Rep. Kara Hope

Maddy summaryHB 4295 creates a "Fair Paycheck Workplace Certificate" program for Michigan employers. To obtain the certificate, employers must submit payroll data showing less than a 5% average pay gap between employees with different protected characteristics (like race, gender, or age) and pay the required fee. Employers without a valid certificate cannot claim to have one, facing up to $1,000 civil fines for false claims. The state will maintain a public database of certified employers, and all employee data submitted for certification is exempt from public disclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 4292 amends Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to improve reporting of wage discrimination. It requires the Michigan Civil Rights Commission to establish a dedicated phone line and a public website with an anonymous electronic reporting form for workers to report wage discrimination without revealing their identity. These mechanisms must prominently display the phone number and website link, ensuring anonymity for individuals who report violations or assist in investigations. The bill directly affects workers experiencing wage discrimination by providing safer, confidential reporting options.

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 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 summaryThis resolution (HR 46) designates March 22, 2025, as "Michigan Water Day" and recognizes the existing global observance of World Water Day within Michigan. It commemorates Michigan's water heritage, including glaciers' role in shaping the state's freshwater resources and the importance of protecting the Great Lakes. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about preserving clean water and preventing pollution, but it does not create new laws or funding. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct legal effect on policy or resources.

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 summaryThis resolution (HR 47) symbolically declares March 16-22, 2025, as "Sunshine Week" in Michigan. It recognizes the national observance focused on promoting government transparency and public access to information, aligning with the 20th anniversary of the initiative. The resolution has no policy changes or new requirements - it simply affirms the state's commitment to open government principles through a formal declaration. It directly affects all Michigan residents by highlighting the importance of transparency in state operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4247 creates a 50% state income tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate cash or food to qualifying charities providing overnight shelter, food, or meals to indigent individuals (defined as households earning under 140% of the federal poverty level). The credit is capped at $100 for single filers ($200 for joint returns) or 10% of tax liability (max $5,000) for estates/trusts. To claim the credit, donors must receive a written acknowledgment from the charity verifying its mission, tax-deductibility under federal law, and compliance with civil rights laws. The bill requires the state tax department to report annual credit claims to legislative committees.

Maddy summaryHB 4248 creates a 50% tax credit for Michigan taxpayers who donate to community foundation endowment funds, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2025. Individual taxpayers can claim up to $100 (or $200 for joint returns), while estates/trusts get a credit capped at 10% of their tax liability (max $5,000). To qualify, donations must be to certified community foundations (requiring at least $1 million in assets) with a gift acknowledgment, and contributions cannot be deducted for federal tax purposes. The Michigan Department of Treasury must annually report total credits claimed to tax committees.