Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryHB 4268 amends Michigan's Campaign Finance Act to give the Secretary of State authority to seek court orders (injunctive relief) to stop campaign finance violations. It adds specific circumstances for waiving late filing fees, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or loss of records, and requires the Secretary to provide public notice and comment periods for official interpretations of the law. The bill also establishes clear deadlines for handling complaints about violations, including requirements for signed complaints with factual certifications and structured timelines for responses and rebuttals. These changes aim to improve enforcement transparency and streamline compliance for campaign finance reporters.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 51) is a symbolic request urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to release $56 million in FEMA disaster relief funds already allocated to Michigan. It directly affects Michigan's emergency management agencies, local governments, and nonprofits that rely on these funds for disaster response, recovery, and public safety programs. The resolution states delays in releasing these funds strain state resources and risk disrupting critical emergency services following natural disasters. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change funding policy but formally requests federal action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 21, 2025, as "Abolitionist Day" in Michigan to honor the state's history in the anti-slavery movement. It specifically recognizes Laura Smith Haviland, an Adrian, Michigan abolitionist who aided freedom seekers via the Underground Railroad and was inducted into the National Abolition Hall of Fame. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely commemorative. It directly affects Michigan residents by establishing an official state observance day. The resolution was introduced and adopted by the Michigan House on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 47) symbolically declares March 16-22, 2025, as "Sunshine Week" in Michigan. It recognizes the national observance focused on promoting government transparency and public access to information, aligning with the 20th anniversary of the initiative. The resolution has no policy changes or new requirements - it simply affirms the state's commitment to open government principles through a formal declaration. It directly affects all Michigan residents by highlighting the importance of transparency in state operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4243 amends Michigan's Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act to include regional airport authorities as covered public employers under the law. This means employees of regional airport authorities (such as those managing airports across the state) will now be subject to the same health insurance contribution rules as other public employees, like state workers or school district staff. The bill clarifies that these authorities must contribute to health insurance costs for their employees, following the same framework as other public employers defined in the existing law. It does not create new benefits but ensures airport authorities comply with the same health insurance contribution requirements as other public entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan employers to pay employees for any accrued but unused paid vacation leave when employment ends. It applies to workers who have earned vacation time but didn't use it before leaving a job, such as through resignation or termination. Employers must pay this out unless the separation was a furlough (a temporary shutdown under specific conditions) or the employer provided unlimited vacation leave. The law will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 4252 requires drug manufacturers to display the generic name of non-controlled prescription medications on every blister cell of a blister pack, or on the backing if the pack lacks perforated cells. This applies directly to pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies distributing blister-packaged drugs in Michigan. The law aims to improve patient clarity by ensuring the generic drug name is clearly visible at the point of use, reducing confusion between brand and generic products. It amends Michigan's Public Health Code (MCL 333.1101 et seq.) without altering drug safety, cost, or availability.

Maddy summaryHB 4250, the "Public Library Freedom to Read Act," requires Michigan public libraries (excluding school and district libraries) to adopt policies governing material selection and removal. It mandates that libraries establish clear standards for adding or removing books, DVDs, and other materials, and creates a formal process for residents to request reconsideration of materials. Crucially, the law prohibits libraries from removing materials based on an author’s protected characteristics (like race or religion) or the material’s viewpoint, allowing removal only if material is legally obscene or unprotected by the First Amendment. Libraries must adopt compliant policies within 90 days, and residents or the attorney general can seek court orders to enforce the law or restore removed materials. This directly affects public libraries and residents seeking to challenge library collections.

Maddy summaryHB 4264, the "Job Applicant Credit Privacy Act," bans most employers in Michigan from using an applicant's credit history to make hiring decisions or asking about it during the recruitment process. It directly affects all job seekers and employers, except for specific roles in banking (state/nationally chartered banks, savings institutions, credit unions), licensed financial services, or casinos. The bill also prohibits employers from retaliating against applicants who oppose violations or participate in investigations, and bans any requirement for applicants to waive their rights under this law. Violators face civil lawsuits allowing for damages, injunctions, or attorney fees.

Maddy summaryHB 4251, the "District Library Freedom to Read Act," requires Michigan district libraries to establish clear policies for selecting and removing materials from their collections. It prohibits libraries from removing books or media based on protected characteristics (like race, religion, or viewpoint) or the material's subject matter, except if a court deems it obscene. The bill mandates that libraries adopt compliant policies within 90 days, including procedures for residents to request reconsideration (with requirements like verifying they’ve read the material) and restrictions on how often the same material can be challenged. Violations can be addressed through legal action by the attorney general or residents. This directly affects public district libraries under Michigan law, excluding school or special libraries.