The legislature is on break through July, with occasional “pro-forma” sessions but no votes until at least August. Rather than votes this report contains some interesting or noteworthy recent bill introductions.

Senate Bill 352: Mandate social workers report animal abuse

Introduced by Sen. Peter Lucido (R), to establish that if a government child protective services worker has reason to believe animal abuse or neglect is occurring, he or she must report it in writing to animal control officials within 72 hours, with penalties of up to 90 days in jail for failing to do so in serious cases, and up to four years for false reports. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

2019 Senate Bill 360: Expand selective tax breaks for “Pyramid” building data center

Introduced by Sen. Jim Stamas (R), to expand the selective tax breaks that in 2015 were authorized for the developer of a data center in the “Pyramid” building near Grand Rapids, and possibly to some other “data center” firms. The bill would extend the tax breaks to other firms “colocated” in the same building. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

Senate Bill 368: Make unemployment benefits job search requirements more lenient

Introduced by Sen. Jim Ananich (D), to exempt an individual collecting unemployment insurance benefits from the duty to seek work if the job search does one of the following: “Poses a clear and proximate danger to the employee’s health;” interferes with medical treatment or recovery; the individual is unable to perform work; the individual “produces evidence that seeking work might result in the loss of employment or employment-related benefits;” or “the employee demonstrates other good and reasonable cause.” Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4634: Mandate employers post government pay equity posters

Introduced by Rep. Kristy Pagan (D), to mandate that larger employers post a notice in their workplace that describes state and federal pay equity laws with contact information for government regulators, subject to a $100 fine for not posting it. Also, to require the state to maintain a telephone hotline and website for individuals who have a complaint. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4635: Mandate employers create job descriptions for each position

Introduced by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D), to mandate that employers with five or more employees must create a job description for each position, which must include “a list of the essential duties and responsibilities; a description of the skills, training, and effort required to perform the job; and the working conditions and schedule.” Also, to require that employers make these available to job applicants, and prohibit employers from changing a description until the employee has a chance to review and initial the change. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

House Bill 4636: Ban prospective employer from asking about past pay

Introduced by Rep. Christine Greig (D), to prohibit a prospective employer from asking a job candidate about their past compensation. Referred to committee, no further action at this time.

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Source: MichiganVotes.org