2024 House Bill 5621

AI Analysis – Experimental

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act by revising section 602 of the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL 37.2602). The primary provisions of the bill mandate the department to undertake several responsibilities, including ensuring the executive director is the principal executive officer responsible for executing commission policies, appointing necessary employees and agents, and fixing their compensation in accordance with civil service rules. The attorney general is tasked with representing the department or commission in relevant court matters. The department is also required to handle complaints alleging violations of the act by receiving, initiating, investigating, conciliating, adjusting, disposing of, issuing charges, and holding hearings. Notably, the bill introduces a requirement for the department to follow procedures that ensure the anonymity of individuals involved in investigations of alleged violations of Article 2. Additionally, the department is empowered to require answers to interrogatories, order the submission of pertinent materials, require witness attendance, administer oaths, take testimony, and compel compliance through court authorization.

The bill also stipulates that the department should cooperate or contract with various public and private agencies, including federal and other state agencies. It emphasizes monitoring the awarding and execution of contracts to ensure compliance with section 209. New provisions include the maintenance of a dedicated telephone line for anonymous reporting of violations and the establishment of a public website. This website must provide information about rights under the act, a link to an easy-to-use form for electronic and anonymous reporting of violations, and prominently display the telephone number for the anonymous reporting line.