Rep. Phil Skaggs

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4454 amends Michigan law regarding collective bargaining for public employees. It allows the Michigan Employment Relations Commission to certify a labor organization as the exclusive bargaining representative for public employees. This can occur if, after a petition, investigation, and hearing, the commission determines that more than 50% of employees in an appropriate unit wish to be represented by that organization. This bill introduces an alternative path for certification, distinct from the existing requirement for a secret ballot election in certain representation disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 4452 amends Michigan law concerning labor disputes. It introduces a new provision making it an unfair labor practice for an employer to relocate, cease, or subcontract operations within one year after its employees elect a bargaining representative. This means employers would be prohibited from making these specific operational changes shortly after employees unionize. The bill also outlines the process for the labor commission to investigate, hear, and remedy such unfair labor practices.

Maddy summaryHB 4458 amends existing law concerning public employee labor relations. The bill would prohibit public employers from ceasing or subcontracting all or part of their operations within one year after their employees elect a bargaining representative. This aims to protect newly formed bargaining units from immediate operational changes by the employer. The measure directly affects public employers and their employees who have recently chosen a union or bargaining representative.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4446 proposes to repeal the "Local government labor regulatory limitation act" from 2015. This existing law currently places limits on the ability of local governments to regulate labor matters within their jurisdictions. By repealing this act, HB 4446 would remove those limitations, potentially allowing local governments greater authority over local labor regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4437 amends the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) to modify civil penalties for workplace safety violations. The bill changes the maximum civil penalty amounts for various violations, such as serious or willful offenses, to be equivalent to federal OSHA penalties. It also requires the state director to initiate administrative rules to update Michigan's penalties to match any changes in federal penalties. This legislation directly affects employers in Michigan by linking potential MIOSHA fines to federal standards.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4441 amends Michigan's Youth Employment Standards Act. It expands the types of jobs minors can hold, allowing those 11 and older to work as bridge caddies and 13 and older to set traps for shooting events. The bill strengthens enforcement by granting the Department of Labor Director authority to impose administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation and take legal action, including requiring employers to pay awards to affected minors. Additionally, it prohibits employers from retaliating against employees or minors who exercise their rights under the act. Finally, the bill significantly increases criminal penalties for employers who violate the act, particularly in cases where a minor is killed or suffers great bodily harm while working, introducing mandatory fines and potential imprisonment.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4449, known as the "employee family health privacy act," aims to protect employees in Michigan. It prohibits employers from making employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, or compensation, based on the known or believed health condition or illness of an employee's family member. The bill also prevents employers from inquiring about a family member's health status, with exceptions for verifying sick leave, family and medical leave eligibility, or processing health coverage claims. Additionally, it prohibits retaliation against individuals who act to enforce their rights under this act and allows for civil actions to seek remedies for violations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4461 requires the Secretary of State to review voter eligibility if an individual, during a transaction, provides a document indicating they are not a U.S. citizen and are currently registered to vote. The Secretary of State must then verify citizenship status using databases like the motor vehicle database or SAVE. If the individual is found to be not a U.S. citizen, they will receive a notice, and their voter registration will be canceled after 60 days unless proof of U.S. citizenship is provided. The bill also mandates the Secretary of State to establish procedures for individuals to appeal such cancellations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4462 amends Michigan election law to update procedures for maintaining voter registration records. It establishes processes for local clerks to notify electors whose addresses may have changed within or between cities, requiring them to confirm their information or risk voting in a former precinct or having their registration canceled after a period of inactivity. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to notify electors who have moved out of state or have not voted for 20 years, potentially leading to registration cancellation if they do not respond. A key change is reducing the response time for electors to return address confirmation cards to 15 days before an election, and any prior absent voter ballot applications are rescinded upon receiving these notices.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 89 is a resolution introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. It formally affirms the constitutional right of the people of Michigan to propose and approve amendments to the state's constitution. This right includes amendments that impact federal elections, such as those passed as Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022. The resolution underscores the ability of Michigan citizens to directly participate in amending their state's foundational document.