H.B. 4160 (H-1): COMMITTEE SUMMARY - HONORARIUM BAN

House Bill 4160 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)

Sponsor: Representative Sue Rocca

House Committee: House Oversight and Ethics

Senate Committee: Government Operations

Date Completed: 9-22-98

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Campaign Finance Act to prohibit a person holding "elective office" from accepting an honorarium. Currently, the Act prohibits a legislator from accepting an honorarium; violators are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both.

Under the Act, "elective office" means a public office filled by election, except for Federal offices. Further, elective office does not include the office of precinct delegate, or a school board member in a school district with pupil membership of 2,400 or less. (A school board member in a district with 2,400 pupils or less is considered to hold elective office if his or her candidate committee receives or spends over $1,000.) Under the Act, "honorarium" means a payment of money to a person holding elective office as consideration for an appearance, speech, article, or any activity related to or associated with the performance of duties as an elected official. An honorarium does not include reimbursement for the cost of transportation, accommodations, or meals; wages, salaries, or other employee compensation and expenses, authorized to be paid by the State or a political subdivision to the person holding elective office; or an award.

MCL 169.250 - Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

It is unknown how much revenue could be received from fines paid by officials who violated this provision. Therefore, the fiscal impact on State and local government is indeterminate.

- Fiscal Analyst: E. LimbsS9798\S4160SA

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.