A bill to amend 1978 PA 472, entitled “An act to regulate political activity; to regulate lobbyists, lobbyist agents, and lobbying activities; to require registration of lobbyists and lobbyist agents; to require the filing of reports; to prescribe the powers and duties of the department of state; to prescribe penalties; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts,” by amending section 4 (MCL 4.414), as amended by 2008 PA 289.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1978 PA 472, which regulates political activities, lobbyists, and lobbying activities, by revising the definition and scope of what constitutes a "gift." The bill aims to redefine a gift as any payment, advance, forbearance, or rendering or deposit of money, services, or anything of value unless equal or greater consideration is received in return. It includes provisions for aiding the defense of officials in legal actions unrelated to their governmental duties. The bill excludes certain items from being considered gifts, such as campaign contributions reported under the Michigan campaign finance act, loans made in the normal course of business by financial institutions, gifts from immediate family members, and refreshments provided for immediate consumption. Additionally, contributions to registered legal defense funds and de minimis items that could not reasonably influence an official's decisions are also excluded, with specific value limits set for such items. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "immediate family" and "loan" for the purposes of this regulation.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Ethics and Oversight
Reported with substitute H-1
