Bill > HB4437

This bill amends the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to modify civil penalties for workplace safety violations by dynamically aligning state penalties with equivalent federal penalties. The bill replaces fixed monetary amounts (such as $7,000 for serious violations and $70,000 for willful violations) with a flexible mechanism that automatically adjusts penalties to match federal occupational safety and health penalties. It requires the director to initiate administrative rule changes within 10 working days of a federal penalty change, ensuring that Michigan's penalties remain consistent with federal standards. The bill defines key terms like "equivalent federal penalty" and "federal violation," which refer to penalties and violations under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The legislation maintains the existing structure of penalty assessments for various types of workplace safety infractions, including serious, repeated, and willful violations, while providing a more dynamic approach to penalty determination. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for the new penalty calculation method.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4437