MI HB5217

Allows a certificate of employability issued under Michigan's corrections code to be introduced as evidence that an employer exercised due care in hiring, retaining, or doing business with the certificate holder, if the employer knew of the certificate at the time.

Establishes that a certificate of employability conclusively proves an employer did not act negligently in hiring an individual based on prior criminal conviction, if the employer knew of the certificate at hire.

Protects employers from civil negligent retention liability if an employee with a certificate of employability later demonstrates danger or is convicted of a felony, unless the employer had actual knowledge of the danger or conviction and willfully retained the employee.

Does not relieve employers from compliance with other laws requiring background checks or qualification verification, and does not alter any existing employer obligations to employees with a certificate of employability.

Effective January 1, 2015, contingent on enactment of House Bill 5216.