MI HB5588

Prohibits public employees and officers from directly or indirectly altering, concealing, destroying, or tampering with data in official reports for the purpose of falsifying, misrepresenting, or misleading readers of the report.

Establishes violation as a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

Provides an affirmative defense if the public employee or officer acted under a directive or requirement from a superior.

Defines "official report" as a report prepared by a public employee for submission to a governmental body for use in public policy decisions, excluding research reports intended for scientific or public knowledge.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment and does not impair rights under the Michigan Whistleblowers' Protection Act.