2024 House Bill 5580

Campaign finance: public disclosure; financial reporting requirement for political nonprofits; provide for.

A bill to amend 1976 PA 388, entitled “Michigan campaign finance act,” (MCL 169.201 to 169.282) by adding section 29a.

Mackinac Center Analysis

HB 5580 requires registration of certain 501(c)(4) and 527 organizations with the Secretary of State. Those that do not comply face fines based on their financial balance. HB 5582 adds definitions to election law so that HB 5580 is intended to include only such organizations controlled by or affiliated with state elected officials, appointees, and candidates for state elected office as well as their employees and families. However, subsequent amendments to either bill could easily drag in all other 501(c)(4) and 527 organizations. These organizations are a creation of federal law and regulated by federal agencies; state regulation of such organizations is not only duplicative but raises First Amendment concerns.

Introduced in the House

March 14, 2024

Introduced by Rep. Julie Brixie (D-73) and 25 co-sponsors

Co-sponsored by Reps. Jimmie Wilson (D-32), Jason Morgan (D-23), Carrie Rheingans (D-47), Emily Dievendorf (D-77), Noah Arbit (D-20), Betsy Coffia (D-103), Brenda Carter (D-53), Kara Hope (D-74), Joey Andrews (D-38), Rachel Hood (D-81), Dylan Wegela (D-26), Veronica Paiz (D-11), Sharon MacDonell (D-56), Jennifer Conlin (D-48), Donavan McKinney (D-14), Felicia Brabec (D-33), Erin Byrnes (D-15), Penelope Tsernoglou (D-75), Stephanie Young (D-16), Denise Mentzer (D-61), Jaime Churches (D-27), Matt Bierlein (R-97), Matt Koleszar (D-22), Natalie Price (D-5) and Abraham Aiyash (D-9)

Referred to the Committee on Ethics and Oversight

Dec. 5, 2024

Reported without amendment