Michigan House Bill HB4017

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25
• Report Pass: 3/13/25
• Report Pass: 6/26/25

Caption

Labor: health and safety; penalty for failure to report a death; decrease by the maximum allowable amount if the death occurs to a certain individual on a family farm. Amends sec. 35 of 1974 PA 154 (MCL 408.1035).

Impact

The bill will directly impact the assessment of penalties by establishing clearer guidelines for violations and the associated penalties. Particularly for family farms, the new provisions recognize the unique familial structure of these operations, potentially easing the financial burden on small-scale agricultural employers struggling to comply with safety regulations. This is significant in a state where family farms are common and may operate with limited resources compared to larger agricultural businesses.

Summary

House Bill 4017 aims to amend the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act by introducing changes to the civil penalties that apply to employers who fail to adhere to safety regulations. The bill stipulates that employers could face penalties of up to $7,000 for each serious violation of the act, with additional daily penalties for ongoing violations. It also seeks to clarify the conditions under which penalties may be reduced if a violation involves a death or injury occurring on a family farm, particularly if the employer fails to report the incident in a timely manner.

Contention

While the bill may be received positively in the agricultural community, it could face scrutiny regarding the leniency of penalty reductions for family farms. Critics might argue that this approach could incentivize negligence in reporting safety violations or minimize the emphasis on critical health and safety practices. Furthermore, there may be concern over how this bill alters the balance between ensuring workplace safety and the operational realities faced by family-owned farming businesses.