Rep. Natalie Price

Maddy summaryHB 5421 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to create a new exception allowing victims of stalking to qualify for benefits if they leave employment due to stalking. Currently, an exception exists for domestic violence victims under Section 29(a)(iv), but this bill replaces "domestic violence" with "stalking" in that provision. The change means individuals who leave jobs to escape stalking would no longer be disqualified from benefits, directly affecting stalking victims who might otherwise lose unemployment eligibility. This policy update modifies the disqualification rule without altering other existing provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5422 amends Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act (2018 PA 338) to clarify and expand permissible uses of accrued sick time for workers. It specifically updates Section 4(1) to allow sick time for medical care related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or violent crime; school meetings about a child's health or disability; and public health emergencies. The bill also refines notice requirements for employers, permitting advance notice up to 7 days for foreseeable absences. This amendment directly affects Michigan workers covered under the existing sick time law, ensuring clearer access to time off for health, family, and safety needs.

Maddy summaryHB 5423 prohibits Michigan employers from taking adverse actions (like firing, refusing to hire, or harassing) against employees who are victims of violent crimes or involved in related legal proceedings. It directly protects employees and their family members who experience violent crimes, ensuring employers cannot retaliate for attending court, requesting workplace adjustments (such as schedule changes or safety modifications), or seeking help. Employers must post notices about these protections and provide them to all employees in their primary language. Employees can file lawsuits within three years to seek remedies like reinstatement, back pay, or damages if their rights are violated.

Maddy summaryHB 5389 modifies how Michigan manages state funds for specific projects (called "work projects"). It requires that such projects must have a clear purpose, specific plan, estimated cost, and completion date to qualify. The bill also changes the timeframe for unused funds to expire (48 months after the fiscal year ends) and gives the director authority to propose lapsing project accounts, but requires both legislative committees to disapprove such proposals within 30 days. Additionally, it mandates annual reports to committees detailing all active work project accounts, their balances, and any funds that lapsed.

Maddy summaryHB 5390 modifies Michigan's budget law to clarify rules for "work project" appropriations, which are funds designated for specific, time-bound projects. It requires all work projects to meet four criteria: a specific purpose, a clear plan, an estimated cost, and a completion date. The bill strengthens legislative oversight by allowing appropriations committees to disapprove the director's decisions to lapse funds or designate new work projects, requiring a two-thirds vote and committee hearings within 30 days. This affects state agencies managing project funds and legislative committees responsible for budget review.

Maddy summaryHB 5392 updates Michigan's unemployment benefits recovery process by expanding eligibility for claimants to request waivers of repayment for improperly paid benefits. It allows claimants 60 days after receiving an overpayment notice to submit evidence showing repayment would be "contrary to equity and good conscience," such as administrative errors by the agency, employer-provided incorrect wage data, or household income below 150% of the federal poverty level. The bill clarifies that waivers apply retroactively from the date of the error or application, and requires refunds for payments made after the waiver request. This directly affects individuals who received unemployment benefits they later had to repay due to agency or employer errors.

Maddy summaryHB 5349 requires Michigan's Department of Health to create standardized forms for two types of school immunization exemptions. Medical exemptions (for health reasons) must include details like the vaccine type, reason for exemption, and expiration date. Non-medical exemptions (for religious or other objections) must include education about vaccine benefits and risks, require in-person form pickup from a health department, and include witnessed signatures. This bill directly affects parents seeking exemptions, schools requiring immunization records, and local health departments distributing the forms.

Maddy summaryHB 5344 amends Michigan's school code to update how public schools report student vaccination rates. It requires schools to submit annual immunization status reports to health officials by November 1 and February 1, including vision screening data for kindergarten students. Starting in 2028, schools must provide de-identified, aggregated data showing vaccination rates (fully/partially immunized and waiver percentages) and share each student's vaccination status with parents via mail, email, website links, and physical notices in school offices. The bill focuses on transparency and data collection for public health monitoring, without changing vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5348 requires Michigan schools to use standardized forms created by the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for documenting student immunization records and exemptions. It affects public and nonpublic schools enrolling new students or those entering grade 7, as well as parents submitting exemption forms. The bill modifies existing requirements by mandating that all immunization documentation, including medical contraindication forms and religious exemption statements, must use MDHHS-approved templates instead of current forms. This change standardizes reporting to ensure consistency in tracking student immunization status across all schools. The policy does not alter vaccination requirements but updates the administrative process for submitting compliance documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 5350 requires local health departments to annually report school immunization rates and exemption data to local governing bodies (like city councils). Starting June 1, 2028, health officers must submit detailed, de-identified reports showing overall vaccination levels, medical and non-medical exemption percentages, and list schools with over 5% exemptions along with plans to reduce them. This directly affects schools, health departments, and local governments by increasing transparency around vaccination coverage. The bill amends existing law to strengthen accountability for immunization compliance without changing exemption rules themselves.