Michigan bill would bar employers from requiring after-hours coms with workers
June 24, 2026 / 2:03 PM EDT / CBS Detroit
A bill is pending in the Michigan Legislature that would set rules on when and for what reason an employer could contact an employee outside of a normal work schedule.
Senate Bill 948 , which was introduced by Sen. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor, has been referred to the Labor Committee. The bill is also known as the Workplace Employee Boundaries Act.
"In an increasingly 'always-on, always available' economy, we must take action to protect workers and create stronger boundaries," Geiss said when introducing the bill . "Too many workers are expected to be constantly available, answering emails, messages, and calls long after their workday ends. 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."
A bill analysis dated June 18 explains that an employee could be compensated in their contract for on-call availability. Another option is that the employee could set hours of availability, during which they would be able to access and respond to work-related matters.
Messages regarding a state or federal emergency that affected business operations also would be allowed.