Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on March 13, 2008, to mandate that employers with at least 26 employees grant an employee who has been a crime victim up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to attend the trial of the defendant

The vote was 98 in favor, 9 opposed and 3 not voting

(House Roll Call 308 at House Journal 36)

Click here to view bill details.

Rep. Caswell, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: “Mr. Speaker and members of the House: According to the sponsor of 5900 limiting this bill to only firms with 50 or more employees is unconstitutional but is ok for 25 employees or more. This makes no sense.”

Rep. Calley, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: “Mr. Speaker and members of the House: Current law already grants the right of victims of crimes to attend court proceedings. This law is redundant.”

Rep. Knollenberg, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of House Bills Nos. 5900, 5901 and 5902, made the following statement: “Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I am voting no on HB5900, HB5901, and HB5902 because the existing Crime Victim’s Rights Act already prohibits employers from sanctioning their employees for attending these court proceedings. Additionally there are conflicts with the Federal Family Leave Act.”