Rep. Denise Mentzer

Maddy summaryHB 4290 prohibits Michigan employers from asking job applicants about their past pay, credit scores, or credit history during the hiring process. It also prevents employers from requiring employees to sign agreements that stop them from discussing their wages or punishing employees for disclosing their pay. The law applies to most employers, with limited exceptions for legal or bonding requirements that legally mandate such information. This aims to reduce pay disparities by stopping employers from basing new salaries on past compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 4291 prohibits Michigan employers from paying employees different wages for equal work based on protected attributes like race, gender identity, religion, or age. It amends the state's wage law to require equal pay for jobs requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibility under similar conditions, while allowing exceptions for seniority, merit, or productivity-based systems. The bill explicitly defines "protected attributes" using the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and repeals a prior section (2018 PA 337, Sec. 13) that previously allowed certain pay differentials. It directly affects all Michigan employers and employees by mandating pay equity for comparable work. The law would take effect if passed, aligning Michigan's wage standards with broader civil rights protections.

Maddy summaryHB 4280 extends the renewal period for limited licenses that allow social workers to gain supervised experience toward full licensure. Specifically, it changes the existing rule from allowing limited license renewals for "not more than 6 years" to "not more than 10 years." This directly affects social workers pursuing bachelor's or master's level licensure who need to complete post-degree supervised practice. The bill does not alter educational requirements or supervision standards - only the duration they can hold the limited license while gaining experience.

Maddy summaryHB 4281 creates the "used motor vehicle warranty act" to give consumers a 2-day right to return a used car purchased from a dealer for any reason, provided the vehicle costs $50,000 or less. Dealers must offer a contract cancellation agreement at a capped fee (up to $250), allowing buyers to drive the car up to 150 miles during the window and receive a full refund minus a restocking fee (capped at $500). This applies to most used car purchases but excludes motorcycles, off-highway vehicles, sales over $50,000, and private-party transactions. The law requires dealers to include specific terms in the sales agreement and provides consumers a legal remedy for violations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 54) is a ceremonial declaration by the Michigan House of Representatives to commemorate April 4, 2025, as "North Atlantic Treaty Day" in Michigan. It honors the 76th anniversary of the 1949 signing of the North Atlantic Treaty establishing NATO, highlighting NATO's role in collective security and Michigan's military and defense industry connections. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves to recognize this historical date and symbolically acknowledge Michigan's ties to NATO through its veterans and defense sector. It does not directly affect any individuals, organizations, or government programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4272 would create specific sentencing rules for people convicted of campaign finance violations in Michigan. It amends the state’s criminal procedure code to add a new sentencing guideline for these offenses, requiring judges to follow set sentencing ranges instead of general guidelines. This bill directly affects candidates, political committees, or individuals who break campaign finance laws by changing how judges impose penalties for such violations. The bill is currently in committee referral after being introduced on March 19, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 4269 requires political nonprofits - specifically 527 organizations (like issue advocacy groups) and 501(c)(4) social welfare groups - to publicly disclose detailed financial information. These groups must electronically file annual reports by January 31 and July 31, listing donor names, occupations, addresses (for contributions over $100), and itemized expenditures over $100. Organizations with less than $5,000 in annual activity may request a filing waiver. Failure to comply risks fines (up to $5,000) or dissolution for repeated violations, including intentional underreporting of contributions or expenditures.

Maddy summaryHB 4273 amends Michigan's lobbying law (MCL 4.415) to clarify definitions and registration requirements for lobbyists and legislative staff. It specifically defines "lobbying" as communicating to influence government action using information or data, and sets thresholds: anyone spending over $1,000 annually on lobbying must register, or $250 for lobbying a single official. The bill adds exemptions for certain government employees (like university staff, school board workers, and state department employees) who are not required to register. This is a procedural update to existing law, focusing on precise definitions rather than new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 4270 amends Michigan's Campaign Finance Act to clarify disclosure requirements for certain political nonprofits. It redefines "501(c)(4)" and "527" organizations to include those controlled by state candidates, elected officials, appointed officials, or their family members. These nonprofits would then be required to disclose their funding sources and activities, directly affecting organizations with ties to Michigan's political figures. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, pending passage of companion legislation (HB 4269).

Maddy summaryHB 4271 modifies Michigan's campaign finance law to treat all independent committees established, financed, maintained, or controlled by a candidate for the Michigan House or Senate as a single committee for contribution limit purposes. This means a candidate cannot circumvent contribution limits by creating multiple committees under their name; all such committees will be counted together. The bill explicitly excludes House and Senate political party caucus committees from this rule. Violations carry penalties including up to 3 years in prison or a $5,000 fine for individuals, or a $10,000 fine for organizations. The bill directly affects candidates running for state legislative office who use independent committees.