The Michigan Legislature officially commenced their 103rd session on Wednesday, Jan. 8, including the introduction of legislation to amend Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act . The session brings a new partisan divide with the Senate remaining under Democratic control, while the House Majority now shifts to Republican control.
Both chambers introduced legislation amending Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act. House Bill 4002, introduced by Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay), and Senate Bill (SB) 6, introduced by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-Saint Clair Shores), make separate clarifications to the voter initiative petition on earned sick time that is scheduled to go into effect Feb. 21, 2025.
The Earned Sick Time Act, as enacted PA 338 of 2018, applies to all employers and requires that an employee be provided one (1) hour of earned sick time for every 30 hours worked. That sick time may carry over year-to-year and allows increased usage of paid earned sick time for an employee of up to 72 hours per year. The MHA joined in a coalition of other business, employer and healthcare groups to call for legislative clarifications to the Earned Sick Time Act. The MHA will advocate for swift action to clarify the earned sick time policy through this legislation.
Legislation was also reintroduced in the Senate to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Michigan. SBs 3-5, led by Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township), would create the Prescription Drug Advisory Board (PDAB) and stakeholder council. The PDAB is charged with and intended to review drug costs, assess cost impacts on consumers and ultimately create opportunities for reducing consumer expenditures on drugs through the creation of upper payment limits (UPLs).
If the PDAB were to institute a UPL on a drug based on a review of the drug’s increased cost and impact on consumer access, a purchaser or payer would be prohibited from purchasing, billing or reimbursing above the set UPL. The MHA is reviewing and monitoring the legislation.
Members with questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.