HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION M

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the state constitution of 1963, by adding section 9 to article XI, to protect certain communications with members of the legislature.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Michigan, That the following amendment to the state constitution of 1963, to protect certain communications with members of the legislature, is proposed, agreed to, and submitted to the people of the state:

article xi

Sec. 9. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this constitution, and except as provided in subsection (2), the department or agency shall not take disciplinary action against an employee of the department or agency who is in the classified state civil service because the employee communicates with a member of the senate or house of representatives or a member's staff regarding the disbursement of unemployment benefits by the department or agency.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if either of the following conditions is met:

(a) The communication is prohibited by law and the department or agency is taking the disciplinary action under its authority as provided by law.

(b) The employee knowingly makes a false statement in his or her communication.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) "Agency" means the Michigan unemployment insurance agency or its successor.

(b) "Department" means the department of labor and economic opportunity or its successor.

Resolved further, That the foregoing amendment shall be submitted to the people of the state at the next general election in the manner provided by law.