Rep. Jaz Martus

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.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4405 aims to allow low-wage school employees to collect unemployment benefits during the summer months. It amends Section 27 of the Michigan employment security act to adjust how weekly unemployment benefits are calculated. The bill increases the maximum weekly benefit rate and the monetary allowance for each dependent. These adjustments are scheduled to be phased in annually, beginning in January 2025 and continuing through January 2028, affecting individuals eligible for unemployment benefits.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4409 requires employers in Michigan to create and maintain a written job description for every position, directly affecting employers, job applicants, and current employees. These descriptions must detail essential duties, required skills, working conditions, schedule, and salary information. Employers must provide the applicable job description to applicants during recruitment, hiring, or promotion, and to any employee upon request. Current employees must also be given an opportunity to review and initial any revised job description before it is applied to them. Violations can lead to escalating civil fines for employers and allow aggrieved individuals to sue for actual damages or $10,000, plus attorney fees.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4406 amends the Michigan employment security act, primarily by eliminating specific provisions related to seasonal workers. The bill also modifies how unemployment benefits are calculated for claimants. It incrementally increases the maximum weekly benefit rates for unemployed individuals, with these changes taking effect annually from January 1, 2025, through 2028. Additionally, the bill updates the definitions for eligible dependents, such as changing "husband or wife" to "spouse," which affects the calculation of additional benefits. This legislation directly impacts unemployed individuals seeking benefits in Michigan, as well as seasonal workers previously covered by specific employment security provisions.

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 71 declares April 28, 2025, as Workers Memorial Day in the state of Michigan. This resolution honors Michigan workers who have been injured, disabled, or died due to workplace accidents.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4331 establishes an "Ebony alert" system in Michigan to aid in locating missing women between the ages of 18 and 65, referred to as "qualifying individuals." This system is activated when a qualifying individual is reported missing under suspicious circumstances and is believed to be at risk, developmentally disabled, cognitively impaired, or abducted. The Department of State Police will create and maintain a plan to rapidly disseminate information to radio and television stations statewide. The bill also creates an Ebony Alert Fund to support the system's operation and prohibits intentionally making false reports, imposing penalties for violations.

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.