Maddy summaryHB 5007 amends Michigan's Employment Security Act to update how "employment" is defined for unemployment benefits eligibility. It changes the standard for classifying workers as employees (requiring benefits coverage) versus independent contractors, effective January 1, 2026. Under the new rule, most workers must be classified as employees unless they meet all three strict criteria: no employer control, services outside the employer's usual business, and the worker operating as an independent business. This directly affects employers and workers in Michigan who currently classify individuals as independent contractors, particularly in gig economy and service roles. The bill maintains current rules (using the IRS 20-factor test) until 2026, with specific exceptions for certain visa holders and federally certified employers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 4998 amends Michigan's Strategic Fund Act to require detailed annual reporting on state economic development funding. It mandates that the fund publicly disclose specific data for all recipients - including jobs created (including salaries), project types, financial assistance amounts, and repayment details - via its website and to lawmakers. The bill also requires immediate public reporting of bankruptcies involving recipients of large incentives ($500,000+), along with expanded reporting on tourism promotions, business development campaigns, and community revitalization projects. These provisions aim to increase transparency and accountability for how state funds are used to support nonprofits and businesses.
Maddy summaryHB 4999 creates the Michigan Nonprofit Development Fund (ND Fund) within the state treasury to support nonprofit organizations. The fund receives state appropriations and other assets, which the treasurer invests, with earnings credited back to the fund. Money in the fund can be used for grants to statewide nonprofit organizations, interest-free micro bridge loans, or administrative costs (up to 10% of annual funding), with excess funds over $5 million annually transferred to the general fund. This bill directly affects qualifying nonprofits receiving grants or loans, providing a dedicated funding mechanism for their services.
Maddy summaryHB 5003 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to make it easier for low-income recipients to avoid repaying wrongly paid benefits. It increases the income threshold for hardship waivers from 150% to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, meaning more individuals with modest household incomes qualify for relief. The bill also maintains existing waiver conditions for cases involving employer errors or agency clerical mistakes, but explicitly excludes intentional fraud. This change directly affects Michigan unemployment benefit recipients who overpaid due to administrative errors or low income, reducing their financial burden.
Maddy summaryHB 5002 requires Michigan's unemployment agency to use simple, clear language in all communications with claimants and employers about benefits, taxes, and agency decisions. It mandates that explanations of denials, modifications, or benefit changes include specific facts about the case and the legal basis for the decision, all at a fourth-grade reading level. The bill also requires the agency to provide clear summaries of appeal rights and consolidate related decisions into single notifications. This directly affects individuals filing for unemployment and businesses managing unemployment tax accounts. The law aims to make the process more understandable without changing benefit eligibility rules.
Maddy summaryHB 4950 modifies Michigan's transportation funding rules to clarify how counties can designate certain roads as "seasonal county roads" (closed November through April). It requires counties to hold public hearings with specific notice periods before designating such roads, maintain public maps showing closure dates, and place signage. The bill directly affects county road commissions (who implement the system), residents living near seasonal roads (who may face access changes), and local governments (as seasonal roads are excluded from snow removal and road maintenance funds under sections 12a and 12b). These changes ensure consistent application of seasonal road rules while adjusting fund distribution for affected roads.
Maddy summaryHR 173 is a resolution passed by the Michigan House of Representatives to condemn all forms of political violence and reaffirm the body's commitment to civility, safety, and peaceful democratic engagement. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement expressing the House's stance against violence targeting public officials and citizens. The resolution cites recent incidents of political violence across the U.S., including attacks on elected leaders and events like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. It will be transmitted to the President, Michigan Governor, and congressional leaders as a non-binding expression of the House's values.
Maddy summaryHB 4944 requires police to clearly inform individuals arrested for criminal offenses about their rights. Specifically, it mandates that officers advise arrestees of their right to remain silent, their right to have an attorney present during questioning, and that anything they say may be used against them in court. This directly affects people arrested for crimes in Michigan, ensuring they receive these standard due process warnings upon arrest. The bill amends Michigan's criminal procedure code to add this requirement as a new Section 1a in Chapter III.
Maddy summaryHB 4943 prohibits Michigan state and local governments from using public funds for legal actions that violate Section 12 of the state constitution (which protects equal protection and due process). It directly affects state agencies, cities, counties, and other local entities that manage public funds. The bill's key provision requires all government officials to ensure no state or local money is spent on lawsuits or proceedings conflicting with constitutional rights. This creates a clear legal barrier against government spending on cases deemed unconstitutional under Michigan's foundational law.
Maddy summaryHB 4942 prohibits Michigan state and local governments from using public funds to support legal actions that would violate Michigan’s constitution if the federal government suspends habeas corpus (a legal challenge to unlawful detention). It specifically blocks state/local spending on lawsuits or proceedings that conflict with Article I, Section 12 of Michigan’s 1963 Constitution, which protects individual liberty. The bill applies directly to state agencies, local governments, and officials who manage public funds. It takes effect immediately upon federal suspension of habeas corpus rights, creating a clear financial restriction for government entities.