Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan's Department of Education to create and distribute informational notices about sextortion to school districts, academies, and their staff, students in grades 6 through 12, and parents. The notices must explain the legal definition of sextortion, include the relevant state law, and provide contact details for the state police office of school safety. Additionally, school boards are mandated to develop educational policies on the topic and hold at least one annual meeting to share free resources on sextortion from federal and national organizations. The legislation defines sextortion as a form of child sexual exploitation where an adult threatens to share a minor's nude or sexual image unless they provide more content, engage in sexual activity, or pay money.

Maddy summaryHB 5800 amends the Deferred Presentment Service Transactions Act to update internal references regarding money transmission services within Michigan's financial regulations. The bill specifically revises the definition of "deferred presentment service transaction" to clarify that it does not include delays in loan repayment checks issued by lenders already licensed under other state laws, such as those regulating consumer finance or motor vehicle sales. This change ensures that payday lenders and other financial institutions providing check-cashing services operate under a consistent regulatory framework that distinguishes their activities from those of licensed loan providers. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, provided a related companion bill is also enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Home Rule City Act to change the timeline for electing charter commissions in cities that vote to revise their local charters. Specifically, it extends the deadline for electing these commissions from 60 days to 200 days after a city approves a charter revision. The legislation also clarifies that if a proposed charter is rejected by voters, the commission can choose to continue working on amendments before resubmitting the plan, but it limits the total number of times a charter can be voted on to three. Additionally, the bill allows cities to include advisory votes on government structure changes alongside the main charter revision question.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces Michigan's existing money transmission laws with a new framework designed to modernize regulations for businesses that move money on behalf of others. The act requires these companies to obtain a state license and establishes clear rules for protecting customer funds, preventing financial crime, and coordinating with other regulators to reduce unnecessary burdens. Key provisions include standardized definitions for ownership control, specific requirements for maintaining customer security, and updated criteria for financial stability ratings. By repealing the previous 2006 legislation, the bill aims to create a more competitive environment while maintaining strict oversight over money transmission activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create a new funding system that pays certified community behavioral health clinics in advance for their expected costs. The law applies to clinics, nonprofit groups, and private organizations that provide mental health services and meet specific federal and state certification standards. To ensure fair treatment, the bill requires the department to establish rules that prevent retaliation against these providers and creates a process for resolving payment disputes through an independent adjudicator. Implementation of this payment system must be completed by October 1, 2027, but the bill will only take effect if a companion bill is also passed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands property tax relief for Michigan homeowners who are seniors and living in poverty by establishing a new exemption category. To qualify, residents must own and occupy their home as a principal residence while meeting specific federal poverty guidelines or alternative local income standards. The legislation requires applicants to submit annual documentation, such as tax returns or affidavits, and allows local boards to grant either full or partial tax reductions based on these criteria. Additionally, the bill permits certain individuals with fixed incomes from public assistance to maintain their exemption status for up to three years without needing to reapply annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act to clarify the rules for individuals seeking financial relief after being wrongly convicted and imprisoned. It specifically defines what counts as "new evidence" for compensation claims, including DNA results and expert testimony, while noting that a witness recantation alone is insufficient without additional supporting proof. The legislation also establishes new procedural requirements, such as mandating that prosecutors notify victims of assaultive crimes when a compensation claim is filed and setting strict timelines for legal responses. Additionally, it adjusts the standard of proof needed to win a case, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate their innocence by clear and convincing evidence rather than just a preponderance of the evidence.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Michigan employers from asking job applicants about their past wages, fringe benefits, credit scores, or credit history. It also bans employers from requiring employees to sign waivers that prevent them from sharing their salary information or from punishing workers who disclose their pay. By removing these restrictions, the legislation aims to prevent discrimination based on compensation history and financial records during the hiring process. The changes directly affect both current and prospective employees by limiting the types of questions employers can ask regarding financial details.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Michigan with 50 or more employees at a single location to post a notice informing workers about laws against wage discrimination based on various protected characteristics. The notice must explain that federal law prohibits unequal pay due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, or disability, while state law extends these protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, and marital status. It also directs employees to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights for assistance and provides contact information for anonymous reporting of violations. Employers who fail to display this approved notice may face a civil fine of up to $100.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's wage and benefits law to establish stricter penalties and remedies for employers who fail to follow fair employment practices. It authorizes the Department of Labor to order employers to pay owed wages and benefits, plus an annual 10% penalty on those amounts while a complaint is being processed. The legislation also allows the department to award up to twice the owed amount in exemplary damages for flagrant or repeated violations and to cover legal costs for the affected employee. Additionally, it introduces a tiered fine system for specific violations, where fines increase from $500 for a first offense to $25,000 for subsequent offenses, and permits individuals to sue for at least $10,000 in damages if they prevail in court.