privacy

Unmanned drones on the minds of Michigan lawmakers

Steve Carmody — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 17:17:00 +0000

Michigan lawmakers take up drone legislation this week.

The unmanned aircraft have proven effective in war, but some are concerned they may violate the rights of Michiganders.

Unmanned drones offer a new way to see the world. The drones can help police departments keep an eye on criminals, give state agencies a different way to survey state land and even help local school administrators watch students on the playground.

But there is concern that drones could be abused.

New Michigan law protects employees' online passwords

The Associated Press — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 19:07:00 +0000

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation into law aimed at prohibiting employers from asking job applicants and employees for online passwords and other account information.

The Republican governor signed the bill Friday sponsored by state Rep. Aric Nesbitt of Lawton and passed this month by lawmakers.

The measure also would prohibit educational institutions from asking for private account information and would penalize them for dismissing or failing to accept students who don't provide such details.

Win the lottery, lose your privacy?

The Associated Press — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 09:07:03 +0000

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Multistate lottery winners in Michigan could remain anonymous under a measure being considered by the Michigan Senate.

The bill would prohibit the disclosure unless the winner agrees to it in writing. Lottery officials are authorized to disclose a multistate game winner's identity.

Sterling Heights Republican and bill sponsor Tory Rocca says winners should be allowed keep their privacy, particularly for their own safety.

Lottery officials say few states require anonymity and identifying winners is important to show people win prizes.

Grand Rapids Public Schools discuss public comment policy

Lindsey Smith — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:00:59 +0000

Grand Rapids Public Schools is revising how it lets people comment at school board meetings. The district has a unique policy (see page 51-54). A Grand Rapids school board member says he couldn’t find any other district in Michigan with a similar provision.