Bill > HB4433

This bill establishes protections for emergency responders in the workplace by prohibiting employers from discriminating against, disciplining, or firing employees who are emergency responders or who are absent from work to respond to emergencies. The bill defines an "emergency responder" as a licensed or certified professional who provides assistance during emergencies on a volunteer or paid on-call basis, including emergency medical personnel, healthcare practitioners, firefighters, and public works personnel, but explicitly excluding law enforcement officers. To be protected, an employee must provide notice to their employer before the start of their shift when responding to an emergency, submit a written statement within 72 hours describing the emergency need for their service, and ensure their absence does not create a workplace safety concern. Employees must also notify their employer of their emergency responder status within 30 days of being hired or changing their status and provide documentation of their status twice annually. The bill allows employers to treat the absence as paid or unpaid time off and does not override existing collective bargaining agreements. Employees who believe their rights under this act have been violated can bring a civil action for damages or other relief.

Business and Industry

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4433