2012 House Bill 5523 / Public Act 478

Ban employers or schools asking for Facebook passwords

Introduced in the House

March 29, 2012

Introduced by Rep. Aric Nesbitt (R-80)

To prohibit employers and schools, colleges and universities from requesting or requiring employees or students to disclose their social networking account passwords, login information or other security information, subject to penalties up to 93 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, plus lawsuit liability. An employee could be disciplined or fired for transferring the employer's proprietary, confidential or financial information to a personal internet account.

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Technology

June 5, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Sept. 12, 2012

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 108 to 0 (details)

Received in the Senate

Sept. 13, 2012

Referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy, and Technology

Nov. 28, 2012

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 4, 2012

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Dec. 12, 2012

Amendment offered by Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-20)

To make district courts the venue for seeking relief from violations rather than circuit courts.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 38 to 0 (details)

To prohibit employers and schools, colleges and universities from requesting or requiring employees or students to disclose their social networking account passwords, login information or other security information, subject to penalties up to 93 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, plus lawsuit liability. An employee could be disciplined or fired for transferring the employer's proprietary, confidential or financial information to a personal internet account.

Received in the House

Dec. 12, 2012

Dec. 13, 2012

Passed in the House 109 to 0 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 27, 2012