Rep. Will Snyder

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4455, known as the "Worker Freedom Act," aims to protect employees in Michigan from employer actions related to religious or political matters. The bill prohibits employers from taking adverse employment action, such as discharge or discipline, against an employee who declines to attend or participate in employer-sponsored meetings or communications that convey the employer's opinion on religious or political issues. It also prevents retaliation against employees who report suspected violations of the act. Employees can pursue a civil action for remedies including reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees if their rights under this act are violated.

Maddy summaryHB 4442 proposes to amend Michigan's Code of Criminal Procedure. The bill aims to establish or modify sentencing guidelines specifically for crimes related to the employment of minors. It directly affects individuals convicted of such offenses by providing updated frameworks for their potential sentences. This is achieved by amending section 14b of the existing criminal procedure code.

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 summaryHouse Bill No. 4249 proposes to adjust and supplement state funding for various state departments, agencies, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch. It specifically aims to provide funding for ambulance providers. The bill outlines the conditions for the expenditure of these appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution No. 77 is a resolution urging Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to resume construction of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. This project, which involves federal, Illinois, and Michigan funding, is designed to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes. The resolution highlights concerns about the carp's potential impact on the Great Lakes' seven-billion-dollar fishing industry and native species.

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 Resolution 90 is a resolution urging the President, the United States Congress, and the National Labor Relations Board to enact policies that would ban employers from permanently replacing striking employees. This aims to strengthen protections for workers who are on strike.