Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4802

Introduced
6/15/23  

Caption

Worker's compensation: other; certain references in the worker's compensation act; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 118, 335 & 353 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.118 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23

Impact

By amending the definitions and conditions regarding domestic servants and dependents, HB4802 may significantly affect the worker's compensation landscape in Michigan. The bill's stipulations aim to reduce the potential for claims against private employers, thereby lessening the administrative burden on families employing domestic help. However, this could leave some domestic workers without necessary protections under the worker's compensation laws, especially those who do not fit neatly into the proposed definitions. Additionally, the treatment of payments to dependents post-remarriage and the handling of support for children reaching adulthood could have implications on how compensation is managed across different circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 4802 aims to amend the Worker’s Disability Compensation Act of 1969 in Michigan, specifically addressing the treatment of household domestic servants under the law. The bill proposes changes to how dependents are defined within the context of compensation claims and seeks to clarify the liabilities of private employers toward domestic workers. It specifies that household domestic servants who are family members residing in the home will not be classified as employees, unless they meet certain conditions regarding work hours and duration of employment. The proposed amendments intend to protect private employers from liabilities concerning family member domestic workers while ensuring that proper definitions and classifications are applied in regard to compensation matters.

Contention

During discussions of HB4802, there were notable points of contention primarily surrounding the classification and protection rights of domestic workers. Critics argue that by excluding household domestic servants from employee status, the bill creates potential gaps in workers' rights and protections against workplace injuries. Proponents, however, assert that it creates a clearer framework that recognizes familial relationships while balancing employer liabilities. This reflects a broader discussion about labor rights, the changing nature of household employment, and the need to modernize laws to reflect current societal structures.

Companion Bills

MI HJRF

Same As Civil rights: sexual orientation discrimination; certain references to marriage; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 1, art. X & repeals sec. 25, art. I of the state constitution.

Previously Filed As

MI HB4625

Worker's compensation: other; certain references in the worker's compensation act; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 118, 335 & 353 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.118 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'25

MI SB0075

Worker's compensation: benefits; compensation for death resulting from personal injury; modify. Amends secs. 321, 331, 335, 345 & 356 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.321 et seq.).

MI SB1080

Worker's compensation: benefits; compensation for death resulting from personal injury; modify. Amends secs. 321, 331, 335, 345 & 356 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.321 et seq.).

MI HB6295

Worker's compensation: benefits; eligibility to receive benefits and amount of benefits paid to an injured worker; modify. Amends secs. 301, 311, 313, 351, 354, 355, 356, 358, 361, 371, 401 & 891 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.301 et seq.) & repeals secs. 302, 357 & 431 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.302 et seq.).

MI SB0074

Worker's compensation: benefits; worker's disability compensation benefits; modify various provisions. Amends secs. 301, 313, 354, 355, 361, 371, 401 & 891 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.301 et seq.) & repeals secs. 302 & 431 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.302 & 418.431).

MI HB4814

Civil procedure: other; certain references in the revised judicature act; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 1410, 2005, 2162, 2807, 3344, 5451, 6023a & 6131 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1410 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23

MI SB1079

Worker's compensation: benefits; requirements regarding wage earning capacity; modify. Amends secs. 301, 313, 354, 355, 361, 371, 401 & 891 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.301 et seq.) & repeals secs. 302 & 431 of 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.302 & 418.431).

MI HB4628

Civil procedure: other; certain references in the revised judicature act; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 1410, 2005, 2162, 2807, 3344, 5451, 6023a & 6131 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.1410 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'25

MI HB4810

Insurance: other; certain references in the insurance code; make gender neutral. Amends secs. 2207, 2209, 3110 & 3402 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.2207 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23

MI HB4780

Public employees and officers: compensation and benefits; certain references in public act relating to disability compensation for firefighters; make gender neutral. Amends sec. 3 of 1942 (1st Ex Sess) PA 9 (MCL 419.203). TIE BAR WITH: HJR F'23

Similar Bills

CA SB726

Hazardous waste: public agencies: materials exchange program.

CA AB998

Household hazardous waste: vape pens.

CA SB552

Hazardous waste: household hazardous waste: door-to-door collection programs: residential pickup services.

CA AB2460

Department of Consumer Affairs: Bureau of Household Goods and Services: household movers.

CA AB224

Department of Consumer Affairs: Bureau of Household Goods and Services: household movers.

CA AB2481

Household hazardous waste: facilities: transportation and acceptance.