Labor: fair employment practices; certain physical characteristics of employees; prohibit employers from discriminating based on. Creates new act.

House Bill 4450, titled the "respect for physical differences act," aims to prohibit employers in Michigan from discriminating against individuals based on certain physical characteristics. Specifically, it prevents employers from making hiring, firing, or other employment decisions based on an individual's body type, degree of physical fitness, appearance, or other physical traits. "Appearance" is defined to include expressions of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, as well as religious or ethnic hairstyles, headwear, facial hair, and clothing style. The bill allows for exceptions if a physical characteristic is a genuine occupational requirement and prohibits retaliation against individuals who report violations.