A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 32, 482, 482a, 482e, 483a, 488, and 544c (MCL 168.32, 168.482, 168.482a, 168.482e, 168.483a, 168.488, and 168.544c), section 32 as amended by 2014 PA 79, section 482 as amended and section 482a as added by 2018 PA 608, section 482e as added and section 544c as amended by 2018 PA 650, section 483a as added by 2012 PA 276, and section 488 as added by 1998 PA 142, and by adding sections 474 and 481a; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.
HB 5571 introduces several amendments to the Michigan Election Law, specifically targeting the processes and requirements for petitions proposing constitutional amendments, initiated laws, or referendums. The bill mandates that such petitions include a summary of the purpose, limited to 100 words, which must be impartial and clear to the general public. This summary, along with the petition form, must be approved by the Board of State Canvassers before circulation. The legislation also specifies the format and content requirements for petition forms, including the inclusion of union symbols, bar codes, QR codes, and websites. It requires that the full text of the proposed amendment, law, or referendum be printed on the reverse side of the petition form or on a fold-over extension if too lengthy. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities and certifications required of petition circulators, including a certification statement and the provision for non-resident circulators to accept Michigan's jurisdiction for legal proceedings.
The bill modifies existing laws by amending sections 32, 482, 482a, 482e, 483a, 488, and 544c of the Michigan Election Law, and adds new sections 474 and 481a. Notable changes include the transfer of certain powers and duties from the Secretary of State to the Director of Elections, the requirement for a summary of the purpose of proposed amendments or questions to be submitted to electors, and the establishment of specific criteria for determining whether a constitutional provision is altered or abrogated by a proposed amendment. The bill also repeals sections 482b, 482c, and 482d of the Michigan Election Law.
Significant timelines and deadlines are established, such as the requirement for the Secretary of State to certify the statement of the purpose of any proposed amendment or question to be submitted to electors no later than 60 days before the election. The Board of State Canvassers must issue a determination on the petition form and summary content within 30 days of the final submission from the petitioner.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Elections
Reported with substitute H-3
Substitute H-3 concurred in by voice vote
Substitute H-4 offered
by
The substitute passed by voice vote
Passed in the House 56 to 54 (details)
Motion to give immediate effect
by
The motion prevailed by voice vote
Referred to the Committee on Elections and Ethics
