2011 House Bill 4770 / Public Act 297

Ban government benefits for “domestic partners”

Introduced in the House

June 16, 2011

Introduced by Rep. David Agema (R-74)

To prohibit the state, public schools, colleges and universities, and local governments from providing medical benefits or other fringe benefits to an employee’s “domestic partner,” defined as someone who is not married to the employee and not a dependent or survivor.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight, Reform, and Ethics

June 22, 2011

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Sept. 14, 2011

Amendment offered by Rep. Rudy Hobbs (D-35)

To require the state Department of Civil Rights to submit a report indicating "the number of minor children who have been affected by an application" of this bill if passed.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Lisa Brown (D-39)

To exempt state universities from the application of the bill.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Sept. 15, 2011

Passed in the House 64 to 44 (details)

Received in the Senate

Sept. 20, 2011

Referred to the Committee on Reforms, Restructuring, and Reinventing

Oct. 20, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 7, 2011

Amendment offered

To exclude state universities and community colleges from the bill's provisions.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 27 to 9 (details)

To prohibit the state, public schools, and local governments from providing medical benefits or other fringe benefits to an employee’s “domestic partner,” defined as someone who is not married to the employee and not a dependent or survivor.

Received in the House

Dec. 7, 2011

Dec. 8, 2011

Passed in the House 63 to 45 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 22, 2011