HOOSE LIFE FUND

House Bill 4680

Sponsor:  Rep. Gary A. Newell

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 3-24-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4680 AS INTRODUCED 9-2-03

House Bill 4680 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to create a Choose Life Fund within the state treasury, to be administered by the state treasurer. 

The bill specifies that the state treasurer could receive money or other assets from any source for deposit into the Choose Life Fund, and would direct investment of those funds, as well as credit to the fund the interest and earnings from fund investments.  Money in the fund at the close of the fiscal year would not lapse to the general fund.

The bill also specifies that the state treasurer would be required to disburse money in the fund on a semiannual basis to each county, in proportion to the amount of donations received from issuing Choose Life vehicle registration plates in the county.  Then, each county would be required to distribute the money received only to a non-governmental not-for-profit agency or organization that provided services and counseling to women who had unplanned or unwanted pregnancies.  However, an agency that received money could not charge a fee for the services or counseling provided. Further, an agency that received money would be required to provide an annual accounting of the use of the money to the county.  Under the bill, money could not be distributed to an agency that was involved or associated with referrals to abortion clinics, or providing abortion procedures.

MCL 257.217j

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would establish a “Choose Life Fund” within the state treasury but does not identify any revenue sources for the fund.  It does not, for example, establish a new fund-raising plate.  As a result, the bill has no apparent fiscal impact.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.