A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled “Michigan election law,” by amending sections 472a, 473, 476, 477, 479, 590f, and 590h (MCL 168.472a, 168.473, 168.476, 168.477, 168.479, 168.590f, and 168.590h), section 472a as amended by 2016 PA 142, section 476 as amended by 2005 PA 71, sections 477 and 479 as amended by 2018 PA 608, section 590f as amended by 2002 PA 163, and section 590h as amended by 2018 PA 650.
The legislative text amends several sections of the Michigan Election Law, specifically focusing on the processes and requirements for petition signatures, referendum petitions, and qualifying petitions for candidates without political party affiliation. The main provisions include invalidating signatures on petitions for constitutional amendments or initiated laws if signed more than 180 days before filing, and requiring referendum petitions to be filed within 90 days after the legislative session's adjournment. The Board of State Canvassers is tasked with determining the validity of petition signatures using a statistical random sampling methodology and must post their canvassing process and progress online. The legislation also mandates that the Bureau of Elections make petition copies available to petitioners and challengers for a reasonable fee and allows for the use of the qualified voter file to verify signatures. If a signature is deemed fraudulent, it must be referred to the Department of Attorney General.
The bill introduces several changes to existing laws, including the requirement for the Board of State Canvassers to complete the canvass of a referendum petition within 60 days and to make a final determination on petition sufficiency at least 60 days before the relevant election. The legislation also modifies the process for judicial review of the Board's determinations, allowing aggrieved parties to seek relief in the Court of Appeals within seven days. Additionally, the bill outlines specific penalties for individuals who violate petition signing rules, including misdemeanors and felonies for various infractions.
The legislation sets specific timelines, such as the 60-day deadline for the Board of State Canvassers to complete the canvass of petitions and the requirement for the Bureau of Elections to make staff reports public at least five days before the Board's final determination.
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
