Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit employers from requiring employees to check or respond to work-related communications while they are off the clock. The proposal, Senate Bill 948, is titled the “Workplace Employee Boundaries Act” and was introduced in May by state Sen. Erika Geiss (D–01).

Bill Details

If enacted, the bill would bar employers from requiring workers to respond to work-related messages outside of scheduled shifts. The restrictions would apply to a broad range of employers and industries if passed, though specific exemptions and enforcement provisions have not been finalized in the publicly available summary.

Supporters say clearer limits on after-hours communication could reduce burnout and help define expectations for both employers and employees. Sen. Geiss said the legislation is designed to address increasing expectations that employees remain available beyond their scheduled work hours.

“Too many workers are expected to be constantly available, answering emails, messages, and calls long after their workday ends,” Geiss said. “That pressure erodes well-being, undermines family life, and disproportionately impacts working parents and caregivers. It is a matter of fairness, dignity, and basic respect.”

Next Steps

Senate Bill 948 remains under consideration in the Michigan Legislature. Lawmakers have not yet taken final action on the proposal, and additional hearings or revisions are expected as the bill advances through the committee process.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.