A bill to amend 1976 PA 388, entitled “Michigan campaign finance act,” by amending sections 5 and 7 (MCL 169.205 and 169.207), section 5 as amended by 2019 PA 93 and section 7 as amended by 2001 PA 250.
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.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Ethics and Oversight
