Rep. John Fitzgerald

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4357 amends Michigan's election law concerning township officers. The bill modifies the official start date for the terms of office for these elected officials. Specifically, for township officers elected after December 31, 2024, their terms will commence at 12 noon on December 1 following their election, rather than the current November 20 start date. This change affects township officers and the administrative timing of their transition into office.

Maddy summaryHB 4360 modifies the start dates for terms of office for elected officials in Michigan's home rule villages. For village officers elected after December 31, 2024, their terms will begin at 12 noon on December 1 following their election, overriding any conflicting village charter provisions. The bill also specifies that individuals elected to fill a vacancy cannot take the oath of office until the election results have been certified.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 68 declares April 22, 2025, as Earth Day in the state of Michigan. This resolution encourages all Michiganders to reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship and participate in activities that protect the state's natural resources.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 65 declares April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about sexual violence and support efforts to prevent it and assist survivors.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 67 declares April 18, 2025, as Champions Day in the state of Michigan. This resolution encourages the people of Michigan to commemorate the extraordinary accomplishments of Joe Louis, the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Red Wings during the 1935 sports season.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 58 declares April 2025 as Autism Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. This resolution aims to increase public understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum, and acknowledges their contributions to society.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program to register hospitals that provide maternal care as Level I, II, III, or IV facilities based on their existing certifications from organizations like the Joint Commission. Under this system, hospitals must report their certification status to the state department every three years, and the department will maintain a public online list of all registered facilities and their care levels. The law also requires the department to consult with medical groups when setting up reporting procedures and allows the department to offer technical assistance and potential incentive payments to hospitals that join the program.

Maddy summaryHB 4289 requires Michigan employers with 2 or more employees to post a clear notice about equal pay laws in a visible workplace location. The notice must state that federal and state laws prohibit wage discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, or marital status. It also provides contact details for reporting violations to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, including a phone line and website. Employers who fail to post the notice may face a $100 civil fine.

Maddy summaryHB 4296 amends Michigan's wage discrimination law (MCL 750.556) to clarify that employers cannot pay differently based on protected characteristics like sex, race, religion, or marital status for similar work. It specifies that wage differences based on legitimate factors (not protected traits) do not violate the law. The bill maintains the existing fine structure for violations: up to $5,000 for employers with 1-15 staff, $10,000 for 16-50 employees, and $20,000 for larger businesses. This update aligns the penal code with current civil rights protections under the Elliot-Larsen Act. The bill directly affects all Michigan employers who hire workers.

Maddy summaryHB 4293 requires Michigan employers to obtain written permission from employees before deducting most amounts from paychecks, with exceptions for legally required payments. It limits deductions to 15% of gross wages and ensures employees still receive at least the state or federal minimum wage after deductions. The bill also sets specific rules for handling overpaid wages (without consent if properly documented) and court-ordered debt deductions (requiring 10 business days' written notice). This directly affects all Michigan employers and employees who have deductions taken from their paychecks.