A new bill introduced in Michigan could give workers more protection from after-hours work calls, texts, emails and messages.

On May 7, Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) introduced Senate Bill 948, known as the Workplace Employee Boundaries (WEB) Act. 

The proposal would prevent employers from requiring employees to respond to work-related communication outside their normal work hours in most situations. 

The bill applies to communication connected to an employee’s job duties, including phone calls, emails, text messages and electronic messaging related to scheduling or workplace responsibilities. 

The proposal arrives as discussions surrounding burnout, remote work and constant digital accessibility continue nationwide. 

Supporters of the legislation argue employees should be able to disconnect from work once their shifts end without fear of disciplinary action, while the measure has also drawn attention as states continue debating workplace expectations tied to after hours communication. 

Sen. Geiss explained in a statement that advancements in technology have increasingly blurred the line between employees’ professional and personal lives.

“In an increasingly ‘always-on, always available’ economy, we must take action to protect workers and create stronger boundaries,” Sen. Geiss said.

Under the proposal, employers would also be prohibited from retaliating against workers who do not respond after hours. 

According to the bill, retaliation could include termination, suspension, reduced hours, demotion or other disciplinary action tied to an employee exercising protections under the act. 

Employees could file complaints over alleged violations and employers could face fines up to $500 per violation. 

In some cases, employers could also be required to pay workers 1.5 times their regular pay if they were importantly required to remain available after hours.

“Too many workers are expected to be constantly available, answering emails, messages and calls long after their workday ends,” Sen. Geiss said. 

Workers would also be allowed to notify employers of their unavailability through automatic email replies, text signatures or other written notices.

The proposal also states employers could not require workers to waive protections provided under the legislation as a condition of employment. 

Any agreement attempting to waive those rights would be considered invalid.

Several exceptions are included in the bill. Employers would still be permitted to contact employees during government-declared emergencies and deliver urgent workplace notices or communicate with employees who are officially on call and compensated for remaining available outside standard work hours. 

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) would oversee enforcement of the legislation and investigate complaints filed by employees. 

The proposal reflects a broader discussion surrounding “right to disconnect” policies as digital communication and remote work become more common in modern workplaces.

Several countries, including France and Australia, have adopted laws limiting employers’ ability to require after-hours communication. 

Similar proposals have also been introduced in multiple U.S. states in recent years, though few have advanced into law.

Critics of comparable legislation elsewhere have argued the restrictions could create challenges for businesses that rely on flexible scheduling or rapid communication between employers and employees.

Senate Bill 948 was referred to the Senate Committee on Labor following its introduction and has not yet received a committee hearing.