Michigan House Bill HB5185

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/30/25
• Refer: 10/30/25

Caption

Worker's compensation: benefits; job search requirement for certain injured workers; modify. Amends 1969 PA 317 (MCL 418.101 - 418.941) by adding sec. 303.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws could be substantial, as it delineates criteria that injured workers must meet before they are deemed eligible for benefits. Notably, if an employee submits a minimum of two job applications weekly or is actively employed in reasonable employment, this will be sufficient to meet the job search requirements mandated by the bill. This change seeks to reduce the burden of proof for employees while also attempting to delineate the thresholds for those who are unable to work due to health conditions, established by physician assessments.

Summary

House Bill 5185 aims to amend the Worker's Disability Compensation Act of 1969 by adding a new section that changes requirements for injured workers seeking benefits. The key provisions include establishing conditions under which an employee is presumed to have made a good-faith effort to search for work or procure jobs. These conditions include being employed by the company providing the compensation or applying for jobs actively, thereby shifting some compliance expectations back toward the employee when claiming benefits.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding the stipulations around employees who may face health risks. Critics may argue that the provisions allowing for the possibility of not needing to search for work should remain clear and extensive, ensuring that those genuinely affected by health issues are not forced into job searches that could jeopardize their recovery. Furthermore, the timeframes indicated for meeting job application metrics may invoke concerns regarding the pressure felt by employees in pursuit of their benefits.

Future_considerations

In discussions and committee meetings surrounding HB 5185, stakeholders may need to explore the balance between ensuring reasonable protections for workers while also preventing any misuse of benefits. As the bill is debated, considerations regarding overall public health scenarios, such as during a declared emergency, could also be points of focus, as they relate to employees' job search obligations.