BAN PROMOTION OF BALLOT ISSUES BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
House Bill 4449
Sponsor: Rep. Jim Koetje
Committee: Government Operations
Complete to 4-9-03
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4449 AS INTRODUCED 3-25-03
The bill would amend the Revised School Code to prohibit school employees or school volunteers from promoting ballot issues during school hours or at a school sponsored event where a pupil may be present. School employees and volunteers would be prohibited from making comments to a pupil promoting a cause or position on a ballot question, wearing a button or other item promoting a cause or position on a ballot question, and displaying literature or a sign, banner, or similar item promoting a cause or position. Further, school employees and volunteers would be prohibited from sending any communication on a ballot issue home with a student.
The bill states that it would not prohibit impartial discussion, study, or display of items concerning a ballot question, political candidate, cause, or campaign as part of the study of history, government, political science, or a similar subject.
MCL 380.1810
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.