Labor: hours and wages; penalties and remedies for misclassification of independent contractors; provide for. Amends secs. 1, 13, 15, 18 & 19 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.471 et seq.) & adds secs. 13c & 13d.

House Bill 4322 amends Michigan's wage and fringe benefits act, primarily addressing the misclassification of employees as independent contractors, which affects both employers and individuals performing work. The bill establishes a new legal definition for "independent contractor" and explicitly prohibits employers from classifying, reporting, or treating an employee as an independent contractor, placing the burden of proof on the alleged violator. It significantly increases penalties for misclassification, including a 100% annual penalty on unpaid wages and benefits, up to triple exemplary damages, and a civil fine up to $10,000. For misclassification violations, 50% of collected penalties and damages will be paid to the affected employee, and a new "wages and fringe benefits fund" is created to support enforcement.