Rep. Matt Bierlein

Maddy summaryHB 5515 amends Michigan's penal code to clarify the definition of a "dangerous weapon" under Section 227. It specifically includes double-edged nonfolding stabbing instruments longer than 5 inches, such as daggers, dirks, and stilettos, in the list of prohibited weapons. This change directly affects individuals carrying these weapons outside their home, business, or personal property without a valid license. The bill does not create new restrictions but refines the legal definition governing when such items are considered illegal to carry.

Maddy summaryHB 5425 prohibits registered sex offenders from working at businesses primarily serving minors under 18, such as dance studios, summer camps, youth sports venues, and tutoring services. It creates a misdemeanor for first violations (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine) and a felony for repeat violations (up to 4 years in jail or $2,000 fine). The law requires registration authorities to provide written notice of these employment restrictions during initial registration and verification. This bill directly affects individuals required to register under Michigan's sex offender registry, aiming to restrict their employment in settings with unsupervised minor access.

Maddy summaryHB 5426 would amend Michigan's sentencing guidelines to create specific rules for registered sex offenders employed at businesses providing services to minors. The bill directly affects registered sex offenders working in such businesses by requiring courts to consider their employment when determining sentences. This change modifies existing sentencing guidelines (MCL 777.11b) to add a new factor for judges to evaluate during sentencing hearings. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to committee on December 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5499 amends Michigan's Administrative Procedures Act to allow individuals denied state agency permits to sue for monetary damages and attorney fees after exhausting all administrative remedies. The bill specifically adds this right to section 101(2), creating a direct legal path for people who face permit denials. It does not change the requirement to first pursue all internal agency appeals before seeking court review. This change directly affects residents and businesses seeking permits from state agencies who believe their denial was unjust. The bill provides a concrete legal remedy for permit denials, focusing on financial compensation rather than reversing the agency's decision.

Maddy summaryHB 5558 creates a new licensing system for businesses providing "earned wage access services" (EWAS), which allow workers to access part of their earned but unpaid wages before payday. It requires all EWAS providers (excluding banks, payroll services, and employers offering early pay) to obtain a state license, pay annual fees based on business volume, and submit detailed application information. The law defines key terms like "earned but unpaid income" (wages earned but not yet paid by an employer) and outlines penalties for unlicensed operation. This directly affects EWAS providers operating in Michigan, imposing regulatory requirements while exempting certain financial institutions and employer-provided early wage options.

Maddy summaryHB 5568 amends Michigan's 1966 interest rate law (MCL 438.31) to explicitly exempt "earned wage access services" from the 7% annual interest cap. This means providers of early paycheck access services (like apps or employer programs that let workers withdraw earned wages before payday) can charge rates outside the standard limit. The bill directly affects workers who use these services and the companies offering them. It clarifies an existing exemption under the law without changing the 7% cap for other loans.

Maddy summaryHB 5569 exempts licensed earned wage access services from Michigan's criminal usury law (MCL 438.41-438.42). This bill adds Section 1a to the existing law, clarifying that the criminal usury regulations do not apply to businesses operating under the earned wage access services act. It directly affects providers of short-term wage advances - such as those offering early access to earned pay - by removing them from criminal usury penalties. The change simplifies regulatory compliance for these services without altering other aspects of the usury law.

Maddy summaryHB 5563 amends Michigan's consumer credit law to exempt licensed earned wage access services from being classified as "regulated persons" under debt collection rules. This means businesses offering early wage access (allowing workers to receive part of their earned wages before payday) are not subject to standard debt collection regulations for their core wage access operations. The exemption specifically applies to activities conducted under the earned wage access services act, separating these services from traditional debt collection oversight. The bill requires another related bill (HB 5558) to become law before it takes effect.

Maddy summaryHB 5560 exempts "earned wage access services" (like apps allowing workers to access earned wages before payday) from Michigan's standard wage and fringe benefit laws, as defined in the separate "earned wage access services act." This exemption applies only to services complying with that specific act, removing them from the scope of the existing 1978 wage law (MCL 408.471-408.490). The bill is conditional, requiring the enactment of HB 5558 first before taking effect. It directly affects providers of these early-wage access services, allowing them to operate under different rules than traditional wage payment systems.

Maddy summaryHB 5565 amends Michigan's Deferred Presentment Service Transactions Act to exempt licensed earned wage access services from requiring a separate license under that law. This directly affects companies offering early paycheck access services (like instant cash advances on upcoming wages), allowing them to operate under their existing earned wage access licenses instead of obtaining additional permits. The key provision adds a specific exemption in Section 11, clarifying that these services are not subject to the standard licensing requirements for check-cashing or short-term loan businesses. The change removes a regulatory barrier for these financial products, streamlining their legal operation in Michigan. (Note: The bill's effective date depends on another related bill, HB 5558, passing.)