2005 Senate Bill 136 / Public Act 100

Show analysis

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 1, 2005

Introduced by Sen. Tom George (R-20)

To prohibit the issuance of false academic degrees or credentials. Also, to prohibit the use of them to get a job, promotion or raise; to obtain admission to college; or in connection with any loan, business, trade, profession, or occupation. A person who uses a false degree would be subject to a $1,000 civil fine, and $20,000 for an organization that creates or issues one.

Referred to the Committee on Education

Feb. 22, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 15, 2005

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that removes the civil penalties and instead authorizes a person damaged by a violation of the bill to bring a civil action and could recover costs, reasonable attorney fees, and the greater of either the person's actual damages or $10,000.

The substitute passed by voice vote

March 16, 2005

Passed in the Senate 34 to 0 (details)

To prohibit the issuance of false academic degrees or credentials. Also, to prohibit the use of them to get a job, promotion or raise; to obtain admission to college; or in connection with any loan, business, trade, profession, or occupation. The bill authorizes a person damaged by a violation to bring a civil action to recover costs, reasonable attorney fees, and the greater of either the actual damages or $10,000.

Received in the House

March 16, 2005

Referred to the Committee on Higher Education

June 15, 2005

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

June 28, 2005

Amendment offered by Rep. Pam Byrnes (D-52)

To increase the maximum liability of a violator to the greater of either the actual damages or $100,000, rather than the greater of either the actual damages or $10,000.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 105 to 1 (details)

To prohibit the issuance of false academic degrees or credentials. Also, to prohibit the use of them to get a job, promotion or raise; to obtain admission to college; or in connection with any loan, business, trade, profession, or occupation. The bill authorizes a person damaged by a violation to bring a civil action to recover costs, reasonable attorney fees, and the greater of either the actual damages or $100,000.

Received in the Senate

June 29, 2005

June 30, 2005

Passed in the Senate 36 to 0 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

July 21, 2005