2024 House Bill 5574

AI Analysis – Experimental

The legislative text amends several sections of the Michigan Election Law, specifically focusing on the processes and requirements for submitting and handling petitions for constitutional amendments, initiated laws, and referendums. The bill mandates that the Board of State Canvassers assign a number designation to each statewide ballot question at least 60 days before the election, with the designation consisting of five or six digits, including the year of the election and the chronological order of filing. For primary or special elections, a "-P" or "-S" must be added to the designation. The bill also specifies the conditions under which different types of questions are considered filed for ballot appearance.

Upon the final submission of a petition, the Secretary of State must immediately notify the Board of State Canvassers and post details on the Department of State's website within two business days. The Secretary of State is also required to update the status of petitions monthly on the website. Additionally, the bill outlines the process for notifying petition filers about the approval or rejection of their petitions and mandates that the Secretary of State certify the ballot statement and form to county clerks at least 60 days before the election. The clerks must then distribute copies to local jurisdictions, which must post them in polling places on election day.

The bill modifies existing statutes by changing the wording requirements for ballot questions to ensure clarity and neutrality, and it repeals Section 709 of the Michigan Election Law.