2019 Senate Bill 686

Create state employee whistleblower protection law

Introduced in the Senate

Dec. 10, 2019

Introduced by Sen. Tom Barrett (R-24)

To establish a state employee whistleblower protection law that prohibits a state department or agency from retaliating against a person for communicating with a legislator on the way the department or agency is performing its duties.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

Jan. 22, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

Feb. 26, 2020

Substitute offered by Sen. Curtis Hertel (D-23)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

Feb. 26, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

May 20, 2020

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

June 3, 2020

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 24, 2020

Passed in the House 108 to 0 (details)

To establish a state employee whistleblower protection law that prohibits a state department or agency from retaliating against a person for communicating with a legislator on the way the department or agency is performing its duties.

Vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

July 8, 2020

Received in the Senate

July 23, 2020

Failed in the Senate 22 to 15 (details)

To override Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's veto of this bill, which would have prohibited state agencies from retaliating against employees for telling a legislator about problems at the agency. An override requires a two-thirds supermajority vote and so the bill will not become law.