SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION DATE

Senate Bill 427 as passed by the Senate

Sponsor:  Sen. Patrick Colbeck

House Committee:  Redistricting and Elections

Senate Committee:  Local Government and Elections

Complete to 10-24-11

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 427 (S-1) AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 10-6-11

Senate Bill 427 (S-1) would amend the Revised School Code to require that school board elections be held at the general election in November of even-numbered years.  It reflects changes made to the Michigan Election Law in House Bill 4005, which has already passed the House.  Senate Bill 427 is tie-barred to House Bill 4005, and both bills would take effect January 1, 2012.

Currently, Michigan law generally requires a school district to hold its regular election for the office of school board member at the odd year general election. ("Odd year general election" means the election held on the November regular election date in an odd-numbered year.) 

If, however, as of September 1, 2004, a school district held its regular election at other than the odd year general election, the school board can choose to hold its regular election on one of the following dates: the odd year May regular election date, the November regular election date in both even and odd years, or the May regular election date in both even and odd years.

Under Senate Bill 427 and House Bill 4005, school board elections could only be held at the general election in November of even-numbered years.

MCL 380.4, 380.5, & 380.614

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill updates references to the Michigan Election Law in the Revised School Code.  It would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government or school districts.  (See the analysis of House Bill 4005 for information about the cost of school elections.)

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   J. Hunault

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Bethany Wicksall

■ 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.