Rep. Rachel Hood

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a specific sentencing guideline to Michigan's criminal code for violations related to wage and fringe benefit payments. By amending the state's sentencing guidelines, it aims to provide judges with a standardized framework for determining penalties in cases where employers fail to pay workers correctly. The legislation does not create new crimes or change existing laws but instead offers a tool for courts to apply consistent sentencing in these specific employment disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for employers in Michigan who intentionally fail to pay owed wages and fringe benefits to employees. The law establishes a tiered punishment system where the severity of the crime and the potential prison sentence depend on the total value of the unpaid money. Smaller unpaid amounts result in misdemeanor charges with shorter jail terms, while larger sums can lead to felony convictions with prison sentences of up to 20 years. Additionally, the bill allows fines to be up to three times the value of the unpaid wages, and repeat offenders face harsher penalties than first-time violators.

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 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 allows tenants in single-unit, metered rental homes to request that their water and sewer bills be sent to them in addition to the landlord. It prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who make this request by taking actions such as shutting off water, refusing lease renewals, or raising rent. The law applies to all new or renewed leases and ensures that tenants have direct access to their utility billing information without fear of punishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's laws regarding utility theft by creating a specific exemption from criminal charges for people who restore water service to their own homes after a shut-off due to non-payment. Under the new provisions, individuals caught bypassing a meter or regulator to regain water access for their occupied residence will face a state civil infraction instead of a misdemeanor or felony, provided they do not damage the metering equipment. Penalties for these civil infractions range from community service to fines, with stricter consequences for repeat offenses. The change aims to decriminalize a situation often driven by financial hardship while still allowing utility companies to pursue civil damages for the cost of the service used.