PROHIBIT CASINO CONTRIBUTIONS - S.B. 284 (S-2): FLOOR ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 284 (Substitute S-2 as reported)

Sponsor: Senator Bill Schuette

Committee: Gaming and Casino Oversight

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to prohibit a candidate committee, a political party committee, an independent committee, or a committee organized by a caucus of the Legislature from accepting a contribution from a person who was prohibited from making a contribution during a period as provided in the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act (under amendments proposed by Senate Bill 569).

A committee would have to file a report of a contribution of $100 or more from a casino interest during a prohibited period, and would have to file the report within 24 hours of receiving such a contribution.

A person who knowingly violated the bill would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both.

The bill is tie-barred to Senate Bill 569, which would amend the Gaming Control and Revenue Act to provide that a person who held a casino license or a supplier's license, had an interest in a licensee or casino enterprise (a key employee, or a person who held at least a 1% interest in a licensee or casino enterprise), or the person's spouse, parent, or child, or spouse of a child, could not make a contribution to a candidate or a committee during the following periods: the time during which a casino licensee or development agreement was being considered; the term during which the licensee held a license; three years following the final expiration or termination of a license; and the period beginning on or after the effective date of Senate Bill 569 or the period beginning one year prior to application for a license, whichever was shorter.

Proposed MCL 169.230 - Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have a minimal impact on the Department of State. Enforcement costs would depend on the number of violations.

Date Completed: 6-10-97 - Fiscal Analyst: B. Bowerman

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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.