Bill > HB5215

This bill establishes protections for employees who are or intend to become political candidates by prohibiting employers from discriminating against such employees. The bill defines key terms like "candidate" (referencing the Michigan Campaign Finance Act), "employee", "employer", and "person", and specifically makes it unlawful for an employer to discharge, discipline, penalize, or threaten an employee for being or intending to become a candidate, or for engaging in candidate-related activities during non-working hours. If an employer violates these provisions, they can be subject to a civil fine of up to $2,000, which can be pursued by the county prosecutor or state attorney general. Aggrieved employees are granted the right to bring a civil action to obtain damages such as lost wages and injunctive relief, and if successful, the court must award the employee their legal costs and attorney fees. The bill also includes a provision that allows existing employment or collective bargaining agreements that conflict with these protections to remain in effect until their expiration, amendment, extension, or renewal.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-5215