Rep. Jason Hoskins

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4435 proposes to repeal Section 17 of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act. This section currently prohibits the state from creating new rules related to workplace ergonomics. If enacted, this bill would remove that prohibition, allowing the state to develop and implement health and safety standards concerning ergonomics in various workplaces. This change could affect Michigan employers and their employees by potentially introducing new requirements to prevent injuries related to repetitive motions or other ergonomic hazards.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4436 amends Michigan's occupational safety and health act to protect employees who communicate about workplace safety. The bill prohibits employers from firing or discriminating against an employee who discloses information about an occupational safety practice, workplace hazard, or communicable disease to the employer, other employees, a government agency, or the public. Employers are also barred from requiring employees to sign agreements or follow policies that limit such disclosures, rendering such provisions void. Additionally, the bill prevents employers from taking adverse action against an employee for wearing their own personal protective equipment that offers more protection than employer-provided gear. If an employer takes action within 90 days of a protected activity, it is presumed to be a violation.

Maddy summaryHB 4438 aims to protect employees in Michigan from retaliation by their employers. It prohibits employers from taking adverse actions, such as reducing pay, denying promotions, or terminating employment, against an employee. This protection applies when an employee raises concerns or criticizes the employer's handling or management of a communicable disease in the workplace. Employees can voice these concerns to the employer, other employees, state agencies, or the public, including through social media. The bill also allows affected employees to file a civil lawsuit for damages or injunctive relief.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 proposes to amend Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill aims to establish or modify sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes related to the employment of minors. It directly affects individuals convicted of such offenses by providing updated frameworks for their potential sentences. This is achieved by amending section 14b of the existing criminal procedure code.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4439 amends the Michigan occupational safety and health act to protect employees who refuse to work due to a reasonable belief of exposure to a communicable disease or unsafe condition. This protection applies if the employee first requested the employer to correct the issue, the issue was not corrected, and the employee reported it to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). If an employee is not reassigned under these circumstances, the employer must pay their wages for the period the condition remains uncorrected. The bill also creates a presumption of employer violation if adverse action is taken against an employee within 90 days of them engaging in these protected activities.

Maddy summaryHB 4440 proposes to create the Infectious Disease Worker Safety Commission within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This commission, comprised of representatives from labor unions, management, and health care specialists, will determine best practices for employee safety during declared infectious disease emergencies. These practices include guidelines for personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and distancing requirements. The commission must prepare and publicly release a report of these determinations, which employers are required to post at their workplaces. If an employer fails to post the report, they cannot take disciplinary action against an employee who leaves or refuses to report to work during an infectious disease emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 4437 amends the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) to modify civil penalties for workplace safety violations. The bill changes the maximum civil penalty amounts for various violations, such as serious or willful offenses, to be equivalent to federal OSHA penalties. It also requires the state director to initiate administrative rules to update Michigan's penalties to match any changes in federal penalties. This legislation directly affects employers in Michigan by linking potential MIOSHA fines to federal standards.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4441 amends Michigan's Youth Employment Standards Act. It expands the types of jobs minors can hold, allowing those 11 and older to work as bridge caddies and 13 and older to set traps for shooting events. The bill strengthens enforcement by granting the Department of Labor Director authority to impose administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation and take legal action, including requiring employers to pay awards to affected minors. Additionally, it prohibits employers from retaliating against employees or minors who exercise their rights under the act. Finally, the bill significantly increases criminal penalties for employers who violate the act, particularly in cases where a minor is killed or suffers great bodily harm while working, introducing mandatory fines and potential imprisonment.

Maddy summaryHB 4288 prohibits Michigan state agencies from hiring for unclassified positions based on factors other than objective merit, such as education or work experience. It directly affects state agencies hiring for roles outside the classified civil service (e.g., certain executive branch positions). The bill requires hiring decisions to rely solely on merit-based criteria and imposes civil fines of up to $10,000 per violation, with the attorney general authorized to collect penalties. This legislation creates new requirements for state hiring practices under Michigan law.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 86 is a procedural resolution that declares May 5-9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week in the state of Michigan. It encourages all citizens to recognize and thank teachers for their dedication to students, schools, and communities.