Rep. Erin Byrnes

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes new annual fees for individuals seeking or holding an interior design license in Michigan. Under the proposed changes, applicants would pay a $175 application processing fee, and licensed professionals would be required to pay a $125 yearly license fee. The legislation is contingent on the passage of a companion bill, meaning these fees will only take effect if both related measures are enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Used Motor Vehicle Warranty Act" to offer buyers of used cars a short-term cancellation option. It requires dealers selling used vehicles with a purchase price of $50,000 or less to provide customers with a contract that allows them to return the car without cause within two days of purchase. Under this agreement, buyers can drive the vehicle up to 150 miles and have it inspected by a mechanic of their choice during that two-day window. If a customer decides to cancel, they must pay a restocking fee that varies based on the vehicle's price, ranging from $175 to $500. The law excludes motorcycles, off-highway vehicles, and cars costing more than $50,000 from these requirements, and it does not apply to private sales between individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Michigan to display a poster detailing employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act at all work sites and provide a digital copy to staff. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will create this poster using materials from the National Labor Relations Board and ensure it is available in English and any other language requested by a labor organization or employer. Employers who fail to comply face civil fines of $5,000 for a first violation and $10,000 for subsequent violations, which are collected by county prosecutors or the attorney general and deposited into the state general fund. The law directly affects businesses with employees and aims to increase awareness of collective bargaining rights through mandatory posting and digital distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's domestic violence prevention laws to explicitly allow shelters to accept common household pets, such as dogs and cats, alongside victims and their children. By updating the definition of a "family or household member" and revising shelter requirements, the legislation ensures that emergency housing programs can accommodate animals as part of their crisis support services. Prime sponsors, which include local governments and nonprofit organizations, may use state funds to establish or maintain these inclusive shelter programs that offer counseling, legal aid, and other essential resources. The changes aim to remove barriers for victims seeking immediate safety by recognizing the emotional and practical importance of keeping pets during domestic violence situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan judges and other court staff involved in child custody cases to undergo specific training on recognizing and responding to domestic violence and child abuse. The training must include at least 20 initial hours and 15 additional hours every five years, covering topics such as various forms of abuse, trauma, implicit bias, and the dynamics of coercive control. A key provision mandates that all training content be based on evidence-based research and explicitly defines certain terms like "DARVO" to ensure clarity. Ultimately, the legislation aims to improve custody decisions by prioritizing the safety and well-being of children through better-informed court personnel.

Maddy summaryHB 6012 prohibits insurance companies in Michigan from denying, canceling, or raising premiums on residential property liability policies based solely on the breed or mix of dogs owned by the policyholder. The bill also bans insurers from asking about or investigating specific dog breeds when underwriting these policies. While the law restricts breed-based decisions, it allows insurers to continue adjusting rates or coverage based on other standard underwriting factors unrelated to dog breeds. This change applies to all residential property liability insurance policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5583 amends the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to give the Secretary of State the authority to apply to the Ingham County circuit court for injunctive relief when a complaint alleges a violation of campaign finance rules. The bill establishes a formal process for citizens to file complaints against individuals or committees, requiring the Secretary of State to notify the accused party and allow for written responses and rebuttals before any legal action is taken. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the standards for waiving late filing fees due to specific hardships and sets strict timelines for the Secretary of State to issue rulings on requests for legal interpretations. This measure is designed to provide a structured mechanism for enforcing campaign finance laws while ensuring due process for those accused of violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Michigan Secure Retirement Savings Program to help private-sector employees save for retirement through automatic payroll deductions. It creates a new oversight board and a separate trust fund to manage individual retirement accounts for enrolled workers, ensuring the money remains distinct from state funds. Employers that do not currently offer qualified retirement plans are required to participate by allowing employees to make automatic contributions from their paychecks. The legislation also sets up a separate administrative fund to cover the program's operational costs and defines the specific duties of the state officials who will run the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's governmental immunity laws to clarify when public employees and agencies are protected from lawsuits for injuries or property damage. It maintains broad immunity for officials acting within their authority unless their conduct involves gross negligence, while explicitly preserving existing protections for judges, legislators, and high-level executives. The legislation also defines specific exceptions, such as removing immunity for medical care provided in certain hospitals and ensuring liability remains for underground facility damage. Additionally, it establishes that public universities and school districts cannot claim immunity for criminal sexual conduct committed by their employees or agents.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state department of education, working with the department of labor and economic opportunity, to develop educational materials on digital literacy and cybersafety. These resources, which include model curricula and lesson plans, must be made available for free on the department of labor and economic opportunity's website. The primary goal is to provide accessible tools to help individuals improve their online safety and digital skills without cost.