December 2025, in consultation with osteopathic boards and patient groups, and review it periodically. This directly affects patients seeking cosmetic breast implants and the physicians performing the procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 4297 requires Michigan employers to disclose wage information for "similarly situated employees" upon an employee's request. Specifically, employers must provide details on salary, bonuses, overtime, and other compensation within 30 days, while redacting individual names but including sex and seniority data for comparable roles. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who ask for this information or from requiring non-disclosure of wages as a condition of employment. It directly affects all Michigan employers and their employees by increasing wage transparency for jobs with comparable duties, skills, and responsibilities.