Rep. Cynthia Neeley

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4454 amends Michigan law regarding collective bargaining for public employees. It allows the Michigan Employment Relations Commission to certify a labor organization as the exclusive bargaining representative for public employees. This can occur if, after a petition, investigation, and hearing, the commission determines that more than 50% of employees in an appropriate unit wish to be represented by that organization. This bill introduces an alternative path for certification, distinct from the existing requirement for a secret ballot election in certain representation disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 4452 amends Michigan law concerning labor disputes. It introduces a new provision making it an unfair labor practice for an employer to relocate, cease, or subcontract operations within one year after its employees elect a bargaining representative. This means employers would be prohibited from making these specific operational changes shortly after employees unionize. The bill also outlines the process for the labor commission to investigate, hear, and remedy such unfair labor practices.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4446 proposes to repeal the "Local government labor regulatory limitation act" from 2015. This existing law currently places limits on the ability of local governments to regulate labor matters within their jurisdictions. By repealing this act, HB 4446 would remove those limitations, potentially allowing local governments greater authority over local labor regulations.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 92 declares May 2025 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution formally recognizes Michigan residents who live with asthma and allergies and encourages compassion for those with these conditions.

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 summaryHouse Bill 4449, known as the "employee family health privacy act," aims to protect employees in Michigan. It prohibits employers from making employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, or compensation, based on the known or believed health condition or illness of an employee's family member. The bill also prevents employers from inquiring about a family member's health status, with exceptions for verifying sick leave, family and medical leave eligibility, or processing health coverage claims. Additionally, it prohibits retaliation against individuals who act to enforce their rights under this act and allows for civil actions to seek remedies for violations.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 89 is a resolution introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. It formally affirms the constitutional right of the people of Michigan to propose and approve amendments to the state's constitution. This right includes amendments that impact federal elections, such as those passed as Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022. The resolution underscores the ability of Michigan citizens to directly participate in amending their state's foundational document.

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. 83 declares April 30-May 6, 2025, as Junior Achievement Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution recognizes Junior Achievement's contributions to financial literacy education for youth across the state.

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.