Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to adjust annual reimbursements given to child care providers under Michigan's child development and care program to account for inflation. The adjustments will be calculated using the Detroit Consumer Price Index, ensuring that payments keep pace with rising costs in the local area. This change directly affects the financial support received by licensed child care providers operating within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the financial penalties that employers in Michigan face for failing to pay owed wages or fringe benefits. Under the new rules, if an employer is found guilty of such violations, they must pay the employee the full amount owed plus a penalty equal to 100% of that amount for every year the payment is delayed. Additionally, the bill allows the state to award up to three times the owed amount as extra damages if the violation is considered flagrant or repeated, and it raises the maximum fine for breaking the law from $1,000 to $10,000. These changes apply to any employer who violates existing state laws regarding wage payment, record-keeping, or dispute resolution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Michigan to provide wage information to employees who request it, specifically data on pay for similarly situated workers within the same job classification or with comparable duties. Under the new rules, employers must respond to such requests within 30 days and may share details like salary, bonuses, and overtime pay while redacting specific employee names but including their sex and seniority. The legislation also prohibits employers from forcing employees to sign nondisclosure agreements about their wages or from punishing workers who share their compensation information. These changes aim to increase transparency in the workplace by ensuring employees have access to comparative pay data and protecting them from retaliation when discussing their earnings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create a written process for child care licensees to request a review and appeal of certain rule violations. The new procedure specifically applies to cases where a violation does not lead to the denial, revocation, or refusal to renew a license, or an injunction. The department must establish this system within 90 days of the bill's effective date and make the process publicly available on its website. By adding Section 12a to the existing child care licensing law, the legislation aims to provide a formal avenue for organizations to challenge specific regulatory determinations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan law to clarify when law enforcement must collect and forward biometric data, such as fingerprints, following an arrest. It requires agencies to gather this information for specific serious offenses, including felonies and certain misdemeanors, and mandates that the data be sent to the state police within 72 hours. The legislation also outlines procedures for destroying biometric data if a person is released without charges or if an arrest record is expunged, ensuring that digital records are removed when appropriate. Additionally, the bill includes a provision to remove references to sodomy from a 1925 statute regarding criminal history records.

Maddy summaryHB 4433 removes sodomy between consenting adults from the list of crimes that allow judges to close preliminary court hearings to the public. This change means that cases involving consensual adult sodomy will no longer be eligible for closed-door proceedings, ensuring they remain open to public observation like other criminal cases. The bill applies specifically to the state's Code of Criminal Procedure and affects how magistrates handle pre-trial hearings for this specific offense.

Maddy summaryHB 4431 removes the state law that criminalizes consensual sodomy between adults. By repealing specific sections of the Michigan Penal Code, the bill eliminates the felony charges and potential prison sentences currently available for this act. The legislation does not address bestiality, which remains a separate crime under the law. This change directly affects individuals who engage in private sexual conduct between consenting adults.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions within Michigan's Animal Welfare Fund Act to clarify terms like "animal control shelter," "qualified veterinarian," and "state animal anticruelty laws." By referencing existing statutes, the legislation ensures these terms align with current legal standards for animal care and veterinary licensing. The bill does not create new laws or change funding rules but rather organizes the current act for consistency. It includes a provision that prevents it from becoming effective unless a related companion bill is also passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's penal code to update the definitions of terms used in animal cruelty laws, such as "adequate care," "shelter," and "neglect." It specifically clarifies what constitutes proper shelter for dogs, detailing requirements for doghouses and prohibiting the use of inadequate spaces like crawl spaces or wire crates. The legislation also defines "animal control" and "animal protection" shelters to distinguish between government-run facilities and those operated by private organizations. By refining these legal definitions, the bill aims to provide clearer standards for what constitutes proper animal treatment and neglect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a task force to improve Michigan's low-income water affordability program by bringing together representatives from various water providers, community agencies, and advocacy groups. The task force will develop new guidance, create educational materials, and explore ways to expand the program to help more households afford their water and sewer bills. Additionally, the bill outlines how state funds will be distributed to cover the difference between actual utility bills and discounted rates, as well as to assist with necessary plumbing repairs. The legislation will only take effect if three related Senate bills are also passed into law.