Rep. Alabas Farhat

Maddy summaryHB 4260 redirects $115 million annually from Michigan's 4% general sales tax revenue into the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund starting with the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This change affects state budget allocations, shifting funds previously going to the general fund toward public safety and violence prevention programs. The bill amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.75) to establish this specific annual transfer, with the amount adjusted based on actual tax collections. It does not create new taxes but reallocates existing revenue streams.

Maddy summaryHB 4261 creates the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund within Michigan's trust fund system. It establishes the fund using money from the general sales tax (Section 25 of 1933 PA 167), donations, and investment earnings, with funds permanently staying in the account instead of lapsing to the general fund. Starting September 30, 2026, the state treasurer will distribute the fund’s revenues: 2% to health services for community violence intervention grants, 2% to crime victim funds, and the remainder based on each city/village/township’s violent crime rate (with a 5% reduction for areas not meeting crime reduction targets). This directly affects local governments receiving funds, the Department of Health and Human Services (administering grants), and crime victim programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 69 declares April 2025 as Arab-American Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution officially recognizes the contributions of Arab-Americans to the state's culture, economy, and overall prosperity.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4337 proposes to amend Michigan's code of criminal procedure. It specifically modifies section 16t of chapter XVII (MCL 777.16t), which pertains to sentencing guidelines. The bill aims to establish new sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of bringing in and harboring certain undocumented persons. This change would directly affect those charged with this specific crime and the courts responsible for their sentencing.

Maddy summaryHB 4335 aims to increase the penalties for drivers who commit moving violations that cause physical injury or death to a "vulnerable roadway user." This legislation amends a section of the state's code of criminal procedure. The bill seeks to enhance legal consequences for drivers involved in such incidents, thereby affecting individuals found responsible for these violations and aiming to provide greater protection for vulnerable individuals using roadways.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4334 proposes to enhance penalties for drivers who commit moving violations that result in physical injury or death to vulnerable roadway users. The bill amends several sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code (1949 PA 300) and adds new sections to implement these stricter consequences. Its aim is to increase accountability for drivers whose actions lead to harm for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vulnerable individuals on the road.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 56 declares April 2025 as Scottish-American Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution, introduced by Rep. Mike McFall and adopted by the House of Representatives, aims to recognize and celebrate the cultural heritage and historical contributions of Scottish-Americans in Michigan.

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.