New Michigan law protects employees' online passwords

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.

The aim is to help protect access to personal Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts.

The action by Snyder came on a day in which he dealt with numerous pieces of legislation. Lawmakers passed an estimated 282 bills in the so-called lame-duck session that brought the 96th Legislature to a close this month.