2024 House Bill 5573

AI Analysis – Experimental

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.