Legislature Bans Domestic Partner Benefits- Confusion Reigns

On Wednesday, the State Senate passed House Bill 4770, sponsored by Representative Dave Agema (R-Grandville), prohibiting local units of government from providing medical benefits to unrelated adults living with employees. The measure was amended by Senator Mark Jansen (R-Gaines Township) to remove mention of high education institutions in the definition of public employers in an effort to bring the measure into compliance with the State Constitution, which provides universities with autonomy.

The House, on Thursday, concurred in the Senate’s changes to HB 4770 63-47, claiming the measure would still apply to university employees. By utilizing the same definition of public employee found in the Public Employee Relations Act, the House claims the measure puts emphasis on the employee, not the employer, thereby working around the constitutionally-provided autonomy. The Public Employee Relations Act defines a public employee as “a person holding a position by appointment or employment in the government of this state.”

Meanwhile, the Administration and the Senate maintain their interpretation that universities are exempt from the measure.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, December 9, 2011 10:00 AM
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