Rep. Amos O'Neal

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4406 amends the Michigan employment security act, primarily by eliminating specific provisions related to seasonal workers. The bill also modifies how unemployment benefits are calculated for claimants. It incrementally increases the maximum weekly benefit rates for unemployed individuals, with these changes taking effect annually from January 1, 2025, through 2028. Additionally, the bill updates the definitions for eligible dependents, such as changing "husband or wife" to "spouse," which affects the calculation of additional benefits. This legislation directly impacts unemployed individuals seeking benefits in Michigan, as well as seasonal workers previously covered by specific employment security provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4260 redirects $115 million annually from Michigan's 4% general sales tax revenue into the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund starting with the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This change affects state budget allocations, shifting funds previously going to the general fund toward public safety and violence prevention programs. The bill amends Michigan's General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.75) to establish this specific annual transfer, with the amount adjusted based on actual tax collections. It does not create new taxes but reallocates existing revenue streams.

Maddy summaryHB 4261 creates the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund within Michigan's trust fund system. It establishes the fund using money from the general sales tax (Section 25 of 1933 PA 167), donations, and investment earnings, with funds permanently staying in the account instead of lapsing to the general fund. Starting September 30, 2026, the state treasurer will distribute the fund’s revenues: 2% to health services for community violence intervention grants, 2% to crime victim funds, and the remainder based on each city/village/township’s violent crime rate (with a 5% reduction for areas not meeting crime reduction targets). This directly affects local governments receiving funds, the Department of Health and Human Services (administering grants), and crime victim programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 71 declares April 28, 2025, as Workers Memorial Day in the state of Michigan. This resolution honors Michigan workers who have been injured, disabled, or died due to workplace accidents.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4370 proposes a new individual income tax credit for Michigan taxpayers, directly affecting eligible students and their families. Beginning in tax year 2026, taxpayers could claim a credit equal to the sales or use tax paid on textbooks purchased for themselves or their dependents. To qualify, the student must be enrolled in an eligible Michigan institution and meet specific financial aid criteria, such as being a Federal Pell Grant recipient or a professional/graduate student who would have been Pell-eligible based on financial need. Any portion of the credit that exceeds a taxpayer's liability would be refunded.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4371, known as the "Safe Youth Sports Act," aims to establish safety standards for youth sports programs in Michigan, directly affecting youth athletes, coaches, and organizations that run these programs. It tasks the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University, under the oversight of the Department of Health and Human Services, to approve and promote these safety standards and associated training programs. The bill outlines "basic standards" that mandate annual criminal background checks for adults with significant contact with youth, and requires coaches to complete training in CPR, AED, and concussion protocols. Additionally, it details "advanced standards" that include designating a safety manager and further training for coaches on topics like inclusivity, and establishes grant programs to help organizations, especially those serving low-income families, meet these safety requirements.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4331 establishes an "Ebony alert" system in Michigan to aid in locating missing women between the ages of 18 and 65, referred to as "qualifying individuals." This system is activated when a qualifying individual is reported missing under suspicious circumstances and is believed to be at risk, developmentally disabled, cognitively impaired, or abducted. The Department of State Police will create and maintain a plan to rapidly disseminate information to radio and television stations statewide. The bill also creates an Ebony Alert Fund to support the system's operation and prohibits intentionally making false reports, imposing penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 4325 proposes to adjust and supplement state appropriations for various state departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. A key provision within this bill is to provide specific funding for the purpose of marketing the attorney general's payroll fraud division. The bill also establishes conditions on how these appropriations can be used and spent.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 4318 increases the penalties for employers who intentionally fail to pay wages and fringe benefits owed to their employees. It establishes a tiered system where the severity of the punishment depends on the total value of the unpaid wages and benefits. For smaller amounts, employers could face misdemeanor charges with fines and imprisonment. However, for larger unpaid amounts or repeat offenses, employers could face felony charges, with significantly higher fines up to three times the unpaid amount and potential imprisonment for up to 20 years. This bill directly affects employers and their employees and will take effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 4319 proposes to amend Michigan's code of criminal procedure. The bill aims to establish new sentencing guidelines specifically for violations related to the payment of wages and fringe benefits. If enacted, this would provide courts with specific guidance when sentencing individuals or entities found guilty of these types of offenses. The bill is tied to HB 4318'25, indicating it is part of a broader legislative package.