Rep. Kara Hope

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 No. 62 declares April 2025 as County Government Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution recognizes the vital role of county governments in delivering public services and urges citizens to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 59 declares April 11-17, 2025, as Black Maternal Health Week in the state of Michigan. This resolution encourages Michigan residents to observe the week with programs and activities that promote awareness, education, and action in support of Black maternal health.

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 4300 would create a system for appointing volunteer advocates in Michigan animal cruelty and welfare cases. Courts may appoint trained lawyers or law students (from a State Bar-approved list) to represent the animal's interests, monitor cases, review records, and make recommendations - not to the defendant but to the court. The advocates, who serve without pay (earning pro bono credit or academic credit instead), must complete State Bar-approved training. This bill directly affects animals in criminal cases under Michigan’s penal code, adding a new procedural step to ensure their welfare is considered in court proceedings.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 4293 requires Michigan employers to obtain written permission from employees before deducting most amounts from paychecks, with exceptions for legally required payments. It limits deductions to 15% of gross wages and ensures employees still receive at least the state or federal minimum wage after deductions. The bill also sets specific rules for handling overpaid wages (without consent if properly documented) and court-ordered debt deductions (requiring 10 business days' written notice). This directly affects all Michigan employers and employees who have deductions taken from their paychecks.

Maddy summaryHB 4294 prohibits state agencies from awarding construction, repair, remodeling, or demolition contracts to employers without a "fair paycheck workplace certificate." This requirement directly affects state agencies purchasing such services and contractors bidding on those projects. The bill amends Michigan's Management and Budget Act to add Section 241(3), mandating that all eligible contractors must hold this certificate, which verifies compliance with fair pay standards. The law applies to all state-funded construction projects where competitive bidding is required, ensuring contractors meet specific workplace fairness criteria before securing contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 4297 requires Michigan employers to disclose wage information for "similarly situated employees" upon an employee's request. Specifically, employers must provide details on salary, bonuses, overtime, and other compensation within 30 days, while redacting individual names but including sex and seniority data for comparable roles. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who ask for this information or from requiring non-disclosure of wages as a condition of employment. It directly affects all Michigan employers and their employees by increasing wage transparency for jobs with comparable duties, skills, and responsibilities.