Labor & Employment (Licensing)

HB 5562 amends Michigan's Consumer Financial Services Act to add the "Earned Wage Access Services Act" to the list of financial licensing acts requiring state regulation. This change directly affects companies offering earned wage access services (like apps allowing workers to access earned wages early), requiring them to obtain licenses under the same framework as other financial service providers. The bill modifies Section 2 of the act by explicitly including earned wage access services in the definition of "Financial licensing acts," aligning them with existing regulatory requirements. This is a definitional update without creating new rules or fees, ensuring these services fall under the state's financial licensing oversight.

HB 5558 creates a new licensing system for businesses providing "earned wage access services" (EWAS), which allow workers to access part of their earned but unpaid wages before payday. It requires all EWAS providers (excluding banks, payroll services, and employers offering early pay) to obtain a state license, pay annual fees based on business volume, and submit detailed application information. The law defines key terms like "earned but unpaid income" (wages earned but not yet paid by an employer) and outlines penalties for unlicensed operation. This directly affects EWAS providers operating in Michigan, imposing regulatory requirements while exempting certain financial institutions and employer-provided early wage options.

HB 4907 amends Michigan's Skilled Trades Regulation Act to ensure certain boiler professionals can continue performing essential safety work. It specifically prohibits the department from creating rules that restrict Class 5B boiler installers or Class IV boiler repairers from conducting routine maintenance and safety device testing on boiler systems. This directly affects licensed boiler technicians who install or repair industrial/commercial heating systems, guaranteeing they can perform these safety checks without new regulatory barriers. The bill clarifies existing practice rather than creating new requirements, focusing on maintaining safe operations for facilities relying on boiler systems.