2009 House Bill 4467

Prohibit employer religious or political meeting/communication mandates

Introduced in the House

Feb. 25, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Mark Meadows (D-69)

To prohibit an employer from requiring its employees to attend an employer-sponsored meeting or participate in any communication if the primary purpose is to communicate the employer's opinion about religious or political matters, except as necessary to comply with another law. Employees would be allowed to sue for “exemplary damages.” The bill would not apply to employees of a religious, political, or labor organization, or to college lectures and coursework.

Referred to the Committee on Labor

June 24, 2009

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Amendment offered by Rep. Joseph Haveman (R-90)

To prohibit the bill from going into effect until the Michigan unemployment rate is less than the national average.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Kevin Daley (R-82)

To remove the provision that prohibits an employer from requiring its employees to attend an employer-sponsored meeting to hear about the employer's opinion on religious or political matters.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Tom McMillin (R-45)

To remove an exemption for unions from the bills provisions.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Pete Lund (R-36)

To rename the bill the "jobs destruction and employer silence act".

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 68 to 42 (details)

Received in the Senate

June 25, 2009

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism